To love the sea is a duty
The sea seems infinite, but its balance is far from being guaranteed. The conservation of the oceans and marine biodiversity is possible, but depends on what each one does individually and in society. Companies also have a very relevant role in defending the oceans’ sustainability.
Protecting the oceans, ensuring the future.
The preservation of the oceans and their biodiversity is more than a challenge; it is an ambition that humanity must incorporate. It is a cause worth fighting for every day. Small individual gestures – collecting rubbish from beaches, using shopping bags over and over again or drinking water in reusable bottles – are important in helping to make a difference.
Companies, at least those with a vision of responsible citizenship, cannot wait for public entities, universities, individual citizens or NGOs to do all the work. The Jerónimo Martins Group, which depends on nature to fulfil its mission of bringing quality food to its customers, has for many years implemented environmental and sustainable purchasing policies that guarantee the sale of fresh fish without threatening fish stocks and the protection of the seas.
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Sustainable fishing at the table
Species considered “endangered” may not be sold in Jerónimo Martins stores unless they come from aquaculture or sustainably managed fishing reserves. Species considered “vulnerable” may not be included in any promotional activities of Jerónimo Martins companies, except those from aquaculture or sustainably managed fishing reserves.
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Fish from aquaculture: fresh, healthy and tasty
Farmed species such as salmon, sea bream and sea bass are proven to be healthy and tasty. The consumption of fish raised in this way reduces pressure on populations living in the wild.
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Sustainable cod (a faithful friend of the Portuguese)
The Portuguese are among the world’s largest cod consumers, and Pingo Doce only sells fish from capture zones recognised by best practices in sustainable management of their fish stocks, such as Norway and Iceland.
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Smiling dolphins
To prevent the accidental capture of dolphins, all Pingo Doce canned tuna is certified with the “Dolphin Safe” seal. It guarantees that fishing methods avoid the unintentional capture of dolphins.
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More species for sale, less pressure on the sea
The Portuguese enjoy many different fish species, and Pingo Doce stores have around 200 species of fish and shellfish available for sale. This variety allows customers to diversify their choice, thus reducing the impact on the most consumed species.
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Responsible products
The commitment to the environment has led the Jerónimo Martins companies to remove microplastics from their private brands’ cosmetic, personal hygiene and detergent products.
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Greener packaging
By 2025, all Pingo Doce’s plastic packaging will be reusable or recyclable and incorporate at least 25% recycled plastic from that type of packaging. To minimise the accumulation of plastic in the oceans, reusable choices for carrying groceries are available, such as raffia and paper bags. Plastic check-out bags are made from 85% post-consumer recycled plastic.
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Collecting used cooking oil
It is easy to find “Oleões” containers in many Pingo Doce stores where customers can dispose of their used cooking oil. The packages containing the oil are sent for recycling, and the oil itself is recovered – mostly for biofuel production. The oil used in the Pingo Doce kitchens is also sent for recycling.
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Reusable plastic water bottles
Since 2018, Pingo Doce has had a service for refilling reusable plastic bottles through a station that provides filtered water. It is the ECO system (available in 1.5, 3 and 6-litre formats), and the plastic bottles keep the properties of the water and are recyclable.
