Reduction of emissions
Climate change is reshaping markets, society and the economy – and it also presents major challenges for the electronics industry. We actively address this reality and consistently align our strategy and business model accordingly. For us, long-term success means seizing climate-related opportunities while managing risks at an early stage.
We take a holistic view of the entire value chain – from sourcing and sales to product use and end-of-life management. Emissions already arise in upstream supply chains, for example through raw material extraction, energy-intensive manufacturing processes or chemical treatments. Our own operations also contribute to our carbon footprint through vehicle fleets and energy consumption in stores, warehouses and offices. However, the greatest climate impact comes from the products themselves: the electricity consumed by the devices we sell generates significant emissions over their lifetime.
Impact, risk and opportunity management
We address the key impacts, risks and opportunities related to climate protection requirements across the entire value chain – in upstream and downstream activities as well as within our own operations. At the same time, we leverage our market position to actively drive climate action and achieve measurable progress.
To this end, we continuously analyse and optimise our operational processes in order to systematically reduce emissions within our own business. At the same time, we work closely with partners across the value chain – from production and product use through to recycling.
Our goal is to gradually reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 2032/33. Our science-based climate targets to limit global warming are aligned with the Paris Agreement and have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Metrics and targets
We aim to make an effective contribution to climate protection and consistently align our transformation with science-based climate targets. To this end, we have defined a differentiated target framework to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain. The targets cover all material emission categories in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and meet the requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). While our Scope 1 and 2 targets follow a 1.5°C-aligned pathway, our Scope 3 targets are aligned with a well-below-2°C pathway. The consistent implementation of these targets is a key element of our transformation strategy. To ensure transparency on our progress in implementing and planning climate action measures, we prepare an annual carbon footprint in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
- We pledge to achieve an absolute reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 58.8 per cent by the financial year 2032/33 compared with the base year 2018/19.
- We pledge to reduce our GHG emissions for the relevant Scope 3.1 category (purchased goods and services of our private label products) by 32.5 per cent by the financial year 2032/33 compared with the base year 2021/22.
- We pledge to reduce our GHG emissions for the relevant Scope 3.11 category (use of sold products) of our private label and third-party brand products by 32.5 per cent by the financial year 2032/33 compared with the base year 2021/22.
- We pledge to reduce our GHG emissions for the relevant Scope 3.4 category of our transport and distribution activities by 32.5 per cent by the financial year 2032/33 compared with the base year 2021/22.
- We pledge to require 74 per cent of its retail suppliers to set their own science-based targets by the financial year 2027/28 based on their emissions in Scope 3.1 (purchased goods and services).
Actions
To effectively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we focus on key decarbonisation levers that address different emission sources. These measures are firmly embedded in our strategy and are being implemented progressively and continuously refined in line with our climate targets through FY 2032/33.
Scope 1 and 2
Within our own operations (Scope 1 and 2), we primarily focus on sourcing green electricity, the widespread conversion to LED lighting and the expansion of electromobility within our fleet. In addition, an efficient energy management system and the ongoing modernisation of our stores help to sustainably reduce energy consumption at our locations – in our role as a tenant.
A key foundation is comprehensive data collection using energy meters as well as sensors for temperature and air quality. Electricity consumption is continuously monitored and analysed, enabling us to respond quickly and effectively to deviations. Further levers include building automation, optimisation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and location-specific measures – such as time-controlled operation of outdoor advertising during evening and night hours or demand-based reductions in sales floor lighting. At the same time, we are consistently advancing the Group-wide transition to renewable energy: 100% of the electricity directly sourced from energy providers for our stores and headquarters already comes from alternative energy sources.
We also use renewable energy at MediaMarktSaturn’s central distribution centre in Germany. Through a lease model, we have access to 7.5% of the capacity of a photovoltaic system installed by the landlord. In FY 2024/25, the system generated around 416 MWh of electricity from renewable sources. Of this, 353 MWh were consumed directly on site, while the remaining share was fed into the public grid.
Scope 3
Scope 3 emissions account for the largest share of our corporate emissions. They arise both in the upstream value chain – particularly from the production of purchased goods and services (Scope 3.1) and upstream transportation (Scope 3.4) – and downstream, primarily from the use of the products we sell (Scope 3.11). The use phase currently accounts for around 60% of our total emissions (as of FY 2024/25). Reducing Scope 3.11 emissions is therefore our most important lever for effective climate action and a central focus of our decarbonisation strategy.
Scope 3.1
To address emissions from purchased goods and services, we focus on close engagement with and awareness-building among our suppliers. The goal is to systematically reduce CO2 emissions already during the production phase of purchased goods. For our private-label products, we have established an ongoing process to assess and optimise product characteristics and material flows. Initial product-specific carbon footprints were already calculated in FY 2023/24.
At the same time, we are consistently optimising our packaging. Measures include the use of materials made from more sustainable raw materials – such as adhesive tape that can be disposed of together with cardboard – reducing overall packaging volumes and shipping selected products in their original packaging without additional outer packaging. In Spain and the Netherlands, these efforts are complemented by customised fit-to-size packaging machines. These enable precisely sized shipping boxes and significantly reduce both cardboard usage and the need for filling materials. This makes an important contribution to resource efficiency and to lowering product-related emissions in the upstream value chain.
Scope 3.4
In the area of logistics-related emissions, we have been driving a comprehensive transformation process since FY 2021/22. Logistics structures are gradually being evolved from separate e-commerce and retail networks into an integrated, centrally managed omnichannel network. This enables consolidated procurement and the management of goods flows via central distribution centres to our stores. Increasing centralisation helps shorten transport distances, improve cross-channel inventory transparency and reduce CO2 emissions. This transformation has already been implemented in Germany and the Netherlands.
In addition to central distribution centres, we have established regional hubs in Germany, Spain and Turkey in recent financial years. These hubs consolidate large-volume products for nearby stores, enabling further reductions in transport emissions through optimised route planning.
Another key focus is more climate-friendly delivery to our customers. Our target to offer climate-neutral delivery options in more than 80 cities by FY 2025/26 was achieved ahead of schedule in 2024, with coverage already exceeding 100 cities. We are currently expanding coverage within these cities. Emission-free last-mile delivery is already available in Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany. We also work with logistics partners that reduce emissions and electrify their fleets. In addition, concepts such as “ship-from-store” and “pick-up” offer further potential to lower CO2 emissions.
Scope 3.11
To reduce energy consumption during the use phase and enable more informed customer choices, we are continuously expanding our assortment to include particularly energy-efficient products. At the same time, we work closely with our suppliers to promote the development of more energy-efficient products and to further optimise manufacturing processes.
Another key focus is the engagement of employees and customers. We are strengthening our employees’ knowledge of energy efficiency classes and sustainable product features to ensure well-informed advice in our stores. Programmes such as the sustainability ambassadors introduced in Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy promote the sale of more energy-efficient products and support customers in making responsible purchasing decisions. In addition, we provide information about energy-efficient alternatives in our online shop and in stores, thereby raising awareness of more sustainable consumption choices. Customers in Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands can also conclude green electricity contracts with external partners in our stores and online, enabling the use of consumer electronics without associated emissions.
Circular economy
We are increasingly aligning our business model with the principles of the circular economy. Our goal is to use resources more efficiently, avoid waste and keep products in the economic cycle for longer. The shift towards greater circularity and a stronger service focus is shaping our strategic direction and marks the transition from a traditional retail model to a solution-oriented business model. With our BetterWay programme, we are laying the foundation for long-term competitiveness while making a measurable contribution to environmental and social goals.
Services are a central element of our BetterWay programme. Repairs, trade-in offers and refurbishment extend product lifetimes, return materials to the cycle and reduce the need for new raw materials. In addition, we offer green electricity contracts that support more sustainable energy consumption. In this way, we reduce the environmental footprint and promote more sustainable consumption patterns. At the same time, challenges remain: not all products and packaging are yet consistently designed for repairability, durability and recyclability. We are therefore working to embed eco-design principles more systematically into product development. Our BetterWay assortment already sets targeted priorities – for example through highly energy-efficient large household appliances or products containing recycled plastics that help reduce resource consumption and CO2 emissions.
At the same time, our focus on circularity also creates economic opportunities. Growing demand for more sustainable products and services strengthens customer loyalty and opens up additional revenue potential. However, waste – from packaging, end-of-life devices or batteries – remains a key challenge, both within our own operations and along the value chain. Consistent alignment with the European waste hierarchy is essential to prevent resource losses and minimise environmental impacts.
Impact, risk and opportunity management
With more than two billion customer contacts each year, we have a strong lever to support more sustainable purchasing decisions and usage habits. Our focus is on extending the lifetime of electronic products – to conserve resources and reduce electronic waste.
Our BetterWay programme brings together products and services that keep materials in circulation for longer and reduce environmental impacts during the use phase. This includes devices with higher energy or water efficiency, improved repairability and recycled materials, as well as professionally refurbished products. In addition, we offer services such as trade-in, repairs and the legally required take-back of end-of-life devices, all of which help extend product lifetimes or enable the recovery and reuse of valuable resources. Green electricity contracts further support more sustainable energy use in everyday life. Our growing BetterWay portfolio addresses the increasing demand for sustainable and affordable solutions while strengthening trust and customer loyalty.
At the same time, the handling of end-of-life devices, batteries and packaging remains a key risk, as improper treatment can lead to resource losses and environmental harm. To address this, we focus on the most effective levers – both within our own operations and in downstream processes such as take-back at the end of a product’s life. Our approach is based on a waste strategy aligned with the European waste hierarchy: prevention comes first, followed by reuse and recycling. To support this, we optimise packaging, promote repair-friendly product design and continuously expand our take-back systems for end-of-life devices and batteries. At the same time, we provide targeted information to customers about return and recycling options and make these services as easy to use as possible.
Metrics and targets
We have defined the following targets in the area of circular economy:
- Number of products in our BetterWay assortment: 6,450 in FY 2024/25
- Sales share of products in our BetterWay assortment: 20% in FY 2024/25
- Number of refurbished products sold: 500,000 by FY 2026/27: 500,000
- Sales share of refurbished products sold: 15.6% by FY 2026/27: 500,000
- Number of products purchased (trade-in): 650,000 by FY 2025/26
- Share of purchased products that were refurbished (trade-in): 15.6% by FY 2026/27
- Repairs: 3.5 million by FY 2026/27
Actions
More sustainable products
Our BetterWay product portfolio brings together highly energy-efficient devices and resource-saving products. Items become part of the portfolio if they meet defined sustainability requirements. These include recognised Type I eco-labels such as Blue Angel, EPEAT or TCO, which are awarded by independent organisations. For product groups without external certification, criteria developed jointly with TÜV Rheinland and regularly reviewed apply – for example for large household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators or dishwashers. The basis is the European energy label, supplemented by additional product-specific requirements. Products with verified recycled materials, for example in accessories, wearables or smart home devices, are also included in the programme.
We continuously expand the BetterWay assortment by adding new product groups, increasing the availability of products with certified recycled plastics and integrating the new EU energy label for dryers, smartphones and tablets. At the same time, we are strengthening cooperation with suppliers that use certified recycled materials. For our private labels, we are systematically advancing circularity: product features, production processes and packaging are regularly reviewed and gradually optimised.
The initiative is supported by the BetterWay ambassador programme in Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy. Specially trained employees provide information in stores on more sustainable purchasing decisions and the principles of the circular economy. Following the successful rollout, further expansion is being assessed to embed sustainability more strongly in everyday customer advice and to strengthen employees as credible multipliers.
Refurbished Products
By expanding our refurbished offering, we are actively leveraging the opportunities of the circular economy. Used devices are given a second life – enabling customers to actively conserve resources when purchasing technology.
Our growing refurbished assortment is based on customer returns, additional marketplace partners, investments in refurbishment capacity and new product categories. In addition to smartphones and notebooks, the range now includes tablets, large and small household appliances, vacuum cleaners, IT accessories and vintage games.
Quality is our top priority. We only offer refurbished products that meet defined standards for appearance, functionality and safety. This is ensured through a standardised grading structure that applies to both internal and external sellers and assesses device condition and performance based on product-specific criteria.
The integration of customer returns from our own online and offline business is a key element. After inspection and refurbishment, functional products are offered again. All returns go through a standardised process – from functional and visual inspection to refurbishment or repair and certified data erasure. Missing accessories are replaced. Recycling is only used as a last resort if reuse is not technically or economically feasible.
Find out more about our refurbished offering here.
Services to extend product lifetimes
We are systematically expanding services that make sustainable consumption easier in everyday life and help keep products in circulation for longer. The focus is on solutions that extend device lifetimes or enable their return at the end of the use phase.
Through comprehensive maintenance and repair services, we support customers in extending the lifespan of their devices. Defective or maintenance-requiring products can be handed in directly at our stores – either at SmartBars on the sales floor or at after-sales service points near the entrance. At SmartBars, specially trained employees carry out repairs for smartphones, tablets and laptops. Services include screen protection, calibration and software services, Ready2Use and printing services, as well as same-day repairs and service intake – remotely or directly at the customer’s location. The after-sales service centre also coordinates repairs via central workshops or external specialist providers.
Services cover both warranty and out-of-warranty cases. Supplier authorisations enable many repairs to be carried out directly, while urgent smartphone repairs are performed immediately in stores. Our goal is to make repairs simple, fast and transparent, thereby strengthening them as a sustainable alternative. Shorter turnaround times, expanded same-day repair capacity and new formats such as do-it-yourself services increase flexibility and encourage longer product use. Automated status updates and optimised shipping processes provide additional transparency. The high strategic relevance is also reflected in the fact that customer satisfaction with repairs is part of the Group-wide bonus system.
In addition, our trade-in service creates a simple incentive to return unused devices to the circular economy. Customers can have their used devices assessed and receive a gift card based on the residual value. Devices are then refurbished and reused or, if necessary, professionally recycled. Accepted categories include smartphones and mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, PCs and laptops, as well as game consoles.
Find out more about our trade-in service here.
Recycling
Waste is generated both in our stores and headquarters and by our customers. Our goal is to consistently reduce waste and ensure responsible handling. Clear structures and processes support this approach: waste separation in stores, regular employee training and cooperation with certified disposal partners ensure proper treatment. For our customers, returns are simple and free of charge – for both end-of-life devices and packaging.
End-of-life devices represent the largest waste category, as they have reached the end of their useful life. They can be returned directly in stores or when a new device is delivered. Devices are then collected, sorted and – depending on their condition – reused or recycled. To prevent electronic waste, we inform customers about the residual value of used products and encourage their return through our trade-in service.
The most effective lever, however, is waste prevention. We therefore optimise transport packaging in both B2B and B2C operations to ensure that only the necessary amount of material is used. Our subsidiary IMTRON also focuses on resource-efficient product packaging with reduced material and colour usage, preventing waste before delivery. In addition, we promote reuse and closed-loop systems. Suppliers are encouraged to prioritise the reuse of returns, transport damage or unsold goods. Within our own logistics, we use reusable packaging to further reduce waste.
Questions or ideas?
Sustainability
MediaMarktSaturn
sustainability@mediamarktsaturn.com