Sustainability report 2024/25
"As one of Europe's largest electronics retailers, climate and resource protection gives us a real opportunity to make a difference."
Dr. Kai-Ulrich Deissner, CEO CECONOMY AG
Remko Rijnders, CFO CECONOMY AG
The Management Board's Commitment
As one of Europe's largest electronics retailers, climate and resource protection gives us a real opportunity to make a difference. While technology makes our lives better and opens new possibilities, we are also keen to play our part in ensuring more sustainable solutions in the electronics industry. We are making continuous steps toward climate neutrality and want to advance the circular economy to conserve resources. More sustainable business models will help us to remain competitive in the long term. The path to a more sustainable electronics industry is a challenging one, but we are in no doubt that it is the right path to take. With targeted measures to reduce emissions and conserve resources, we are demonstrating how technology and sustainability can go hand in hand and serve as the basis for a liveable future.
This report represents the start of a new chapter. For the first time, we are fulfilling the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). In doing so, we apply the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which enable large companies to present their sustainability performance in a way that is more comparable. They also help us to communicate our focal points more clearly.
As a European electronics retailer with more than two billion customer contacts every year and around 50,000 employees, we have firmly embedded sustainability in our corporate strategy. With this in mind, we have gradually integrated corresponding action areas into our business processes in recent years. Using this as a basis, we are continuing to enhance our approach. We rely on specific, measurable targets and provide regular and transparent reports on the progress we have made and the challenges we still face. Our sustainability strategy has three focus areas: social responsibility, climate change mitigation and the circular economy. Our employees have a critical role to play on our journey to greater sustainability. We provide them with targeted training that gives them practical knowledge, and we promote diversity within our teams. This diversity brings us valuable perspectives that help us to understand our customers' needs even better. We not only ensure fair working conditions internally, we also expect our suppliers to uphold them. We use tried-and-tested control mechanisms to check for compliance with social standards in our supply chains.
In the area of climate change mitigation, we are systematically reducing our environmental footprint. Our climate targets are reviewed and confirmed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). They are based on scientific findings and comply with the requirements of the Paris Agreement.
With regard to the circular economy, we are developing practical alternatives to conventional consumption models. Our "BetterWay" approach promotes products that are more energy-efficient or longer lasting or whose production is more sustainable, thereby helping our customers to make more conscious purchasing decisions. We also repair devices and sell refurbished products. Our partner-based trade-in programme has already saved thousands of devices from being scrapped and given them a second life. To attract even more customers to our trade-in service, we launched an international trade-in campaign this year together with our brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp. This was rolled out in all eleven countries in which we operate.
Sustainability is also reflected in our financial and financing structure. In the past financial year, we successfully established a sustainability-linked revolving credit facility. This important milestone demonstrates our long-term commitment to responsible business practice.
We have made considerable progress with our sustainability development in recent years. Our report illustrates the specific actions we have taken and the success we have achieved. However, we are not resting on our laurels. We are working continuously to become even better – for our company and our customers.
The Management Board of CECONOMY AG
Stories
Key Results 2024/25
- 56 %
scope 1 and 2 emissions
compared with base year 2018/19
Since the base year 2018/19, we have reduced our direct emissions by 56 percent (46,336 t CO2e in FY 2024/25), thereby nearly achieving our target of -58.8%. The electricity we purchase is now sourced entirely from renewable energy. In addition, we are lowering our energy consumption through LED lighting, electrification of our vehicle fleet and systematic energy management. Monitoring and control technology as well as intelligent building automation help us identify and leverage energy-saving potential across our locations.
- 24%
scope 3.11 emissions
compared with base year 2021/22
Emissions from the use of our sold products have been reduced by around 24 percent since 2021/22 (12.6 million t CO2e in FY 2024/25). We have thus achieved three quarters of our target. A key lever is the targeted expansion of our assortment to include highly energy-efficient products that lower energy consumption during the use phase. This is supported by close cooperation with suppliers, improved data on product energy consumption and trained employees who advise customers on more efficient alternatives.
487,139
devices purchased
in FY 2024/25
In FY 2024/25, we purchased 487,139 devices to return them to the circular economy, slightly below our target of 508,512 trade-ins. Around 92% were refurbished and reused, while the remainder was recycled responsibly. Our trade-in service offers customers a simple incentive to return functional devices in exchange for a gift card reflecting their residual value. This helps avoid unnecessary disposal, strengthens circularity and expands our refurbished offering.
7,486
products from our BetterWay category
in FY 2024/25 (25.1% sales share)
In FY 2024/25, our BetterWay assortment comprised 7,486 products, representing a sales share of 25.1%. We therefore exceeded our annual target of 6,450 products. The BetterWay assortment brings together, among other things, highly energy-efficient devices, products made with recycled materials and items with good repairability and strong social standards. This creates transparency and makes more sustainable purchasing decisions easier. Our goal is to offer more sustainable alternatives across all product categories, supported by trained employees in our stores.
16.3%
female employees in top management
level 1 and 2 in FY 2024/25 (39.2% of total workforce)
The share of women in top management increased by 4.4 percentage points year-on-year to 16.3%; across the total workforce, the share is 39.2%. We actively promote gender equality, equal pay for equal work and fair working conditions. Our focus is on continuously increasing the share of women in leadership positions at all levels, thereby strengthening diversity, equal opportunities and long-term pay equity.
3,041,782
repairs
in FY 2024/25
With more than 3 million repairs in FY 2024/25, we actively extend the lifetime of technology products. Through SmartBars in our stores, after-sales service points as well as our own and external repair centres, we offer repair services both within and outside warranty periods. Fast processes, same-day repairs and access to spare parts make repair simple and attractive – helping to conserve resources and keep devices in use longer. Our target of 3.4 million repairs was not reached in FY 2024/25.
- 20%
scope 3 emissions
compared with base year 2021/22
Scope 3 emissions account for the largest share of our total emissions. They arise both from the production and transport of purchased goods and services and from the use of the products we sell. Since 2021/22, we have reduced emissions along our value chain by around 20% (21.3 million t CO2e in FY 2024/25), supported by close collaboration with suppliers, logistics optimisation and a growing share of energy-efficient products in our assortment.
336,172
refurbished products sold
in FY 2024/25
In FY 2024/25, we sold 336,172 refurbished products, significantly exceeding our target of 139,174. After refurbishment and standardised quality checks, used devices are given a second life and remain valuable resources within the circular economy. Our continuously expanding assortment also makes refurbished products an attractive and affordable option for price- and sustainability-conscious customers.
over 97%
of own-brand suppliers with a valid audit
on annual average
We are committed to protecting human rights and environmental standards across our entire supply chain. Through regular risk analyses, due diligence processes and recognised standards such as amfori BSCI, we ensure that our suppliers meet defined minimum social responsibility requirements. On average, more than 97% of our private-label suppliers hold a valid social audit.
- 56 %
scope 1 and 2 emissions
compared with base year 2018/19
Since the base year 2018/19, we have reduced our direct emissions by 56 percent (46,336 t CO2e in FY 2024/25), thereby nearly achieving our target of -58.8%. The electricity we purchase is now sourced entirely from renewable energy. In addition, we are lowering our energy consumption through LED lighting, electrification of our vehicle fleet and systematic energy management. Monitoring and control technology as well as intelligent building automation help us identify and leverage energy-saving potential across our locations.
7,486
products from our BetterWay category
in FY 2024/25 (25.1% sales share)
In FY 2024/25, our BetterWay assortment comprised 7,486 products, representing a sales share of 25.1%. We therefore exceeded our annual target of 6,450 products. The BetterWay assortment brings together, among other things, highly energy-efficient devices, products made with recycled materials and items with good repairability and strong social standards. This creates transparency and makes more sustainable purchasing decisions easier. Our goal is to offer more sustainable alternatives across all product categories, supported by trained employees in our stores.
- 20%
scope 3 emissions
compared with base year 2021/22
Scope 3 emissions account for the largest share of our total emissions. They arise both from the production and transport of purchased goods and services and from the use of the products we sell. Since 2021/22, we have reduced emissions along our value chain by around 20% (21.3 million t CO2e in FY 2024/25), supported by close collaboration with suppliers, logistics optimisation and a growing share of energy-efficient products in our assortment.
- 24%
scope 3.11 emissions
compared with base year 2021/22
Emissions from the use of our sold products have been reduced by around 24 percent since 2021/22 (12.6 million t CO2e in FY 2024/25). We have thus achieved three quarters of our target. A key lever is the targeted expansion of our assortment to include highly energy-efficient products that lower energy consumption during the use phase. This is supported by close cooperation with suppliers, improved data on product energy consumption and trained employees who advise customers on more efficient alternatives.
16.3%
female employees in top management
level 1 and 2 in FY 2024/25 (39.2% of total workforce)
The share of women in top management increased by 4.4 percentage points year-on-year to 16.3%; across the total workforce, the share is 39.2%. We actively promote gender equality, equal pay for equal work and fair working conditions. Our focus is on continuously increasing the share of women in leadership positions at all levels, thereby strengthening diversity, equal opportunities and long-term pay equity.
336,172
refurbished products sold
in FY 2024/25
In FY 2024/25, we sold 336,172 refurbished products, significantly exceeding our target of 139,174. After refurbishment and standardised quality checks, used devices are given a second life and remain valuable resources within the circular economy. Our continuously expanding assortment also makes refurbished products an attractive and affordable option for price- and sustainability-conscious customers.
487,139
devices purchased
in FY 2024/25
In FY 2024/25, we purchased 487,139 devices to return them to the circular economy, slightly below our target of 508,512 trade-ins. Around 92% were refurbished and reused, while the remainder was recycled responsibly. Our trade-in service offers customers a simple incentive to return functional devices in exchange for a gift card reflecting their residual value. This helps avoid unnecessary disposal, strengthens circularity and expands our refurbished offering.
3,041,782
repairs
in FY 2024/25
With more than 3 million repairs in FY 2024/25, we actively extend the lifetime of technology products. Through SmartBars in our stores, after-sales service points as well as our own and external repair centres, we offer repair services both within and outside warranty periods. Fast processes, same-day repairs and access to spare parts make repair simple and attractive – helping to conserve resources and keep devices in use longer. Our target of 3.4 million repairs was not reached in FY 2024/25.
over 97%
of own-brand suppliers with a valid audit
on annual average
We are committed to protecting human rights and environmental standards across our entire supply chain. Through regular risk analyses, due diligence processes and recognised standards such as amfori BSCI, we ensure that our suppliers meet defined minimum social responsibility requirements. On average, more than 97% of our private-label suppliers hold a valid social audit.
Our sustainability strategy
We bring our brand promise, “Experience Electronics”, to life across four central dimensions – with the ambition to differentiate ourselves from the competition through leading offerings in each of them. Employee Experience stands for committed employees who deliver personalised service and a human touch across all channels. Shopping Experience combines the in-store experience in our markets with innovative digital offerings and a highly relevant assortment. Usage Experience supports customers with tailored solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle. And Impact Experience brings together our offerings and solutions for environmentally and socially responsible consumption, building trust in our sustainable actions.
Sustainability is therefore a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Increasing requirements related to climate protection, resource conservation, regulation and ESG transparency shape our actions. The European Green Deal provides the framework and is accelerating the transformation towards a climate-neutral economy. For us, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity to consistently align our business processes, supply chains and product ranges more sustainably with the expectations of customers, employees, partners and other stakeholders. We see sustainability not as an add-on, but as an integral part of our growth.
Our sustainability strategy focuses, among other priorities, on reducing CO2 emissions and strengthening the circular economy through expanded repair, refurbishment and take-back services. At the same time, we support customers in their purchasing decisions by providing transparent information on the sustainability of products. We are also systematically embedding ESG criteria into our supply chain and ensuring compliance with social and environmental standards through audits, risk analyses and capacity-building measures.
Our mission
„We aim to offer a climate-conscious technology experience.“
We enable our customers to take environmental aspects into account when purchasing and using consumer electronics.
„We aim to offer the most sustainable range of consumer electronics and to be a European leader in the circular economy.“
We are not only a provider of products, but also a trusted partner for advice and service. Our customers expect their devices to work reliably, last longer and reduce costs over time. We stand for seamless support throughout the entire product lifecycle – integrated, simple and affordable.
„We aim to take social responsibility for our employees, suppliers and society.“
We see social responsibility towards our employees, our partners along the supply chain and the communities we impact as a fundamental part of our actions. This includes fairness, transparency and diversity.
„We aim to offer a climate-conscious technology experience.“
We enable our customers to take environmental aspects into account when purchasing and using consumer electronics.
„We aim to offer the most sustainable range of consumer electronics and to be a European leader in the circular economy.“
We are not only a provider of products, but also a trusted partner for advice and service. Our customers expect their devices to work reliably, last longer and reduce costs over time. We stand for seamless support throughout the entire product lifecycle – integrated, simple and affordable.
„We aim to take social responsibility for our employees, suppliers and society.“
We see social responsibility towards our employees, our partners along the supply chain and the communities we impact as a fundamental part of our actions. This includes fairness, transparency and diversity.
Our materiality analysis
Our mission and the priority topics embedded within it are based on a double materiality assessment. We identified our key impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs) and then assessed where they are particularly significant for our business – within our own operations as well as along the upstream and downstream value chain.
In consumer electronics retail, the upstream value chain is shaped by raw material extraction, product manufacturing and transportation. Within our own operations, procurement, marketing and sales are at the core of our activities. Downstream, we work with logistics partners to organise delivery to our customers as well as the take-back and proper disposal or reuse of end-of-life devices. For our advisory, installation and repair services, we procure spare parts upstream and are also involved in purchasing used products from customers.
The positive and negative impacts, risks and opportunities identified along the value chain were assessed by subject-matter experts and placed in the context of our business. An overview of the results of the analysis can be found here.
Our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) define 17 areas of action on the path towards a more sustainable future. Based on our business model, we have identified seven SDGs to which we can make a particularly strong contribution.
Selected networks and partnerships
We are actively involved in selected international networks and partnerships to advance sustainable and responsible business practices and to strengthen the exchange on key future topics. MediaMarktSaturn has been a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact since 2018, and CECONOMY since 2021, thereby committing to its ten principles for responsible business conduct. As part of a peer learning group, we engage in cross-industry dialogue with other companies on the challenges of climate management. As a member of the Responsible Business Alliance, we are committed to complying with the RBA Code of Conduct for responsible business practices in global supply chains. In addition, our private-label company IMTRON has been a member of amfori BSCI since 2014, an initiative dedicated to protecting workers’ rights in production facilities. We also send a clear signal in the area of diversity and inclusion: by signing the Diversity Charter, we promote a respectful and prejudice-free working environment. In addition, we have adopted the sustainability principles of the German Retail Association (HDE), reaffirming our commitment to more sustainable practices in retail.
Our ESG commitment
Unser Engagement für Klima und Ressourcen
Environment
Der Klimawandel prägt auch unsere Branche. Wir berücksichtigen klimabezogene Risiken und Chancen entlang der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette – von Energie und Logistik bis hin zum Sortiment – und richten unser Geschäftsmodell konsequent auf Emissionsminderung und Ressourceneffizienz aus.
Unser Engagement für Menschen und Gesellschaft
Social
Unser Handeln beeinflusst Menschen innerhalb unseres Unternehmens und entlang der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette. Wir sorgen für faire Arbeitsbedingungen und Chancengleichheit und achten die Menschenrechte sowohl im eigenen Geschäftsbetrieb als auch in unseren globalen Lieferketten.
Verantwortungsvolle Unternehmensführung
Governance
Integrität, Transparenz und verantwortungsvolles Handeln prägen unsere Unternehmensführung. Klare Regeln, die Prävention von Korruption sowie die Einhaltung rechtlicher und ethischer Standards schaffen Vertrauen und bilden die Grundlage für faire Beziehungen zu Mitarbeitenden und Partnern.
Sustainability
MediaMarktSaturn
sustainability@mediamarktsaturn.com