X5 Group and Plug and Play seek sustainable development innovations
Russian food retailer, X5 Group, has teamed up with the Plug and Play accelerator to scout for sustainable development innovations.
The pair are focusing on projects related to reducing waste and GHG emissions as well as sustainable packaging.
X5 is set to kick off the partnership by analysing the key needs of its formats and the accelerator’s existing innovations that may be useful in its business. Startup scouting will begin in the summer, together with pitch sessions arranged for Russian and international projects.
The retailer is also expanding its programme to identify and promote employee projects, X5 Idea Challenge, with a dedicated track to discover solutions within the company.
Previously, X5 mainly scouted for innovations in such areas as store operations, logistics, back office processes, HR, IT, and marketing.
“We are always on the lookout for new projects and ideas to support our sustainable development efforts and make our stores and facilities more sustainable and eco-friendly,” says Maria Podkopaeva, X5’s acting Sustainable Development Director.
“Together with Plug and Play, X5 will certainly be able to find new technology intensive projects and solutions for integration into its processes.”
“We are proud to partner with X5 to help solve some of our most important challenges of our generation. The potential impact X5 can have on topics like food waste, climate, and packaging is enormous and they are showing leadership by taking action through innovation,” says Nicolas Chow, Director of Plug and Play Sustainability EMEA.
“As a partner of Plug and Play Sustainability, X5 will combine their scale and knowledge with the most promising sustainability startups to build a more sustainable future.”
“We are excited to continue this journey together with X5 and develop innovations that can drive business, societal, and environmental value.”
