89 NPFOOD standards in the agri-food sector. At bonÀrea, we work every day to continue advancing toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. ➡ Regarding packaging, do you follow eco-design criteria? We apply eco-design principles in the development of our packaging, with the aim of reducing its environmental footprint, but—and this is very important— without compromising food safety or functionality. It is not always possible to find a solution that makes both aspirations compatible. We constantly evaluate materials, formats, and processes to ensure recyclability, logistical efficiency, and resource minimization. RetornA is a clear example of how eco-design can be effectively integrated into a circular system that prioritizes reuse. ➡ Do you use recycled or recyclable materials? At bonÀrea, we also follow sustainability criteria in the area of packaging, using recyclable materials and actively promoting reuse as part of our circular model. Prominent examples include the RetornA project and the white box logistics system, based on 100% recyclable packaging, which has eliminated the use of 25,000 tons of cardboard, 75 tons of film, and 36 million adhesive labels. ➡ What is RetornA? RetornA is a pioneering initiative that allows customers to return trays of meat products to any bonÀrea store in Guissona and the province of Tarragona without the need for prior cleaning, thanks to an exclusive design with a removable base film. The trays are then collected using our daily reverse logistics and transported to the Guissona food center, where they undergo a rigorous evaluation, cleaning, and disinfection process for reuse up to 50 times, complying with all food safety guarantees and avoiding the production of thousands of single-use trays. Upon purchase of the product, the customer pays a deposit of €0.45 per tray. Upon return, bonÀrea adds a small gratuity and reimburses the customer a total of €0.50. ➡ RetornA is currently available in 57 establishments in Tarragona. Is it planned to expand to all bonÀrea stores? The goal is to progressively extend RetornA to the entire bonÀrea store network. Based on the pilot tests in Tarragona and Guissona, we will evaluate the results and we will adjust processes to ensure efficient and scalable implementation. The next phase plans to expand to the whole of Catalonia and, subsequently, to the rest of Spain. ➡ Are reusable packaging, whenever possible, a better alternative to recycled packaging? From a sustainability perspective, reusable packaging offers a clear advantage, as long as operating conditions allow. It helps extend the useful life of materials, reduce the need for new raw materials, and minimize waste generation. However, its effectiveness depends on design, logistics, and consumer engagement. At bonÀrea, we are committed to a mixed model that combines recyclable packaging with reusable solutions like RetornA, always prioritizing food safety while also pursuing the lowest overall environmental impact. ➡ Is it easier to implement innovative initiatives in food than in other sectors? Innovation in the food sector entails significant challenges in terms of safety, traceability, and regulations, but it also offers significant opportunities for direct impact on consumers. Our unique vertical integration model allows us to implement improvements quickly in all phases of the process, which is a significant competitive advantage. The key is combining technical knowledge, customer proximity, and a long-term vision. ➡ What other projects do you have in the packaging sector? In addition to the RetornA system and the white box system for internal logistics, we have several lines of work underway aimed at further advancing sustainability in the packaging sector. At the same time, we continue to invest in innovation applied to packaging traceability, as demonstrated by the "Direct to Origin" system, which uses QR codes to identify the entire product journey. In future phases, it will include features such as automated payment collection without the need for a barcode. This digitalization of packaging opens up new possibilities for optimizing the management of expiration dates, stocks, and food safety, while fostering a more transparent relationship with the consumer. ➡ Will you continue to diversify your offering, with products in sectors other than food? At bonÀrea, we already have a diversified offering that goes beyond human food. One example is bonMascota, our brand specializing in pet food, which is part of our animal nutrition business line. In addition, we have other lines of business such as bonÀrea Energia, bonÀrea Assegura, and CaixaGuissona, which allow us to offer complementary services. This structure contributes to operational efficiency, self-sufficiency, and a strong commitment to rural development. ➡ And more openings? In 2025, we reached a very significant milestone with the opening of our 600th store, a clear reflection of the success and consolidation of our business model based on vertical integration and our commitment to proximity and quality. During the first few months of the year, we have already opened 10 new stores in various autonomous communities, including Catalonia, Aragon, and the Valencian Community, thus strengthening our presence in both large urban centers and small towns in rural areas. Regarding our forecasts for the rest of the year, we maintain an ambitious plan with the opening of around 40 new stores, combining new openings with relocations and expansions, especially in territories where we are already present, such as Catalonia and Aragon, and advancing in other strategic regions such as La Rioja, Navarra, and Castilla y León. En bonÀrea contamos con diversas certificaciones que avalan nuestro compromiso con la sostenibilidad, la calidad y el bienestar animal a lo largo de toda nuestra cadena de valor integrada At bonÀrea we have several certifications that endorse our commitment to sustainability, quality and animal welfare throughout our entire integrated value chain
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