ZeroPact, a Portuguese startup focused on decarbonization, won 1st place in the El Corte Inglés Retail Challenge during the Web Summit and received €15,000. The victory will allow a pilot to start with El Corte Inglés, testing its technology for calculating and compensating the carbon footprint of products in the retail sector.
The Portuguese startup ZeroPact.co presented its free tool that allows e-commerce companies to automatically calculate and compensate their products’ carbon footprint. Using Artificial Intelligence, the platform analyzes CO emissions throughout the entire product life cycle, from raw material extraction to the end of the product’s life. With the introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in 2027, ZeroPact offers a practical and affordable solution for brands to assess and reduce their environmental impact, while involving consumers in the journey towards sustainability.
Sustainability as a priority
The relevance of sustainability for consumers is underlined by João Morgado, CEO of ZeroPact: “Portuguese consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental practices of brands. The Mastercard 2023 Barometer – Sustainability Perception in Portugal reveals that 80% of Portuguese people attach importance to the sustainability policy of merchants or suppliers and that 52% have already stopped buying a product due to a brand’s bad environmental reputation. These figures show the urgency of companies in adopting transparent practices and aligned with the expectations of a more conscious consumer”, says João Morgado.
“In addition, 87% of the Portuguese express interest in knowing the carbon footprint of their purchases, with this percentage rising to 90% among women. However, only 15% know their carbon footprint, although 74% are already familiar with the concept. This scenario presents a great opportunity for companies to lead in sustainability communication and offer tools that help consumers make more informed and sustainable decisions”, adds Morgado.
Recognition of sustainability leaders
Assunção Cristas, VdA partner and former Minister of the Environment, underlines the relevance of the solution: “The coming into force of the Digital Product Passport will mark a profound change in how companies communicate the sustainability of their products. Innovative models, such as ZeroPact, are essential to support companies in this process, providing practical solutions that facilitate the measurement and transparency of carbon emissions. These tools are crucial to aligning the business sector with the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a more responsible and resilient economy.”
Pilot with Retail leaders
“It is exciting to know that the winning project was in the area of sustainability, which reveals the commitment of the company to work continuously on reducing its environmental footprint. The application of technology in the area of sustainability allows to provide customers with clear and accurate information about the carbon footprint of the products they purchase. In addition, it can create a replicable model for the sector as a whole, driving a broader transformation towards sustainability”, Vasco Marques Pinto, Sustainability, El Corte Ingles
Pioneering membership in Portugal
Portuguese brands are already anticipating the regulation and voluntarily adopting this innovative technology, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Duarte Costa, CEO of DCK, commented: “With the support of ZeroPact, we have been able to integrate practical and transparent solutions that reflect our commitment to the environment and our customers, promoting a more sustainable shopping experience.”
Note:
This technology is already available in several pioneering Portuguese sites, such as Otherwise, Jakshoes, DCK, NAE-Vegan, 38 degrees, Cool Mood Community, Arisca, Wheat&Rose, Le-mot, Mineral Fashion Store, Bordaleiras, Chulé, Pera Lima, Tribu, Cura, among others.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok and see the exclusive content for social networks.
