Shwapno commits to responsible retail in first sustainability report

Shwapno, Bangladesh’s largest retail chain, has launched its first Sustainability Report 2025, highlighting its initiatives in sustainable agriculture, responsible sourcing, environmental protection and inclusive growth.

Titled “Leading Change, Nurturing Tomorrow,” the report was unveiled at a ceremony held at Lakeshore Grand in the capital on Sunday, bringing together business leaders, diplomats, sustainability experts and representatives from Shwapno’s supply chain, said a press release.

The report covers the period from July 2021 to June 2025 and outlines Shwapno’s progress in supporting farmers, strengthening supply chains, promoting responsible business practices and creating employment opportunities.

According to the report, Shwapno operated 685 stores across the country as of June 2025, serving more than 144,000 households daily. The retail chain employed over 8,500 people, with women accounting for 19% of its workforce.

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The event featured a panel discussion on sustainability, with the participation of Farooq Sobhan, chairman of the CSR Centre Board of Trustees; Yoshida Aya, minister and deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh; Dr Arif Dowla, group managing director of ACI PLC; Kenichiro Kawamoto, country chairperson of Mitsui & Co (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd; Farzanah Chowdhury, managing director and chief executive officer of Green Delta Insurance Company Limited; and Shahamin S Zaman, chief executive officer of CSR Centre.

Farooq Sobhan delivered the opening remarks and moderated the panel discussion. Expressing optimism about the growing focus on sustainability in Bangladesh’s private sector, he said the country had made significant economic progress despite various challenges and global uncertainties.

However, economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, he added.

“Bangladesh needs greater private sector involvement in climate adaptation. Shwapno’s efforts to build resilient supply chains, adopt sustainable packaging and support food security are important steps in this direction. Sustainability reporting is not merely about compliance; it is about ensuring transparency, accountability and building trust,” he further said.

Yoshida Aya said, “Reducing food waste remains a major challenge in the retail sector, as many products go unsold and are eventually wasted. Identifying operational challenges and exploring opportunities to reduce such losses are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shwapno’s initiative provides an important platform for dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders to promote more sustainable business practices.”

Dr Arif Dowla said, “Shwapno began its journey with a commitment to ensuring fairness and better opportunities for farmers, placing inclusivity at the heart of its operations. We are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve supply chain efficiency. AI has been a game changer, creating new opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, enhance productivity and improve livelihoods. Our goal is to use technology to build a more sustainable and inclusive retail sector.”

Kenichiro Kawamoto said, “Sustainability is essential for long-term business success. We believe ACI and Shwapno can play an important role in raising awareness and encouraging sustainable practices among stakeholders. The publication of Shwapno’s first Sustainability Report is a significant step in this direction, and I congratulate the team on this achievement.”

Farzanah Chowdhury said, “Sustainability is essential for inclusive growth and creating long-term value for communities. Our experience has shown that financial inclusion, particularly through agricultural insurance and improved access to services for women and marginalised communities, can make a meaningful difference. Strong partnerships and transparent sustainability reporting are key to expanding these efforts.”

Shahamin S Zaman said, “Shwapno has made a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s retail sector by supporting farmers and creating value for the economy. I congratulate Shwapno on publishing its first Sustainability Report. CSR Centre is proud to have supported this initiative, establishing a data-driven baseline that will help the company assess its progress and strengthen future sustainability efforts.”

Sabbir Hasan Nasir, managing director of ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno), said the future of Bangladesh’s retail sector would depend on combining past experience with new opportunities for sustainable development.

“Our goal is to move forward in a way that makes our customers, our communities and future generations proud of the progress we make together,” he said.

Md Mahadi Faisal, director of marketing and growth at ACI Logistics Limited (Shwapno), delivered remarks before the screening of a video titled “From Soil to Soul: Shwapno’s Sustainability Journey.”

The video highlighted Shwapno’s initiatives to create long-term positive impacts for farmers, local communities and the environment.

The Sustainability Report was formally launched with the participation of farmers, employees, customers and business partners representing Shwapno’s retail ecosystem.

The report also highlights Shwapno’s initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in responsible consumption and production, sustainable agriculture, decent work and environmental protection.

Through the publication, Shwapno aims to strengthen transparency and accountability in its operations while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive retail sector in Bangladesh.