Universal Registration Document 2024

Traceability still needs to be improved because supplier metrics are not yet consistent.

This explains why the Groupe has not yet generalized targets to be achieved. The prospects for increasing the use of the circular economy are discussed on a case-by-case basis with each supplier, depending on their level of maturity and their projects in this area, and the product ranges that will be purchased by the Groupe in order to encourage this supply from the circular economy.

4.2.9.3 Waste management

Since its inception, the Groupe’s environmental policy, Net Zero Climate, has included a drastic reduction in waste, whether in the context of the Company’s operations, its business activities, or its relations with suppliers.

Where does the Groupe’s waste come from? Total 2024: 2,680 metric tons and 133 TeqCO₂ :

• the volume of (non-hazardous) waste recycled is estimated at 1,805 metric tons. Most of this waste is paper and cardboard. It is recycled with traceability (some agencies have had traceability in place for 100% of these volumes for several years now). Given that the Groupe provides services, it does not manage any hazardous or toxic waste. In early 2020, the Groupe launched a global plan for single-use plastic, with the aim of achieving its elimination in all entities. This has been the case for years for office supplies, and alternatives have been found for utensils required for food uses;
• electronic waste is collected in local WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) channels, or as part of IT equipment take-back contracts, also allowing a second life for this still usable equipment.

Method for calculating physical waste: the Re:Sources teams are responsible locally for this measurement, depending on the organization of the building where the agencies are located. Over the years, several situations have made it possible to collect more precise data: waste sorting is carried out by the building manager, who identifies the volumes concerning our activities on the basis of a weekly or monthly volume; some agencies (with Re:Sources) have involved a third party guaranteeing waste selection and management in a specialized sector (for example, at the Groupe’s head office in Paris). Waste categories have been part of the CSR reporting in place for 15 years, with information collected from subsidiaries.

The issue of food waste has been monitored for a number of years now. In all agencies, employees must reduce waste day-to-day and support sharing initiatives to tackle food insecurity. For example, in the late afternoon, employees can go to the cafeteria to collect untouched food left over from meetings. In France, Sodexo, which is the Groupe’s partner, including for the Champs-Élysées and Bastille sites, is extremely proactive both in its own production chain (from upstream to downstream) and in its communication campaigns designed to raise the awareness of its employees and clients on food waste issues in corporate canteens. The Groupe defends responsible, fair and sustainable food that is sourced locally whenever possible, mindful of animal welfare, as evidenced by several projects carried out with various clients (see www.publicisgroupe.com, CSR section).

In view of Publicis Groupe’s intellectual services activities and the double materiality analysis, several components of the ESRS are not applicable to the Company.