SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

QUILLET MUNDANA, SL Sustainability Policy (hereinafter MUNDANA) is based on the principle that we must rethink the traditional linear model of production and consumption —extract > produce > discard— for the simple reason that the planet’s resources are finite. For many years, we have taken natural resources from ecosystems, transformed them into short-lived products, and then discarded them only to purchase new ones. We have succumbed to convenience, speed, excessive packaging, and single-use plastics, generating an overwhelming amount of environmental waste. In doing so, we have caused severe ecological, economic, and health-related consequences, to the point where the situation has become unsustainable.

Addressing global environmental and social challenges requires a transition to an alternative economic model, where materials remain in use for as long as possible. It means committing to extending the lifespan of consumer goods and closing their use cycle. This is the foundation of the Circular Economy, a closed-loop economic and ecological model that promotes strategies such as reuse, recycling, and ecodesign.

Adopting a Circular Economy represents a shift in the way we produce and consume goods. It involves embracing a set of changes centred around localised production and consumption and the reintegration of post-consumer waste into nearby ecosystems. In short, these changes aim to significantly reduce material and energy extraction. However, transitioning to the new model presents challenges and, most importantly, requires a cultural and behavioural change for both producers and consumers.

This is where the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) come into play. They provide a framework for advancing towards a regenerative and responsible future, a roadmap of 17 objectives aimed at achieving global sustainability by 2030. These strategies not only seek to minimise environmental impact but also promote ethical and responsible production and consumption patterns throughout the entire supply chain. This integrative project involves governments, organisations, businesses, and citizens alike. Because, whether as consumers or producers, everyone can contribute meaningfully to the transition, particularly through SDG 12: ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns that secure the survival of present and future generations. And we have at our disposal a transformative yet often overlooked tool: Conscious Consumption.

MUNDANA is firmly committed to the transition towards a new Circular Economy model, because we strongly believe that our role as a retail business can contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs at a local level.

This commitment to environmental sustainability and ecodesign is not new to us; it is embedded in our DNA, it is foundational. And if we have chosen to make it visible now, it is because —aside from enhancing our business competitiveness at a negligible economic cost— it is coherent and pragmatic. We have long embraced the benefits of Conscious Consumption, a practice inseparable from our philosophy of consumerism and customer service. Now, the time has come to highlight our daily efforts in offering products that are environmentally and socially responsible. And we recognise that by promoting it, we invite others to take action towards accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy.

Below, we share the series of actions we have undertaken to improve environmental sustainability:

 

1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

LED lighting: We have chosen LED lighting over traditional bulbs as a measure to reduce energy demand and lower electricity consumption in our store.

Renewable energy sources: We have contracted energy supplied by CATGAS ENERGIA, SA (2023), which is 100% renewable. On a scale from A to G —where A represents minimum environmental impact— the energy we consume has an A rating, produces zero CO₂ emissions (g/kWh), and zero radioactive waste (μg/kWh).

Energy consumption awareness and control: We systematically monitor our electricity bills, and based on the energy usage in our first eight months of operations, we conducted a comparison of contracted vs actual energy demand, allowing us to reduce our contracted power by 58%.

Shop window lighting: We turn off our shop window lights every weekday evening and on all public holidays, outside commercial hours.

Reduced lighting intensity: We dim the store’s interior lighting during midday breaks on weekdays and on all holidays.

 

2. WASTE REDUCTION

Recycling: We sort and separate the waste generated in our store into the categories Paper & Cardboard, Packaging, Glass, and General Waste, which we place in specifically labelled bins until final disposal in designated neighbourhood containers.

Reusing materials: We reuse packaging materials received from our suppliers —mainly filling and protective materials— to prepare shipments for online orders.

Sustainable packaging: We purchase biodegradable and compostable packaging made from natural, renewable, and recyclable raw materials. For in-store purchases, we use unbleached kraft paper bags and recycled tissue paper. For online orders, we use undyed cardboard boxes, wood or paper shavings, and natural fibre cords. We do not use packaging made from non-renewable materials, except for those we can reuse from our suppliers.

Reusable tableware: For events held at our store, we avoid disposable utensils made from non-renewable sources. Instead, we reuse our own glass, ceramic, or porcelain tableware.

Minimising food waste: We do not discard food products that have exceeded their preferred consumption date (minimum durability date or MDD). Instead, we consume them internally or offer them to interested clients and suppliers. Currently, we are seeking a stable partnership with a non-profit organisation willing to accept these donations before surpassing their MDD.

 

3. SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Accessibility: We encourage our customers to visit our store using public transport or active travel methods, such as walking or cycling. Our website provides information about bus and metro lines, as well as the nearest train and Bicing stations.

Sustainable facilities: We provide space for customers and suppliers to park their bicycles or scooters in the lobby of our store, without obstructing the pavement. Additionally, the space is free from obstacles and barriers that would impede equal access opportunities, ensuring non-discrimination for people with disabilities or mobility difficulties.

 

4. OPTIMISATION OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

Sustainable suppliers: We prioritise working with suppliers who integrate circular practices. We select them based on their environmental and social responsibility, seeking business partners who share our values to strengthen our supply chain. This includes artisans, small producers, and brands that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. While we favour local sourcing, we also accept other origins provided they maintain transparency and deliver a positive social impact. Additionally, we appreciate timeless design, as longevity in design reduces waste and promotes sustainability.

Eco-conscious transport: We have contracted the transport and delivery services of General Logistics Systems Spain SA (GLS Spain), a company strongly committed to sustainability in both environmental and social spheres. On the environmental side, GLS Spain has signed a global agreement with Endesa to promote the use of renewable energy, electric mobility, and photovoltaic system installations across its facilities, enhancing fleet electrification and meeting charging needs both inside and outside its premises. Socially, GLS Spain participates in the Incorpora Programme of Fundació «la Caixa», supporting the integration of people in vulnerable social and labour situations, thus fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that benefits the communities where it operates.

Supply chain transparency: We strive to trace the journey of the goods we market in our establishment. As a minimum, we ensure knowledge of their origin, composition, and care requirements. We collect this information through online research, product labels and packaging, or directly from our suppliers when necessary. Our goal is to make this information available to customers, empowering them to make informed purchasing decisions and encouraging Conscious Consumption. You can find these details on the labels displayed with our products, or, if missing, ask our customer service team.

 

5. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Green purchasing: We commercialise products that meet minimum sustainability requirements, based on the information we collect from our suppliers. We have defined red lines, ensuring that no product is marketed unless its production integrates ethical practices. Soon, we will share the criteria we use to evaluate green purchasing, which requires products to meet a minimum score across 20 sustainability attributes that we have developed.

Informational materials: We have designed labels and signs that consolidate relevant information about product attributes related to global environmental, social, and health impact prevention and control. These materials will be available in our physical store this summer. Before the end of the year, this information will also be integrated into product descriptions in our e-commerce, ensuring that the online shopping experience is as transparent and informative as the in-store experience.

 

6. STORE DESIGN AND OPERATIONS

Sustainable construction: We have carried out renovations in our establishment using eco-friendly materials such as wood and metal, while reusing and refurbishing furniture and equipment from previous locations to adapt them to the needs of our new space.

Water efficiency: We have implemented water-saving systems, including faucet aerators to reduce consumption by up to 50%, and low-flow toilet flush systems to minimise wastewater without restricting functionality.

Staff training and awareness: We have received training on the importance of water conservation, as well as efficient retail-specific practices, as part of a sustainability mentorship programme. This helps raise awareness among our staff, enhancing resource management within our business.

 

7. TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITALISATION

Sustainable printing: We optimise our printing practices to minimise negative environmental impact. We print only when necessary, using certified sustainable wood pulp paper to reduce deforestation and lower our carbon footprint. O​ur printer is default-configured to black and white and double-sided printing, reducing paper and ink consumption as well as the number of empty cartridges discarded. For receipt printing, we use an EPSON high-performance, low-energy consumption device that operates without heat emissions, reducing CO₂ output while using oil-free inks​.

Digitalisation of processes: Despite our small business size, we are fully digitalised. We have implemented Odoo, an open-source ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, customised to our needs. It integrates various applications and business management modules (billing, accounting, manufacturing, warehouse management, etc.), as well as a dedicated website and an e-commerce platform. Additionally, we maintain an active presence on social media.

Eco-friendly e-commerce: We have optimised our online commerce operations to minimise environmental impact. This includes offering a Click&Collect service, allowing customers to pick up orders at our physical store, avoiding unnecessary transport emissions. This free service contrasts with our paid home delivery options, encouraging customers to choose a more sustainable and health-conscious delivery alternative, which helps improve air quality.

8. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Staff training: We have participated in a Sustainability mentorship programme led by Dr Joan Rieradevall, scientific advisor to the Sostenipra group at ICTA and founding partner of Inèdit Innovació and Tectum Garden. Through this training initiative, we developed an action plan aimed particularly at enhancing communication around our Sustainability Policy, reinforcing green purchasing practices and promoting Conscious Consumption, which we have upheld since MUNDANA’s foundation.

Consumer awareness: We educate our customers on the importance of Conscious Consumption, presenting it as an alternative to price-driven purchasing decisions, which often lead to overconsumption and unnecessary accumulation of goods. We provide key guidelines on how to implement sustainable purchasing choices. Customers can find this information in the Sustainability FAQ section of our Web  Site, or consult our in-store customer service team, who are always available to support informed and responsible decision-making, considering the social, environmental, and health impact of the products we offer.

Latest update: 31.05.2025