A look back at four years of the Heroes of change CSR contest

Since 2023, the internal Heroes of change competition has celebrated the people who bring CSR to life every day at Newrest.

Created to highlight the CSR initiatives led by our teams around the world, this internal competition has become a key platform for sharing ideas, recognizing commitments, and showcasing projects that have a tangible impact on our communities and the environment.

The concept is simple: all employees can submit initiatives, provided they align with one or more pillars of our “be the change” CSR charter, regardless of their role or location. Since 2023, a total of 148 projects have been submitted.

Following a pre-selection phase, finalists present their initiatives to a jury, and all employees vote to choose the two winning projects.

Each year, two projects are awarded, and over four editions, Heroes of Change has highlighted a wide range of initiatives that reflect the Group’s commitment to sustainability.

Rediscover the winning projects over the years

2023

Newrest Gabon – Local community support projects

Through its Local community support projects, Newrest Gabon contributes to the economic development of communities located near its operating sites. Agriculture, fishing, and livestock farming activities are developed in partnership with local stakeholders while creating employment opportunities. The initiative has generated a total of 150 indirect jobs and 70 direct jobs.

Newrest Angola – From oil to soap

In partnership with Quimica Verde, Newrest Angola transforms used cooking oil into soap. Residents of remote villages are trained in the production process, helping to recycle waste while improving access to hygiene and clean water.

2024

Newrest French Polynesia – From pallets to employment

In partnership with the Te Torea association, Newrest gives a second life to used pallets by transforming them into furniture. Beyond promoting circular economy principles, the project creates pathways toward professional reintegration, including employment opportunities for supported beneficiaries.

Newrest Nigeria – Environmental heroes

Newrest Nigeria partnered with the African Cleanup Initiative to raise environmental awareness among students from several schools in Lagos. Through waste sorting, good environmental practices, and waste reduction initiatives, employees share their knowledge and encourage future generations to become environmental heroes themselves.

2025

Newrest Costa Rica – Esperanza

Through its partnership with the Hogar Siembra Foundation, Newrest Costa Rica supports young women who have experienced violence by purchasing cakes and uniforms they produce. The initiative promotes economic independence, vocational training, and professional integration.

Newrest Zambia – Nourish & flourish

In partnership with the local Loctaguna farm, Newrest Zambia supports an orphanage through a combination of healthy nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and physical activity. Products from the farm and gardens maintained by employees are used to prepare balanced meals for the children.

2026

Newrest Chile – Local supplier development program

Over a 13-month period, Newrest Chile supported small-scale farmers in joining the supply chain of the Candelaria mine. Through training, infrastructure improvements, and ongoing support, the project created sustainable opportunities for local producers. More than 1,600 hours of training were delivered, resulting in a first order of five tonnes of locally produced fruits and vegetables.

Newrest Denmark – From waste to warmth

Newrest Denmark recovers the heat generated by its refrigeration system and reuses it to heat its facilities, transforming previously wasted energy into a valuable resource. The new system also uses CO₂ as a refrigerant, reducing the environmental impact of the operation.

And many more…

Beyond the winning projects, Heroes of change has showcased dozens of initiatives led by Newrest employees across the globe.

Examples include a training center in Morocco, the development of plant-based dishes in France, the construction of a school in Uganda, soap production initiatives in Bolivia, and the transformation of waste into furniture in Oman.

These projects demonstrate that CSR innovation can emerge anywhere and take many different forms.

Thank you to all our Heroes of change for your commitment, creativity, and drive to make a difference.

Stay tuned for what comes next…