AQUILA reports progress in implementing the ESG strategy and prepares directions for 2027–2030

AQUILA (symbol AQ), leader in integrated distribution and logistics services for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market in Romania and the region, with over 30 years of experience in this industry, announces the progress achieved in 2025 in the implementation of the 2022–2026 Sustainability Strategy and prepares the strategic directions for the period 2027–2030. In 2025, AQUILA continued its investments in the implementation of the decarbonization and operational efficiency plan, recording measurable results: an increase in the share of electricity from renewable sources to 77% (compared to 54% in 2024), a reduction in energy intensity by approximately 10% over the last three years, while its own photovoltaic plants generated 249.6 MWh of green energy. These results reflect a real transformation of the company's operations.

Răzvan Bagherea, Organization and Human Resources Director, AQUILA:

"Since the moment of listing, AQUILA has undergone an accelerated development process, including through the integration of several companies into the Group, which has expanded our operational presence at a regional level. We have continued to consistently invest in the modernisation of logistics infrastructure, digitalisation, and energy efficiency initiatives that contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. In the context of new regulatory requirements and the growing expectations from stakeholders, we are developing the 2027–2030 Sustainability Strategy, which will integrate all entities within the Group and will continue alignment with European standards. For the next period, we aim to analyse and define the directions for a climate transition plan aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, to extend ESG assessment across the supply chain, and to build a resilient, responsible, and future-ready organisation."

The operational transformation was supported by concrete investments and measures:

·       Approximately 76% of the fleet of over 1,600 vehicles already meets the Euro 6 standard, and in warehouses, the transition to electric equipment continues, with 53 new Li-Ion battery machines purchased in 2025.

·       Digitalisation and automation initiatives for logistics processes have advanced significantly: the pick-by-light system has been extended to 5,700 cargo storage locations, and one of the warehouses in Ilfov County has implemented a fully automated process.

·       WMS and TMS digital systems have been expanded at the operational level and contribute to reducing resource consumption, eliminating physical documents, and increasing logistics efficiency.

Through the 2022–2026 Decarbonisation Plan, AQUILA committed to a 10% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to the 2021 baseline year. By the end of 2025, the Group achieved a 7% reduction using the location-based method and 13% using the market-based method, a trajectory that anticipates reaching the target by the set deadline and, through the market-based method, even exceeding it.

At the same time, the expansion of the Group through acquisitions has increased its operational presence and has imposed the need for an integrated approach across all entities. As such, the new strategy for the period 2027–2030 will address this reality through: the complete integration of all portfolio companies into the decarbonisation objectives, the establishment of validated emission reduction targets, and the definition of dedicated objectives for Scope 3 emissions, covering the entire value chain.

On the social component, AQUILA consistently invests in employee safety in the workplace, skills development, and the creation of a fair and inclusive working environment. The company delivered over 10,600 hours of professional training in 2025, maintaining the share of women in the total workforce at 40%. With over 3,600 employees at the end of 2025 and a satisfaction rate of 96% recorded in the internal survey, AQUILA confirms that investing in people remains the foundation of sustainable growth.

In terms of corporate governance, AQUILA has committed to ensuring a high level of transparency towards stakeholders through periodic reporting and a consistent openness to dialogue. At the same time, it has strengthened its internal policies to align with the Corporate Governance Code of the Bucharest Stock Exchange and has formally integrated ESG risks into the overall risk management framework.

The company's ESG performance is assessed annually by EcoVadis, one of the most important global sustainability rating platforms, and in 2025 AQUILA was awarded the Silver Medal.

The detailed ESG Report can be found here.