Sustainable Purchasing and the Lottery Sector
Driving Sustainability in the Lottery Sector Through Responsible Purchasing
In a recent webinar hosted as part of the European Lotteries (EL) Environmental Initiative, industry experts from FDJ Group, digitalRG.com, and the European Lotteries came together to discuss the importance of sustainable purchasing strategies. The session featured key presentations by Anna Toledano, Head of Sustainable Purchasing at FDJ Group, Melissa Jacquerioz from EL, and Q&A moderation by Heidi Florence from digitalRG.com.
Building a Sustainable Foundation for the Lottery Sector
The lottery sector is increasingly recognizing that sustainability is not just a box to tick; it’s a pathway to long-term resilience and trust. With mounting regulatory pressures, evolving investor expectations, and shifting public sentiment, lotteries are moving beyond traditional compliance and embracing comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. Sustainable purchasing lies at the heart of this evolution—extending responsibility and transparency into the supply chain.
Key Takeaway: Sustainable purchasing can enhance a lottery’s brand image, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to measurable reductions in environmental impact. From raw materials like FSC-certified paper to supplier risk mapping and carbon footprint reduction, the procurement function is now central to a lottery’s commitment to sustainability.
The EL Environmental Initiative: Supporting Lotteries on Their Journey
Melissa Jacquerioz of EL started the webinar by reintroducing the EL Environmental Initiative. This program encourages lotteries to commit to three key areas:
- Sustainable Paper Sourcing: Ensuring scratch tickets and other paper products come from certified sustainable forests.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monitoring: Tracking emissions as a foundation for making meaningful carbon reductions.
- Setting and Disclosing Reduction Targets: Move from measurement to action by publicly committing to decarbonization goals and transparently reporting progress.
The Initiative’s Support Program, developed in partnership with digitalRG.com, offers:
- E-learning modules and training.
- Free access to carbon measurement tools.
- Individual support and guidance.
- A self-assessment framework aligned with updated EL sustainability guidelines.
As Melissa noted, almost half of EL members have committed to at least one of these sustainability pledges, illustrating a growing collective effort across Europe.
Key Takeaway: The EL Environmental Initiative not only provides guidance and resources but fosters collaboration across the industry, enabling lotteries to learn from each other’s best practices and successes.
FDJ Group’s Approach: From Compliance to Value Creation
Anna Toledano of FDJ Group shared insights into how one of Europe’s largest lotteries has elevated purchasing to a strategic ESG lever. The privatization of FDJ in 2019 spurred a transformation in how the company approached sustainability. Today, FDJ’s sustainable purchasing entity is fully integrated into the company’s operational structure, working alongside category buyers and business units.
Highlights from FDJ’s Strategy:
Local Economic Impact: FDJ sources 85% of its materials and services from French suppliers, supporting local employment and economic stability. More than 60% of these suppliers are small and medium-sized enterprises.
Driving Market Change: Since 2007, FDJ has required FSC-certified paper for its scratch tickets, helping shift the market. What was once a challenge is now a widespread industry standard, demonstrating the power of large buyers to foster environmental responsibility throughout their supply chains.
Decarbonizing Procurement: Through its “Buy for Good” decarbonization program, FDJ focuses on obtaining reliable carbon data from suppliers, integrating carbon considerations into purchasing decisions, and collaboratively developing carbon reduction plans. The goal is ensuring environmental stewardship is embedded in supplier relationships and long-term contracts.
Key Takeaway: FDJ’s journey shows that when purchasing teams champion ESG principles, they not only meet regulatory requirements and investor expectations but also generate tangible value—improving both supplier relationships and the company’s long-term resilience.
Managing Risks, Meeting Regulations
Europe’s emerging regulations—such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and forthcoming supply chain due diligence requirements—amplify the need for transparent, responsible purchasing. Sustainable procurement is no longer optional; it’s a baseline expectation from regulators, investors, and stakeholders.
By embracing digital tools and supplier risk mapping, lotteries can identify high-risk suppliers, audit operations more effectively, and ensure responsible sourcing practices that adhere to new legal standards. This is crucial in safeguarding brand reputation and maintaining the public’s trust.
Key Takeaway: Sustainable purchasing acts as a proactive shield against reputational, financial, and regulatory risks, ensuring lotteries remain compliant and credible in the eyes of their stakeholders.
*Source FDJ Group and video part of Anna Toledano's presentation
Looking Ahead: Industry-Wide Cooperation
As Heidi Florence from digitalRG.com noted during the Q&A, sustainable purchasing’s complexity—spanning cost considerations, data quality, supplier engagement, and regulatory compliance—requires a collaborative approach. By sharing best practices, challenges, and success stories, lotteries can raise the bar for sustainability across the entire sector.
Future webinars and workshops, including deeper dives into cost optimization and case studies from various lotteries and suppliers, will expand the conversation and offer practical guidance and inspiration.
Key Takeaway: Sustainability is a collective journey. The industry thrives when it works together—lotteries, suppliers, and partner organizations—towards shared environmental and social goals.
The EL Environmental Initiative remains a valuable resource for members, providing tools, training, and networking opportunities. Together, Europe’s lotteries can leverage responsible purchasing to secure a brighter, more sustainable future for the industry. To access the full webinar, presentation and more resources, contact hello@digitalrg.com and don't forget to get involved with the Initiative: https://www.european-lotteries.org/el-environmental-initiative-0