Our approach to sustainability
At SumUp, we're dedicated to creating a meaningful and lasting impact through our sustainability initiatives. With our strong financial foundation, global reach, and diverse expertise, we aim to extend our positive influence beyond our merchants to support our people, communities, and the planet.
Our sustainability strategy is guided by the '3 Es' framework: protecting the planet for future generations through environmental initiatives, advancing social mobility and inclusion through education, and empowering underrepresented communities through entrepreneurship.
Environment
Protecting our planet has never been more urgent. At SumUp, we take responsibility for ensuring the Earth remains habitable for generations to come. We're committed to creating a healthier and more sustainable world for all.
Education
Education is a powerful force for social mobility, financial inclusion, and overall well-being. Through our initiatives, we empower underprivileged youth by providing access to education, reducing unemployment, and building a future-ready, skilled workforce.
Entrepreneurship
We strive to drive positive economic transformation by supporting sustainable and social entrepreneurship. Our efforts focus on empowering entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to build impactful and thriving businesses.
"As individuals and organisations, it's our responsibility to take action—not just for ourselves, but for our youth and the generations to come. Our mission to empower small merchants goes hand in hand with our commitment to supporting people and protecting our planet's future."
Marc-Alexander Christ, Co-founder of SumUp
Our sustainability journey
Our journey began with a strong belief that businesses are responsible for caring for our planet and its people. We understand the unique opportunity to drive meaningful change—and take that responsibility seriously. Discover how we promote sustainable practices and advocate for a more sustainable future through the impactful projects we support.
Member of 1% for the Planet
We're a proud member of 1% for the Planet, a global network of individuals and businesses tackling critical environmental challenges worldwide. We pledge to donate 1% of the revenue generated by Solo card readers to initiatives that empower communities and protect our planet, driving positive change for a sustainable future.
Environmental responsibility
Preserving ancient rainforest
In partnership with Wilderness International, we worked to preserve vital habitats and biodiversity for future generations. Together, we protected 200,000 m² of rainforest in Peru, safeguarding its rich ecosystems while offsetting 12,000 tonnes of CO2. This initiative ensures the long-term preservation of one of the world's most valuable natural resources.
Supplying families with clean cookstoves
Through our collaboration with StoveTeam International, we provided life-changing support to 2,000 families in Central America by supplying clean-burning cookstoves. These stoves reduce the risk of lung disease caused by traditional cooking methods and save 12 tonnes of CO2 per stove.
Removing plastic waste
Together with River CleanUp, we took action to remove plastic from rivers. Our sponsorship enabled the removal of over 215 tonnes of plastic waste from the Citarum River, one of the world's most polluted. We also supported on-the-ground education campaigns to raise environmental awareness in local communities.
Social responsibility
Empowering children in rural India
We're proud to collaborate with DharmaLife to empower rural communities in India. Through the 'Lighting up Young Minds' programme, we funded a digital tech platform that provides education to over 10,000 children annually. Additionally, we launched 'Jaya,' an entrepreneurship initiative supporting up to 500 women each year with digital skills training, livelihood opportunities, and access to shared workspaces, all while fostering climate change awareness.
Making education in Brazil's favelas accessible
We partner with Associação Comunitária Monte Azul to provide better educational opportunities to underprivileged students in São Paulo's poorest regions. Our support includes extracurricular activities, a music and arts programme, and psychological support. These initiatives impact between 50 and 350 children per month, helping them thrive in an environment that fosters creativity and learning.
Improving access to Brazil's labour market
Through our collaboration with CapacitaME, we support individuals in vulnerable situations by providing essential resources to help them enter the labour market in Brazil. Our contributions include computers, desks, and financial aid to maintain their office space, benefiting over 500 people annually and fostering long-term employment opportunities.
Tech upskilling for youth in South America
Our partnership with Generation has delivered free, 3-month Java FullStack courses to unemployed youth, with 261 graduates and 80% securing jobs in tech. Here's a breakdown of our impact by country:
Brazil: 115 graduates (64% women, 60% black/brown, 22% LGBTQ+)
Chile: 70 graduates (54% women, 17% migrants, 33% LGBTQ+)
Colombia: 76 graduates (68% women, 13% migrants, 29% LGBTQ+ and from marginalised backgrounds)
Improving learning environments for disadvantaged children in Bulgaria
We provide financial assistance to improve the quality of education for socially disadvantaged children in Bulgaria. In partnership with the Rusalya Association, our contributions support around 70 children at the Dimitar Ekimov Boarding School of Arts and Crafts. We fund critical needs such as an in-house laundry facility and cover the school's annual food and water expenses for student accommodations.
