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Bakkavor makes significant strides towards achieving carbon, food waste, and sustainable sourcing goals

Bakkavor makes significant strides towards achieving carbon, food waste, and sustainable sourcing goals Bakkavor, carbon, food waste, sustainable sourcing Food and Beverage Business

Bakkavor, the UK’s leading producer of fresh prepared food, is making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions and food waste while ensuring environmentally sound raw material sourcing. With 44 sites across the UK, US, and China, Bakkavor employs approximately 18,500 people and supplies over 2,900 products, including meals, pizza & bread, salads, and desserts, to top grocery retailers in the UK and US, as well as international food brands in China.

Notably, Bakkavor achieved a remarkable 18.9% reduction in Group net carbon emissions in 2022 compared to the previous year through investments in refrigeration upgrades and energy initiatives. This positive impact was observed across all regions, with the UK, US, and China reducing net emissions by 15.3%, 18.7%, and 25.5% respectively. Bakkavor has also improved its carbon footprint analysis, introducing a quarterly Group carbon footprint analysis. The company remains committed to achieving Net Zero across its operations by 2040.

Food waste reduced by 15.8% year-on-year, on track to halve by 2030

Bakkavor makes significant strides towards achieving carbon, food waste, and sustainable sourcing goals Bakkavor, carbon, food waste, sustainable sourcing Food and Beverage BusinessBakkavor has made substantial progress in reducing food waste, achieving a 15.8% decrease in just one year, equivalent to over 6,000 tonnes of food saved. This accomplishment involved establishing a dedicated taskforce to accurately measure and report wastage, identify root causes, and explore recycling opportunities. Furthermore, the company has increased the amount of surplus food redistributed by 9.8%, resulting in 1.5 million additional meals, with over 360,000 going to various charitable organizations.

Enhanced commitment to mitigate deforestation risks

In its efforts to source raw materials in an environmentally responsible manner, Bakkavor has reinforced its commitment to achieving zero net deforestation and conversion-free sourcing by 2025 for high-risk raw materials such as palm oil, soy, carton board-based packaging, and beef. Bakkavor has already sourced all palm oil through sustainable standards since 2012, with 98.8% now derived from segregated Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) supply chains, while the rest is obtained through mass balance certification credits. Additionally, the company ensures that all primary cardboard packaging originates from sustainable wood pulp sources, and all beef procured for the UK business comes from approved European farms that pose no risk of deforestation or land use conversion.

In 2022, Bakkavor accomplished other notable operational advancements:

  • Plastic reduction: By removing 2,429 tonnes of plastic from its UK business, equivalent to a 12% reduction in total volume, Bakkavor has made significant strides in plastic waste reduction. Additionally, as of this year, 100% of its UK plastic packaging is reusable or recyclable.
  • Sustainable and healthier products: Bakkavor has increased the percentage of vegetarian products to 52% (up from 50% in 2021) and enhanced its range of healthier options, with 62% of products meeting the UK Department of Health’s Nutrient Profiling Model for healthier options (up from 60% in 2021).
The ESG Report 2022 by Bakkavor provides detailed information on the company’s progress in implementing its Trusted Partner ESG strategy and its contributions towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To access the report, click here.

Caroline Carson, Head of Group ESG Strategy at Bakkavor, stated, “The increasing significance of environmental, social, and governance across all levels of our business continues to drive our focus on three strategic priorities where we can make a real difference. Our commitment to achieving Net Zero operational carbon emissions by 2040 has become a major area of focus, requiring extensive cross-functional support and collaboration. We are actively pursuing projects to decarbonize our supply chain as well.”

“We are proud of the progress we have made in 2022, despite the challenges faced by the industry. As we approach 2023, we are confident that our ESG agenda strengthens and aligns with Bakkavor’s business strategy, enabling the company to grow in a positive and sustainable manner.”

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