Going Green: Unpacking Greggs’ Capability for Sustainability

Going Green: Unpacking Greggs’ Capability for Sustainability

In recent years, the need for sustainable practices has become a global priority, with companies worldwide making conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. In the food industry, Greggs is one of the leading chains that have been praised for their sustainability efforts. In this article, we will unpack Greggs’ capability for sustainability and examine some of the steps they have taken to achieve it.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

One of the primary ways Greggs has tackled sustainability is by reducing their carbon footprint. This involves minimizing their emissions, resource consumption, and waste production. To achieve this, the company has embraced several initiatives, including:

– Renewable Energy: Greggs has committed to sourcing 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. So far, they have installed solar panels on the rooftops of their stores, reducing their reliance on the national grid.
– Sustainable Packaging: In 2019, Greggs announced plans to switch to 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025. They have since discontinued using plastic straws, introduced paper bags, and recycled their coffee cups.
– Food Waste Reduction: Greggs has partnered with Too Good to Go, a food waste app that allows customers to buy unsold food at a reduced price. This initiative has helped to reduce the amount of food wasted in their stores.

Promoting Sustainable Ingredients

Another way Greggs has demonstrated their commitment to sustainability is by promoting the use of sustainable ingredients. They have done this by:

– Sourcing Sustainable Palm Oil: In 2012, Greggs became a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a non-profit organization that aims to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil. As a result, the company has transitioned to using 100% RSPO certified palm oil in their products.
– Reducing Meat Consumption: In 2019, Greggs launched their popular vegan sausage roll, a move that aimed to reduce meat consumption. Since then, they have expanded their vegan range, catering to customers with specific dietary requirements.

Community Initiatives

Apart from their internal sustainability efforts, Greggs has also spearheaded several community initiatives:

– Greggs Foundation: The Greggs Foundation is a charitable organization that aims to tackle poverty, prevent hardship, and make a positive change in local communities. The foundation has several projects, including the breakfast club, which provides free breakfast to disadvantaged schoolchildren.
– Local Food Banks: Greggs has also partnered with local food banks across the UK, donating unsold food and making a significant impact on reducing food waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Greggs has exhibited a commendable capability for sustainability, making significant strides in reducing their carbon footprint, promoting sustainable ingredients, and supporting local communities. With sustainability becoming an essential aspect of the food industry, companies like Greggs are leading the way, demonstrating that a little consciousness can go a long way.