Greggs and its Green Edge: How the Company Strengthens its Environmental Stewardship

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Greggs and its Green Edge: How the Company Strengthens its Environmental Stewardship

When you think of Greggs, you might picture their iconic sausage rolls and pasties, or maybe their tasty sandwiches and cakes. However, there’s more to this popular UK bakery chain than just satisfying cravings for affordable and convenient food. In recent years, Greggs has also become a leader in sustainability, striving to reduce its environmental impact and promote positive social outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore how Greggs is achieving its green edge and why it matters.

Reducing Waste, Carbon, and Water Footprints

One of the most visible ways in which Greggs is taking a greener approach is through its efforts to reduce waste, carbon, and water footprints across its operations, from the production of raw materials to the delivery of finished products. For example:

– Greggs aims to use 100% sustainable palm oil for its products by the end of 2021, and has already achieved 98% compliance with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.
– Greggs has switched to using only cardboard and paper cups for hot drinks, which are widely recyclable, instead of plastic-lined cups that often end up in landfills or oceans.
– Greggs is testing electric vehicles and alternative fuels for its delivery fleet, as well as improving warehouse and store energy efficiency through LED lighting, refrigeration upgrades, and smart controls.
– Greggs has started using water-saving devices in its bakeries and washrooms, and has set a target to reduce water usage by 20% by 2025.

By implementing these and other measures, Greggs aims to minimize its negative impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Working with Suppliers and Communities

Another aspect of Greggs’ environmental stewardship is its engagement with suppliers and communities to ensure responsible sourcing and positive social outcomes. Greggs recognizes that it can’t achieve its goals alone, and that it needs to work with others to create a more equitable and resilient supply chain. For instance:

– Greggs has established a Sustainability Advisory Panel, which includes external experts and stakeholders, to guide its strategy and operations on environmental and social issues.
– Greggs sources its coffee, cocoa, and tea from Fairtrade-certified producers, which means that farmers and workers receive a fair price and support for social and environmental initiatives.
– Greggs partners with food redistribution charities, such as Fareshare and The Bread and Butter Thing, to donate unsold food to people in need and reduce food waste.
– Greggs supports local community groups and projects through its Community Fund, which offers grants for environmental initiatives, health and wellbeing activities, and education and training programs.

Through these collaborations and initiatives, Greggs aims to create shared value and promote positive change in the wider world.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While Greggs has made significant progress in strengthening its environmental stewardship, it also faces some challenges and opportunities ahead. For example:

– Greggs may face increasing pressure from customers, investors, and regulators to improve its performance on issues such as deforestation, plastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, which could require more resources and innovation.
– Greggs may also benefit from emerging trends and technologies, such as circular economy models, carbon offsetting schemes, and plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products, which could offer new ways to reduce its environmental impact and enhance its brand reputation.
– Greggs may need to balance its environmental goals with other priorities, such as economic viability, consumer preferences, and stakeholder interests, which could require difficult trade-offs and compromises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Greggs is more than just a bakery chain. It’s a company that cares about its impact on the world and is taking concrete steps to improve it. By reducing waste, carbon, and water footprints, working with suppliers and communities, and tackling challenges and opportunities, Greggs is strengthening its environmental stewardship and shaping a better future. So, next time you enjoy a sausage roll or a vegan wrap from Greggs, remember that you’re also supporting a company that cares about the planet and the people.