Trade News
It’s only just begun!
apetito commits to sustainability for a brighter future
apetito, one of Europe’s leading food suppliers is taking a stand on sustainability. The company is rolling out a sustainability programme, creating better business now without compromising the quality of life for future generations.
Already in action, the company bases all of its activity on three key principles: to produce great food that is always safe, nutritious and inspiring; to minimise the total impact of its operations on the environment and to have a positive effect upon the economic and social wellbeing of the hospitals in which it trades. Paul Freeston, Chief Executive, apetito UK, says: “We all have a responsibility to take action and make a difference by focusing on what really matters. We now have in place a programme of real and meaningful positive action right across the sustainability agenda”.
Paul Freeston, Chief Executive, apetito UK
The Story So Far…
The Environment
In January 2008, apetito was a launch signatory of the ‘Federation House Commitment’; a food industry initiative led by the Food & Drink Federation and Envirowise. The commitment is helping to deliver an industry-wide target of reducing water use by 20 per cent by 2020 compared to 2007. apetito’s own aim is to save five per cent of its usage in the first year of the commitment.
The company has been accredited with ISO14001 certification – a recognised standard for sound environmental management systems. As part of this commitment, the crates that the meals are distributed in are now returned to the company for reuse and the foil it uses is 99 per cent recycled.
Food and Nutrition
In nutritional terms, the company’s meals are entirely HVO and MSG free. Not only that but much work has been done in the sector to reduce salt and moderate fat content and ensure special dietary requirements can be met, without compromising on quality.
And, safety comes first - with some 120,000 meals a year microbiologically tested under apetito’s ‘positive release’ system.
Community
Staff training and social support is key to the business – with the company offering staff the chance to gain NVQ level qualifications in food hygiene and safety alongside accredited health and safety courses.
Its ‘Staff Foundation’ initiative champions the charitable and voluntary work carried out by its staff and their children, raising £34,000 in community donations, since the scheme began in 2007. And, the company has also partnered ‘FareShare’ in Bristol, a charity which distributes surplus and short-dated food to the needy and homeless.
In 2007, apetito’s contribution to the community was recognised by the Food and Drink Federation with a ‘Community Partnership Award’. And, the company has just been shortlisted in two categories of the ‘National Business Awards’ for Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Innovation of the Year.
And There’s More…
The company is working to achieve the following by 2012:
- 25 per cent reduction in overall direct CO2 emissions/ kg delivered product compared with 2007.
- Sending zero food and packaging waste to landfill from our direct operations.
- Be working with its stakeholders to find environmentally efficient ways to reduce packaging impact further, and to facilitate consumer recycling.
- Have made a 25 per cent reduction in water usage per kg of manufactured product (compared with 2007).
- Have achieved a demonstrably lower environmental impact from its distribution activities.
- Be working with stakeholders throughout the food chain to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of its operations.
- Make a continued and strengthening contribution to the communities in which it works.
- Make a continued and strengthening contribution through direct and indirect employment.
For further information, contact Kate Groves, Splash Communications
Direct Line: 01225 348006, Email: kgroves@splashcommunications.com
