Ireland-based fresh produce supplier Total Produce says the group’s entire UK operations have completed the transition to 100% ‘Deep Green’ renewable electric energy sources to power its business units.
This transition completed on Feb. 1 applies to 24 units in all; 18 in England, three in Scotland and three in Wales, including Central Distribution Centres, production facilities, regional depots and TPUK’s Head Office in Liverpool.
Part of “Vision 20/25”, Total Produce’s company-wide initiative dedicated to measuring and reducing carbon consumption throughout the group internationally, which has delivered an 18% reduction in group carbon emissions since 2018, this transition is expected to deliver a 20% reduction in TPUK’s Co2 emissions throughout 2021 and beyond.
The adoption of renewable energy in the UK follows the transition to green energy by 24 sites in Ireland in 2019, the launch in December of the group’s sustainability website and Total Produce Ireland’s success in becoming the only Irish fruit company to secure the coveted Origin Green Gold standard in November 2020.
Speaking of the transition to renewable energy, Francis McKernan, Regional Managing Director of Total Produce UK & Ireland, notes: “In Total Produce, we are 100% committed to becoming an ever more sustainable business.
“In completing our transition to renewable electric power across our UK operations we’re building on sustainability initiatives underway right across our group and demonstrating our determination to lead our industry in the responsible marketing of the finest fresh produce from close to home and around the world.”
– Fresh Fruit Portal
Waitrose selling unique product for home gardeners: Through the Easter period, Waitrose is selling a plant-based, non-chermical fertiliser called PlantGrow in more than 200 of its stores.
The retailer is the first in Europe to offer this unique supermarket product from the Norwich-based company that is 100% natural and fully sustainable. As consumers continue the grow-and-eat-at-home trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, the environmentally conscious product gives them an extra tool in helping them plant a variety of fruits and vegetables.
“As a nation, we are becoming increasingly thoughtful about the impact our choices have on the planet,” said Rachel Simmonds, assistant buyer at Waitrose, said. “We know that our customers are the same and, like us, care deeply about the future of our planet. Many of them are gardeners, and we expect PlantGrow will be a big hit with them and anyone looking to treat their garden with a more sustainable solution.”
Aldi reaches out to colleagues: Discount retailer Aldi has asked those workers who have lost jobs in the Arcadia and Debenhams retail fallout to apply for the more than 4,000 position it aims to create this year. Aldi is making a two-year, £1.3bn investment in new and upgraded stores and distribution centres, and would like those colleagues to be a part of them moving forward.Aldi colleagues are well paid, with 30,000 store assistants earning a minimum of £9.55 an hour, or £11.07 inside the M25.
