The UK’s largest pub retailer and brewer has announced a partnership with WRAP and waste management firm SWR to boost recycling efforts and cut waste across pubs throughout the UK.
Aiming to produce zero waste by 2020, the efforts follow Greene King’s decision to partner with SWR in 2016.
Since the partnership the brewer has managed to reduce its landfill waste by a total of 95 per cent including the diversion of 8,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill sites.
The company has taken on a string of initiatives which includes a recycling backhaul scheme, where pubs separate waste into individual recycling bins onsite.
The separated food waste is received by a food distribution network, and has helped reduce the number of general waste bins by 42 per cent across its operations.
Working with WRAP, Green King aims to establish a best practice training programme for its regional managers as well as reaching out to its supply chain partners.
Matt Todd, group trading director said that:
We’re delighted that, as a leader in the space, we’re able to set an example to the rest of the industry and show that sustainability and an excellent offering can work hand in hand.
“The results show that we’re making real progress towards our goal, and we’re looking forward to implementing further initiatives over time.
“Waste is a real issue for the hospitality industry and with the total eating-out market set to grow from an estimated £87.1 billion in 2016 to £94.1 billion in 2019, it is set to become more and more pressing.”
Earlier last week it was announced that the ETM Group is set to open a totally sustainable pub and brewery in Shoreditch, which will use on-site fish farming and hydroponics alongside a range of other waste reducing processes.
