How Reynolds Embrace Sustainability

Reynolds is proud to say that they have been ‘zero to landfill’ since 2014 and it is this passion for doing the right thing that is driving their latest project on single-use plastic reduction.  

They are currently undertaking a project to explore various alternative packaging materials to reduce the amount of plastic used within their supply chain. Paper bags, biodegradable netting and reusable crates are also viable solutions being explored. 

Menu Development is also a key area that they are working on with their customers. Being a food supplier, it all starts with the ingredients they source for customers and the usage of them that can actually make a big difference in reducing our carbon footprint. This is why they have chosen to focus on developing menus that have the lowest impact possible, using British seasonal produce where possible, plant based alternative proteins, and root-to-tip usage of produce. 

Reynolds Group hate food going to waste. For this reason, their supply chain team works extremely closely with suppliers and customers to minimise any potential waste in the first instance. They have several avenues to divert any potential waste before it reaches the end of its shelf life, including market stalls. Reynolds Group is extremely proud to support the Felix project who collect surplus food and deliver it to charities and schools, helping the homeless, the mentally ill, the elderly, children and disadvantaged families that struggle to afford to buy enough nutritious food. 

The supplier always aims to buy British where possible and relevant, to keep food miles low. Being based in London, there are few opportunities to buy very locally, but opportunities do exist with the likes of Growing Underground, a large indoor vertical farm who are based under the busy streets of Clapham and grow carbon-neutral micro herbs. Reynolds group has recently announced their investment in Growing Underground's new project, which will help them open their second site just outside of London. This will mean clients of Reynolds can enjoy fresh locally grown salads and herbs all year round.  

The family-owned business has invested significant resources in ensuring its vehicles are put to their best use. Around 1/3 of Reynolds’ fresh produce is collected from suppliers by their own fleet (on backhaul), whilst returning from customer deliveries to minimise movement of empty vehicles. Not only does it make great commercial sense, but it also helps to save hundreds of thousands of food miles each year.  

This year, Reynolds is using a new trial fleet of electric vehicles which is being tested throughout the business. As electric HGVs still have very limited range, it is important to explore other solutions. Therefore, they are also trialling non-fossil fuel GTL in their network.  

With carbon reduction in mind, some clients prefer not to use airfreighted products, or to only use British produce, and the supplier is happy to assist them in making the right decisions around their purchases. If wonky veg is your thing, Reynolds can provide a range of class II produce, helping ensure farmers are able to use more of their harvest.  

In short Reynolds is here to service the needs of each and every client whatever they may be.