Sustainability starts with you, every effort makes a difference. That is why we like to set an example for others by making our own business operations as sustainable and transparent as possible (SDG # 13). In analysing our emissions based on a carbon footprint calculation conducted in 2019, we know what specific areas we need to focus on.
Did you know that in The Netherlands we approximately waste 1.5 million tons of food each year? (Foundation against Food Waste: “Facts and Figures”) This wasted food accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and also contributes to needless consumption of unnecessary packaging material, storage space, agriculturally suitable land, water, energy, and CO2. We think this is an enormous waste.
Because we consider reducing food waste an essential theme in protecting our planet, we have joined the Foundation against Food Waste. This group focuses on preventing, reducing, and even adding value to food waste, with the aim of halving food waste produced in the Netherlands by 2030. We are happy to collaborate toward achieving this goal and have the same goal in mind for our own operations. By being involved as a stakeholder in the foundation, we are one of the area’s forerunners in the Netherlands and are taking real steps to make a difference.
We also support the Vegetable & Fruit Brigade, where fresh fruit and vegetables are collected for the organisation Food Banks Netherlands. Every year we donate full pallets to this organisation to help people in the Netherlands living below the poverty line enjoy healthy products as well. We use the Moerman’s ladder model to ensure better value for our residual flows, meaning we always make the most efficient choice possible.
Our goal: By 2030, we will halve the amount of food waste produced at the Poeldijk location. *
* Food waste levels in 2019 are used as the benchmark figures.
Our logistics service provider, ABC Logistics, pays a lot of attention to increasing efficiency. They are continually looking for the shortest and most efficient routes to reach their customers. As part of their efficiency efforts, we share shipments with other Best Fresh companies to minimise “empty” kilometres. Where it is possible, we also opt for direct shipment from the grower. In doing so, we reduce pollution from transport methods, and we play our part in supporting local growers.
Our drivers have completed driving optimisation training and receive regular updates on new best practices. Our drivers use the “Next Driver” app which evaluates their behaviour on the roads and provides performance-based tips on driving even more efficiently and sustainably. In addition, our trucks are equipped with economical Euro 6 engines and electric cooling engines that are in line with the latest and most stringent emission requirements.
Our goal: By 2025, every truck that transports our products will have a load factor of >90%, and we will deliver…% of our products directly from the grower.
