However, for many businesses it isn’t always easy to know where to start. As part of BRITA’s latest campaign Made to Matter: uncovering the changing perceptions of machine longevity, First Choice Group’s Head of Marketing Julian Fisher, has reflected on the successes of the organisation’s sustainability journey so far and here, shares tips for others in the catering industry wanting to go green.
Steps to sustainability
Machine longevity:
“Each machine in your business that must be replaced, or that is performing inefficiently, presents a sustainability concern. To lessen this impact, operators should consider catering equipment that offers the longest product lifespan, before also ensuring a service and maintenance schedule is preserved.
“Following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule will not only validate a warranty but will also guarantee any potential issues or faults are picked up before they become more severe and ensure that the machine is running efficiently.
“It’s also crucial that operators don’t settle for anything less than genuine OEM spare parts, accessories, and consumables. Using genuine parts helps to ensure equipment works correctly, safeguarding your business and the staff working within it, as well as helping the equipment to last longer and perform more efficiently.
Reuse and Recycle
"Don’t underestimate the importance of proper recycling. In our warehouse, for example, we have invested in a state-of-the-art bailer which helps us compress cardboard packaging ready for the recycling process.
“Also consider what partnerships you can forge to better your recycling efforts. For example, we are an official BRITA filter cartridge recycling centre and from a waste reduction perspective, we work closely with Kite Packaging Materials to reduce our impact on the environment. Furthermore, Ramco UK collect our obsolete equipment stock, before auctioning it for reuse across the country.
Energy
“Managing our energy consumption is also important and we have therefore installed electric car charging points, solar panels and automatic lights at our Cannock Head Office. Don’t let the fact that energy is out of sight, be an excuse for wastage or unsustainable usage to be out of mind.
Choose the right suppliers
“As the UK’s largest supplier of genuine OEM spare parts, accessories, and consumables, we are in a fortunate position of working with hundreds of the industry’s biggest manufacturers, including BRITA Professional.
“Through understanding our position and the impact that not only the First Choice Group business, but also our wider supply chain has on the environment, we make a conscientious decision to work with reputable and sustainable suppliers and implore others in the catering sector to consider such credentials also.”
