Brakes removes all black plastic from own-brand range

Foodservice supplier Brakes has announced the completion of its pledge to remove all hard-to-recycle black plastic from its own-brand range by the end of 2020.

The company made the 2ZERO20 pledge in June 2018 and has changed the packaging on almost 500 lines, removing more than 1,000 tonnes of plastics from its supply chain.

Hugo Mahoney, chief executive at Brakes, said: “There have been so many challenges over the past year for suppliers to the hospitality and catering markets, but nonetheless we have maintained a close focus on our CSR commitments.

"It is a major achievement to have made good on our promise, especially given the circumstances. As a result of the fantastic effort from Brakes’ colleagues and our fantastic suppliers, more than 1,000 tonnes of hard black plastic is now easily recyclable and no longer being thrown away.”

Alongside its 2ZERO20 pledge, Brakes' Meals & More charity continues to advocate holiday hunger prevention, helping clubs that serve more than 10,000 children. The company has also met its carbon reduction target and has since reset it to a 30% reduction by 2025.

Mahoney added: “We are passionate about delivering a better tomorrow through our CSR focus areas, and we are in a unique position to demonstrate leadership in our industry, working with our global supply chain to adopt high CSR standards.”