Apetito cuts carbon emission intensity by 9%

Apetito has revealed it is on track to meet its 2025 Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated carbon reduction targets.

The healthcare sector meal provider is aiming to reach carbon net zero by 2040.

Against its 2020 baseline, Apetito has achieved a 4.6% absolute reduction in carbon emissions with decreases seen across Scope 1, 2 and 3.

From an intensity perspective, which accounts for increases in business volume, this equates to an overall 9% reduction across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Apetito has achieved these cuts whilst still growing the business by 15% over the same period.

To address Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the firm rolled out electric vehicles (EVs) across its Wiltshire Farm Foods network, equipped with power capabilities to sustain a freezer system for extended mileage. The business now has over 110 EVs making deliveries, and a commitment that 75% of its distribution fleet on the road will be electric by the end of the year.

In addition, Apetito has undertaken a solar panel expansion project at its main manufacturing site in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, covering the majority of roofs on site with newly-fitted panels as well as building car ports over its car parks. Once finished, these are estimated to generate around 15% of the electricity used across the production site and save 290 tonnes of carbon per year.

The meal provider has also managed to shrink its Scope 3 emissions by introducing reduced carbon menus into the NHS and reducing the proportion of red meat-based dishes sold to customers in favour of poultry, fish or plant-based alternatives. This resulted in a 10% reduction in emissions of its main meals sold across the sector.

Lee Sheppard, director of corporate affairs, policy and sustainability at Apetito, said: “We firmly believe that this is the right way to do business and are extremely proud to have driven such an absolute reduction in our carbon emissions, against a backdrop of significant growth. And with reductions seen across Scope 1, 2 and 3, we have shown our commitment to addressing the challenge across our entire supply chain – far beyond our own operations.

“Too many businesses are content to state a grandiose ambition to reach net zero in the distant future, but then do nothing to act. We urge other businesses to be bold and stop ‘greenwashing’ by setting and publishing challenging short-term targets that will drive immediate action.”