Lockhart eliminates single use plastic packaging in 50% of brands

Lockhart Catering Equipment has ensured that 50% of its exclusive brands have removed single use plastic from their packaging.

An update at the Bunzl group wholesaler’s recent conference noted the progress of the firm’s Sustainable Futures programme within its three pillars of ‘people, customers and suppliers’.

Two out of three exclusive cutlery brands now wrap product in tissue paper and paper banding, whilst plastic sleeves from Artisan and Crème crockery ranges have been replaced with cardboard, which alone is estimated to reduce 109kg of plastic each year. 

In many products, 100% recyclable honeycomb protection has replaced plastic bubble wrap, whilst plastic tape has been swapped for paper carton sealing tape.

Combined, this is predicted to reduce a further 2,600kg of plastic each year. Furthermore, plastic ‘documents enclosed’ envelopes have been replaced by paper alternatives, saving an additional 400kg per year.

Beyond packaging, of Lockhart’s 202 employees in the UK, 80% are recruited from the local area, thereby helping to reduce travel pollution, with 100% of these paid at least the living wage. In addition, Lockhart is championing the level of diversity programmes such as Inspiring Women in Bunzl and Inspiring Ethnicity in Bunzl with 630 hours of unconscious bias training being delivered throughout 2024.

Simon Britten, head of marketing at Lockhart, said: “We have a deep understanding of the role that Lockhart plays in providing sustainable products and delivering a sustainable supply chain. We are in the enviable position of being able to provide knowledge and expertise to our customers and guidance for our suppliers.

“As such, what we do as a company has far reaching impacts across the industry. Our 2050 net zero target can only be achieved by a combined approach that has everybody on board.”