UK bakery chain Greggs flags progress being made towards its 2025 sustainability targets

Greggs has published its fourth annual sustainability report, which outlines the progress made towards its 2025 green targets and sets out key focus areas for the year ahead. 

Three-years into a five-year sustainability plan, Greggs says that it has made significant progress on its ten commitments and has reached the following key milestones: 

·       896 Greggs Foundation Breakfast Clubs now open, feeding over 62,000 children every school day

·       Almost £650,000 of Greggs Outlet profits donated to the Greggs Foundation Community Grant programme to distribute to communities in need

·       97.1% of electricity usage across all operations came from renewable sources

·       Maintained over 30% of range as ‘Healthier Choice’ products

·       Over 500 shops (21% of the estate) feature Eco-Shop elements

·       Published Ethnicity Pay Gap Report

Roisin Currie, Chief Executive at Greggs, which was recently hit by technical problems with payments that forced some stores to close temporarily, comments: “‘I’m delighted that, in key areas, we have already achieved what we set out to do by the end of 2025.”

“We have significantly exceeded our target to make 30% of our products a healthier choice; and our responsible sourcing policies are firmly established ahead of schedule.”

“However, we’re always determined to do better. We believe in setting ambitious targets that push us to think innovatively and collaborate effectively, even in demanding circumstances.”

“It’s important we continue to look ahead and expand upon our goals beyond 2025. We will focus on what is material to our business in the years ahead, including our responsibility in promoting regenerative and sustainable agriculture.”

“We acknowledge the pressing global issue of biodiversity loss and our suppliers and farmers play pivotal roles in addressing this challenge. We’re dedicated to supporting them in making a meaningful impact and driving positive change.”

“Our commitment to ‘doing good’ is ingrained in our company culture, it’s part of our DNA and we take pride in the feedback from our colleagues who tell us our Pledge goals and progress makes them proud to work for Greggs."

Targets to achieve by end of 2025 include:

1. Create 25% less food waste than in 2018 and continue to work towards 100% of surplus food going to those most in need.

Progress in 2023: Greggs reduced the amount of food waste it creates in its manufacturing operations by a further 10% and increased food redistribution to 41.9%. 2024 target: it will increase unsold food redistribution to 45% and will maintain cost of manufacturing waste at 0.20% of sales.

2. Progress towards Net Zero target by using 100% renewable energy across all of operations

Progress in 2023: 97.1% of the electricity and 30% of the gas used across operations is from renewable sources.

2024 target: At least 60% of the gas used across operations will be from renewable sources and one major distribution depots will be converted to use HVO as a diesel replacement, covering around two million miles using a renewable fuel option.

Greggs will also develop its policy to deal with non-renewable electricity usage in serviced locations.

3. 25% of shops will feature elements from Greggs’ Eco-Shop ‘shop of the future’ design

Progress in 2023: Over 500 shops (21% of estate) feature Eco-Shop elements.

2024 target: 25% of shop estate will feature Eco-Shop elements and second Eco-Shop will be designed.