Greene King targets zero waste sent to landfills by 2020

Greene King aims to be the first major pub retailer and brewer in the UK to have zero waste sent to landfills, the company has announced today.

Following on from the launch on an initiative with waste management company SWR last year, the brewer hopes to eliminate waste send to landfill by 2020.

The company has introduced a number of initiatives across its managed pubs, including a waste recycling backhaul scheme, where pub staff separate waste on site into dedicated bins for food, cardboard, glass and other material, which is returned via its food distribution network. This, the company claims, has reduced the number of general waste bins by 42%. 

The scheme has resulted in the business increasing its recycle rate from 49% to 70% in just a year.

Group trading director at Greene King Matt Todd said: “Waste is a real issue for the hospitality industry, and with the total eating out market set to grow from an estimated £87.1 billion in 2016 to £94.1 billion in 2019, it is set to become more and more pressing. 

“We’re delighted that, as a leader in the space, we’re able to set an example to the rest of the industry and show that sustainability and an excellent offering can work hand in hand.  The results show that we’re making real progress towards our goal, and we’re looking forward to implementing further initiatives over time.”

Greene King said it was also working with waste charity WRAP towards establishing a best practice training programme for its regional managers, and working with supply chain partners to improve packaging and portion control.

Last week Carlsberg announced it will aim to eliminate carbon emissions and halve water usage at its breweries by 2030. The Danish company will also target using just renewable energy at its breweries by 2022.

Greene King employs 43,000 people and operates 3,000 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK.