Sustainability
Sustainable Statement
Cumbria is the third largest county in England and is home to the world-renowned Lake District. The Caterite depot is situated right in the heart of Cumbria, and we are acutely aware of our role in the preservation of our landscape. We have chosen to collaborate with ClimatePartner to help us identify targets, initiatives and solutions to help us and operate in a more environmental and sustainable way.
Since 2023
Solar Panels
We have recently invested in just over 200 solar panels which will be fitted onsite at Caterite, work will be carried out early 2023.
Since 2023
Electric Vehicles
We have recently invested in an electric vehicle, which will be used by one of our local employees on the road.
Reusable Packaging
Green & Yellow Crates
All our goods are delivered in and removed from the customer’s site in our Green Crates. We bring these back to our depot and then clean and disinfect the crates in the crate washer ready for the next day’s orders. This project significantly reduces secondary packaging being transported to customers. Since we started the project, five years ago, we have invested over £100,000 into the machinery to clean the crates and the crates themselves.
Country Range Group
Black Plastic Free
Country Range have moved products out of black plastic packaging to ensure that it is 100% recyclable. They have successfully removed non-recyclable black packaging from the production of new CRG products. A least 57 tonnes will be eliminated from the Groups supply chain each year. They also took immediate action to remove the plastic wrap from the Country Range monthly magazine. This amounts to 6,000 magazines each year now without plastic wrap going to customers.
Biodegradable
Fresh Meat Packaging
Our new soft touch black towel butchery packaging is 100% biodegradable, and they fully biodegrade within 12 weeks. The fibres in the towels are part of nature’s cycle, they come from nature and return to nature. This packaging is now used across selected lines in the fresh meat range where there is no detrimental impact on the product.
Compostable
Fresh Produce Packaging
In our fresh produce department, we removed harmful plastic netting, and we now use three types of bags to pick and transport goods, a larger bag, a smaller bag and one paper bag, these are to protect split items in the crate. The larger bag is made from recyclable plastic, for customers who prefer not to recycle the bags, we uplift these bags back from customers to reuse once again. The smaller bag is made from potato starch, this can be put into food or compostable waste disposal.