A renewed focus on delivering measurable change sits at the heart of UK food-to-go retailer Greggs’ sustainability strategy, as the retailer builds on progress made since launching the Greggs Pledge in 2021.
Speaking this week, chief executive Roisin Currie emphasised the business was evolving its sustainability strategy to reflect a more complex operating environment, while maintaining its core ambition to create positive impact for communities and the wider world.
Greggs has pointed to the importance of adapting commitments over time – retaining what works, embedding progress into everyday operations and sharpening focus on areas where the company can make the biggest difference. The latest iteration of the Pledge, the business indicated, is designed to ensure it continues to respond effectively to changing social and environmental challenges without losing sight of its long-standing purpose.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the updated framework retains three core pillars – stronger communities, a safer planet and a better business – while narrowing priorities to areas where the retailer can drive the greatest impact.
Environmental progress includes a 56% reduction in emissions intensity since 2019 and a shift toward renewable energy across operations. Packaging has also improved, it reported, with all own-brand materials now deemed recyclable except for hot drink cups. Eco-Shop initiatives are being scaled, with elements of its concept stores now introduced in more than a third of the retailer’s estate.
Within its supply chain and governance, Greggs reports 100% certified sustainable soy use and top-tier scores in palm oil sourcing and animal welfare benchmarks, alongside strong ratings from ESG assessors.
Looking ahead, Greggs is simplifying its commitments while embedding some targets, such as minimal manufacturing waste and recyclable packaging, into standard operations. New initiatives include a partnership with Nesta to measure and improve the healthiness of food sales, alongside a formal “Fighting Food Waste” KPI.
The retailer has also committed to continue expanding its outlets, strengthening animal welfare standards and pursuing net zero Scope 2 emissions by 2030.
On community impact, Greggs reported continued investment in access to affordable food and child nutrition. The retailer has also cut food waste by 40% versus a 2018 baseline and increased redistribution of unsold food to 45%. Health remains a key lever, with over 30% of its range classed as healthier options and 40% of new product launches meeting that criteria.
The result of the amendments is a more focused Greggs sustainability strategy, designed to balance commercial growth with measurable environmental and social progress.
[image credit: Greggs]
