A foodservice operator of our size and scale must balance health and safety considerations, profitability, sustainability and consumer needs when procuring products.
As a business, we look to source the products which represent the best fit for the venues and clients in our portfolio. Where we do use plastic, we will source responsible plastic products. For example, our bottled water is supplied by Princes Gate – their water bottles are made from 55% rPET (guaranteed to be from UK, post-consumer recycled bottles) and 45% PET. It is widely recognised that PET plastic uses less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions during manufacture than any other alternative packaging solution e.g. glass, cans, tetra pak. In this way, PET plastic represents the best packaging solution for the environment when recycled correctly.
We are passionate about waste management and we make sure any plastic that is used in our business is disposed of in the right way. The NEC Group operates a zero to landfill model with any residual waste that cannot be recycled converted into energy for local homes and businesses. We also provide client consultancy to the venues we cater for outside of the NEC Group, helping them to achieve longer-term sustainable solutions.
We don’t take these decisions lightly – having considered all alternatives we know that every product we stock is the right fit for our business. We are always looking for ways to champion sustainability in our business – whether it’s working with clients to advise on appropriate waste streams, regularly reviewing our procurement strategy or scrutinising a supplier’s sustainability credentials before bringing them on board.
Our plastic promise
- Any plastic you see on our shelves is PET plastic – fully recyclable and more environmentally friendly to produce than glass, cans and tetra paks
- Our water bottles are made from 25% rPET (guaranteed to be from UK, post-consumer recycled bottles) and the rest PET plastic
- We’ve done our research – having considered all alternatives we know that every product we stock is the right fit for our business and the venues we operate in
- We dispose of waste in the right way – the NEC Group operates a zero to landfill model negating any potential negative environmental impact
