apetito, the leading provider of meals to the Healthcare, Care Homes, Education and Social Care sectors, is reaffirming its position as one of the UK’s most sustainable businesses, announcing that it is on track to meet its ambitious 2025 SBTi-validated carbon reduction targets.

Despite 78% of UK businesses reporting some form of Net Zero ambition, only a fraction – just 11% - have had the confidence to set short-term targets. Being one of the few to achieve this feat showcases how apetito, and its transformative approach to sustainability, is truly leading the way.

Against its 2020 baseline, the meal provider has made significant progress, revealing an impressive 4.6% absolute reduction in carbon emissions with decreases seen across Scope 1, 2 and 3. This reduction has been achieved whilst still seeing a substantial 15% business growth over the same period – a remarkable achievement.

From an intensity perspective, which accounts for increases in business volume, this equates to an overall 9% reduction across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

To address Scope 1 and 2 emissions, apetito invested in the development and application of brand-new technology, enabling roll out of “first of its kind” electric vehicles (EVs) across its Wiltshire Farm Foods network, equipped with advanced power capabilities to sustain a freezer system for extended mileage. The business now has over 110 EVs making deliveries, and a commitment that 75% of its distribution fleet on the road will be electric by the end of the year.

In addition, apetito has undertaken a large solar panel expansion project at its main manufacturing site in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, covering the majority of roofs on site with newly fitted panels as well as building innovative carports over its car parks. Once finished, these will generate around 15% of the electricity used across the entire production site and save 290 tonnes of carbon per year.

Impressively, apetito has also managed a substantial reduction in its Scope 3 emissions. One key area that has driven this reduction is its introduction of the first-ever Reduced Carbon Menus into the NHS. In making just small, but smart, changes to patient menus, the business has reduced the proportion of red meat-based dishes sold to customers in favour of poultry, fish or plant-based alternatives, resulting in a 10% reduction in emissions of its main meals sold across the sector.

Lee Sheppard, Director of Corporate Affairs, Policy and Sustainability at apetito said:

“We firmly believe that this is the right way to do business and are extremely proud to have driven such an absolute reduction in our carbon emissions, against a backdrop of significant growth. And with reductions seen across Scope 1, 2 and 3, we have shown our commitment to addressing the challenge across our entire supply chain – far beyond our own operations.

“Too many businesses are content to state a grandiose ambition to reach Net Zero in the distant future, but then do nothing to act. We urge other businesses to be bold and stop “greenwashing” by setting and publishing challenging short-term targets that will drive immediate action.

“Whilst no-one has all the answers on how to reach Net Zero, and things continue to develop over time, there is no substitute for committed short-term action that will undoubtedly bring about real change for the planet.”