Dunsters Farm managing director Hannah Barlow explains how the wholesaler puts sustainability at the heart of every business decision the wholesaler makes
In an industry where efficiency often comes at the cost of sustainability, we are demonstrating that the two can coexist. Guided by our mission of ‘Making a difference with every delivery’, our Bury-based business is dedicated to reducing environmental footprint and enhancing social value within the communities it serves – all while ensuring operations are sustainable and positioned for long-term success.
Reducing environmental impact
A cornerstone of our sustainability efforts has been success in cutting plastic waste. In 2022, we slashed plastic usage by an impressive 70%, followed by an additional 60% reduction in 2023. This success stems from strategic investments in advanced packaging and operational efficiencies, proving that going green isn’t just good for the planet – it can also make sound business sense.
Dunsters Farm also made carbon reduction a top priority, placing a strong emphasis on carbon emissions. By closely monitoring our carbon output, we achieved a 15% reduction in carbon intensity per million turnover between 2022 and 2023. Among our most ambitious goals is the pledge to reach Net Zero by 2038 – an integral part of our long-term sustainability strategy.
Ethical sourcing and sustainable procurement
Dunsters Farm’s sustainability strategy extends beyond our internal operations. We are dedicated to ethical sourcing and working closely with supply chain partners to minimise environmental impacts.
Furthermore, Dunsters supports capacity building within our supply chain by offering educational initiatives and training programmes on subjects such as carbon literacy – ensuring a commitment to sustainability is embedded throughout the entire supply chain.
Community engagement and social value
Our sustainability ethos encompasses more than just environmental concerns; it also prioritises social value. The company is an active member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, a real living wage employer, and has invested in skill development, supporting apprenticeships and career growth within the company.
Dunsters also takes its community engagement responsibilities seriously. Through partnerships with Key 4 Life (which helps rehabilitate at-risk youth) and the Bury Employment Support & Training Agency, the company offers employment opportunities to disadvantaged individuals in the community.
Cutting-edge environmental projects
We are continually engaged in forward-thinking projects to further enhance our sustainability credentials. Since 2015, the company has implemented several impactful projects to help. Here is just a selection:
• Installing LED lighting with infrared sensors.
• Reducing fuel inefficiency through telematics.
• Recycling all cardboard, plastic and pallets.
• Business travel emission-free, with fully electric company cars.
• Implementation of voice-pick system; saving more than 200,000 sheets of paper annually.
• Dynamic routing systems, aiming to reduce fuel consumption by 10% in April 2025.
Read more: Wholesaler update: Dunsters Farm
We have also taken innovative steps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Dunsters backhauls from suppliers, ensuring that delivery trucks return loaded rather than empty, and is planning a solar array to cover 50% of its energy needs by 2025.
We also proudly operate as a zero-to-landfill site, recycling all office and mixed municipal waste through a carbon-neutral partner. Food waste is minimal as surplus food is donated to local charities or shared with staff.
Collaborative sustainability
As a member of the Caterforce buying group and the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, we share sustainability practices with other industry members. The company also collaborates with researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University’s Department for Strategy, Enterprise and Sustainability, exploring new sustainable solutions for food-supply chains.
Our contributions to sustainability have not gone unnoticed in the academic community, either. The company’s sustainability lead has presented research studies from Dunsters Farm at the 10th International EurOMA Sustainable Operations & Supply Chain Forum and made contributions to the 33rd Annual Production & Operations Management Society (POMS) Conference.
The company’s efforts in decarbonising the supply chain were also showcased at the 10th International Workshop on Sustainable Road Freight Transport in December 2023.
A vision for the future
Dunsters Farm exemplifies how businesses can thrive while prioritising environmental responsibility and social value. By integrating sustainable practices, fostering community partnerships and driving innovation, the company is setting a new standard for sustainability in the foodservice industry.
