Asda suppliers in Northern Ireland could save millions of pounds by investing in sustainability initiatives under an expansion of the retailer’s Sustain & Save Exchange (SSE).
The free online tool allows suppliers to share advice and best practice on resource efficiency, and allows them to reinvest any savings within their business.
Suppliers will also be able to join workshops and site visits to see technologies and processes used by other food companies.
Asda said the programme, which also launched in Scotland last week, will help local suppliers save £2.5 million over the next three years. It has already helped national suppliers save and invest over £30m, the retailer added, with 45,000 tonnes of carbon removed from the supply chain and over 100,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill.
Asda sustainability manager Laura Babbs said: “The success of Sustain & Save Exchange to date has been far beyond our expectations, resulting in significant savings – both financially and in terms of environmental improvement.
“We have created a valuable and credible resource for our suppliers and we’re really pleased that the great local food and drink companies in Northern Ireland are the first to benefit from a regional perspective.'
William Gilpin, general manager of Asda supplier Gilfresh said: “Sustainability is an ongoing process and being part of SSE is of great value, particularly when it comes to being up to speed with the latest developments on food labelling, safety, packaging and accreditations. I would urge other NI-based suppliers to get involved and share the benefits.”
Environmental manager of Monaghan Mushrooms, Leanne Wilson, said: “The SSE programme is aligned with our sustainability strategy and offers a practical and effective forum for learning and sharing best practice. We’ve made significant improvements and savings since signing up and would highly recommend it for local companies already working with Asda.”
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