Sodexo partners with key suppliers to discuss waste packaging

The forum, hosted at Knebworth House, aimed to encourage dialogue and share best practise between the companies and organisations, and to identify a more collaborative approach to the issue. Attended by over 60 people on 3 December, the forum started with a presentation from Paul Bracegirdle, Sodexo's environmental manager, who placed an emphasis on the need for the capture of packaging data and the communication of this data across the supply chain. He also highlighted the various environmental challenges that large foodservice companies may face whilst working on client sites. Having reviewed the annual volume of packaging waste passing through Sodexo's business from 22 of its primary vendors, the target for Sodexo is to now demonstrate a 15% reduction in these levels by 2010. Judicaelle Hammond, project leader of the strategic review of packaging policy at Defra, underlined the need to continue optimising the amount of packaging used throughout the supply chain, and the need to recycle more packaging. Meanwhile, Charlotte Henderson, retail supply chain programme manager at WRAP, discussed the success of the Courtauld Commitment and the five steps to follow in order to develop and deliver an implementation plan to use resources more efficiently. Steve Jobson, buying director of Sodexo and chairman of the event, said: "It is extremely encouraging that our key suppliers have given their full support to this important initiative. Our speakers provided us with an insight into the challenges faced in both retail and foodservice along with practical and case studies that were well received."