Wincanton, the leading supply chain partner for UK businesses, has set out its new ESG strategy, alongside the announcement of its full year results. The strategy – part of the Wincanton Way - outlines plans to deliver long term sustainable solutions across each of its business sectors, Digital & eFulfilment, Public Sector and Industrial, General Merchandise and Grocery & Consumer, and to lead the way in responsible supply chain management. 

Wincanton’s strategy for improving its impact on the environment is centred around a commitment to provide net zero supply chain solutions across waste, property and fleet. This will help Wincanton support current and future customer engagement, and to offer the highest service standards of supply chain operations when it comes to the environment.

The environmental strategy contains five core commitments:

• Net zero emissions by 2040: Three “net zero roadmaps” have been developed which set out how the Group will achieve its target to be net zero by 2040 across transport, property and waste. The top priorities are being net zero “to home” operations by April 2022, investing in an all-electric company car fleet by 2026 and, in the short-term, offsetting residual carbon emissions through Wincanton Woodland. Wincanton is already taking strides to meet these commitments and has become the first premium home delivery service in the UK to offer a net-zero solution. As a result, customers including M&S, Loaf, The White Company and Snug, are already utilising Wincanton’s enhanced vehicle technology, electrification and carbon offsetting to create carbon-neutral final mile deliveries.

• Eliminate waste: By 2025, through a waste elimination programme, the Group will double recycling rates and ensure all plastic packaging will contain a minimum 30% of recycled product. By 2030, Wincanton aims to eliminate all single-use plastics, removing up to 300 tonnes of waste.

• Offering net zero propositions to all customers: The Group has committed to providing net-zero deliveries on home delivery operations throughout its transport network by April 2022. As part of this, Wincanton is working on offering diesel alternative fuel options, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (“HVO”) or biomethane fuel options, that will reduce transport emissions by 70 – 85%.

• Innovation and collaboration: Wincanton is working with its industry partners to tackle some of the big issues within the logistics sector, including how to eliminate red diesel use for refrigeration by 2030 and launching a circular packaging programme.

• Wincanton Woodland: A woodland planting scheme provides Wincanton’s customers an opportunity, in the short-term, to offset their own carbon emission through a certified and recognised programme.

The new environmental strategy is part of a wider ESG strategy, with two other pillars:

• Social - Encouraging the highest standards of behaviour and achievement: a commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and ethical working environment, to support and help al employees grow.

• Governance - Maintaining a strong governance structure: a commitment by the Board and Senior leadership team to deliver against these goals.

James Wroath, Wincanton Chief Executive Officer, said:

”Today marks a significant step change in Wincanton’s commitment to deliver long-term sustainable supply chain solutions for our customers. This is something we know is a primary consideration for all businesses which is why we are committed to supporting them every step of the way.

“We’re pleased to have already met such a significant milestone to become the first premium home delivery service in the UK to offer a net-zero service and look forward to expanding this over time.”

The full details of Wincanton’s ESG strategy can be found here.