Supporting Sustainability Through Industry Partnerships
Sustainability is an important part of how we do business. That’s why we work with organisations and industry initiatives that help reduce waste, lower emissions, and improve water management across the food and drink sector.
Through these partnerships, we support several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals focused on clean water, responsible production, climate action, and collaborative environmental progress.
Working with WRAP
WRAP is a UK organisation that works with businesses, governments, and communities to reduce waste and make better use of resources.
As a WRAP member, Belu has access to guidance, tools, and industry expertise that support sustainable practices across our operations. This includes help with reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and adopting circular economy principles.
Being part of WRAP also gives us opportunities to collaborate with other organisations that are working towards similar sustainability goals.
What is the Courtauld Agreement?
In 2023, Belu signed the Courtauld Agreement as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability within the food and drink industry.
The Courtauld Agreement is a voluntary initiative that brings together businesses from across the supply chain to tackle food waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve water sustainability.
The agreement includes major retailers and hospitality brands such as Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, McDonald’s, and Costa Coffee.
The agreement focuses on three key targets:
- Reducing food waste by 50% per person by 2030
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to UK food and drink by 50%
- Ensuring 50% of fresh food is sourced from areas with sustainable water management
By joining the agreement, we are working alongside businesses across hospitality and workplaces to help achieve these shared environmental goals.
Supporting Sustainable Water Management
One of the projects linked to the Courtauld Agreement is the “Holistic Water for Horticulture” initiative based around the River Medway in South East England.
The River Medway area faces growing challenges around water quality, flooding, and water availability. At the same time, soft fruit farming in Kent relies heavily on consistent water supplies.
The project takes a whole-system approach to water management by bringing together growers, businesses, and industry stakeholders to develop more sustainable solutions around horticulture and irrigation.
The initiative aims to:
- Explore alternative water sources for irrigation
- Reduce pressure on mains water supplies
- Help manage flood risk through nature-based solutions
- Improve resilience for growers and businesses
- Support long-term sustainable farming practices
This is one of several projects across the UK supported through the Courtauld Agreement to help reduce water stress, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions across the food and drink sector.
Our Responsibility to the Planet
Our partnerships with WRAP and the Courtauld Agreement reflect our commitment to building a more sustainable future.
By focusing on waste reduction, responsible water management, and collaboration across the industry, we hope to play a positive role in driving environmental progress within the food and drink sector.
We know sustainability is increasingly important to our customers and consumers, and we remain committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful long-term impact.
