Page 13 - BOSS Today Issue 19

that it is dedicated to ethically range of initiatives focussed on also extends to its packaging. sales suggests that customers
sourcing and packaging the best energy reduction and improving The company claims to have are really getting on board with
quality coffee beans, as well as efficiency.” Kenco’s freeze-dried revolutionised sustainable sustainability innovations.”
pioneering initiatives to support coffee is produced at a Banbury packaging in the retail coffee Certainly, Kenco believes
coffee farming communities and manufacturing plant, where market in 2009 with the launch in actively engaging with
the environment: “Sustainably- 85% of the energy required is of its ‘Eco Refill’ packs, and at these customers through
sourced coffee is becoming self-generated on site and where the end of 2011 brought this their increasing awareness
increasingly important,” she spent coffee grounds provide innovation to the ‘away from of environmental issues and
explains, “it is now no longer fuel for boilers used in coffee home’ market with a ‘Kenco support for charitable initiatives:
a tick-check to food service bean processing, significantly Smooth’ 650g refill pack, following the success of its
operators and their consumers.” reducing the use of fossil fuels. which has 84% less packaging ‘Kenco Rewards Club’ in retail
As experts such as Taylor The factory has also reduced weight than composite tubs markets, the company launched
would recommend, Kenco’s the amount of heat and water and reduces storage and the scheme to business
quest for sustainability reaches as needed via intelligent re-use and shelf requirements. Williams customers in May 2013. As
far back as the coffee plantations recovery projects. In addition, it strongly believes that this has Williams explains, “Through the
and the communities in which recycles and recovers any waste had a tangible impact on sales: ‘Kenco Rewards Club’ we are
they are located: Kenco claims from production processes so “’Kenco Refill’ has contributed giving something back to loyal
to be one of the first mainstream that nothing is sent directly to significantly to the volume customers and helping them
coffee brands to source 100% of landfill. growth of the Kenco brand in to make a difference to the
its beans from Rainforest Alliance Furthermore, Kenco’s the retail market over the last environment. By registering for
Certified™ farms, helping to commitment to sustainability two years. Its £37m in value the club (at www.mykenco.com/
support farming communities professional), collecting points
with access to clean water, and choosing environmentally-
improving health and education ‘Plan A’ was launched by M&S in January 2007, friendly products, our customers
and protecting the environment. setting out 100 commitments to achieve in five years, can play a part in Kenco’s
and has now been extended to 180 commitments to be
As Williams explains, the achieved by 2015, with the company having the ultimate commitment to a more eco-
company’s manufacturing goal of becoming ‘the world’s most sustainable major friendly way of life. Customers
processes have also been retailer’. Through ‘Plan A’, M&S is working with its custom- can also convert their points into
scrutinised: “Kenco works hard ers and suppliers to ‘combat climate change, reduce a donation to Macmillan Cancer
to protect the environment, waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically, Support.”
and help our customers to lead healthier lifestyles’.
prevent pollution and preserve The company’s long term
natural resources. The company Source: (http://plana.marksandspencer.com) involvement with Macmillan
is ISO 14001 certified and has a Cancer Support is best expressed

October 2013 | BOSS TODAY 13

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