GXO and pub company and brewer Greene King have today (September 17) unveiled a raft of sustainability measures - including fleet decarbonisation, waste reduction, recycling and community impact - which have resulted from their long-standing partnership.
Since 2019, GXO and Greene King have reduced carbon emissions through a combination of technology and behavioural change. One example is the use of a driver performance management system, which has improved fuel efficiency (MPG) by over 10% in 2024 alone.
The partnership, which launched in 2012, has also invested in Eco Drive hydro-electric refrigeration technology, which has cut fuel use by 2%-4% since 2022.
Over the last three years, the companies have installed strip and air curtains in refrigerated trailers, cutting energy consumption by up to 50% during deliveries.
The partnership has also trialled biodiesel, HVO, and electric vehicles – including using waste oil from pubs to power vehicles – which can potentially reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.
The two companies have also taken a circular approach to waste and recycling
By utilising GXO’s reverse logistics capabilities and improving material quality, the partnership reduced weekly waste collections, eliminating over 160,000 journeys annually
In 2024, GXO and Greene King recycled over 2.7 million litres of used cooking oil, more than 4,000 tonnes of cardboard; over 250 tonnes of metal, more than 55 tonnes of plastic and sent 9,000+ tonnes of food waste to anaerobic digestion plants.
In 2024, Greene King also expanded its recycling efforts to include ink cartridges, batteries, correx boards, and crushed glass in London.
The partnership has also made strides in supporting local communities by prioritising food redistribution.
Over 90% of excess food at depots was donated to charities such as The Bread and Butter Thing and The Felix Project, resulting in an estimated 240,000 meals donated in 2024.
The annual Tub2Pub campaign further demonstrated community impact by encouraging the public to recycle confectionery tubs at Greene King pubs.
The initiative collected over 240,000 tubs and raised more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The recycled plastic was repurposed into furniture, creating a circular economy model that benefits both people and the planet.
Chris Hyde, GXO UK and Ireland MD for food and drink, said: “When a customer and logistics provider operate as true partners with a shared commitment to sustainability, great results follow,.
“GXO’s commitment to environmental sustainability combined with Greene King’s ‘Greene King for Good’ programme have enabled us to deliver tangible benefits, particularly in decarbonisation and waste reduction.
“We are delighted with these results and look forward to advancing our progress to carbon reduction and waste diversion targets.”
Vance Fairman-Smith, Greene King group supply chain director, said: “Our ongoing partnership with GXO is enabling us to drive forward best practices and innovation and adopt a range of environmentally responsible operational measures.
“By leveraging innovation, technology and best practice to reduce inefficiency and waste within the supply chain, the partnership has enabled us to make progress towards our sustainability targets and create more sustainable supply chain. This is good for our teams, communities, and customers.”
