This project investigated the environmental activities of six key suppliers of the food distributor, Reynolds Catering Supplies Limited. A custom-designed survey was used in order to audit and benchmark the best, common and problematic areas of practice among the suppliers consulted. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis, nine areas of environmental impact were measured, including waste, materials, energy, emissions, transport, water, packaging, purchasing and onward sustainability. It also assessed environmental management practices, as a tenth indicator, including review of the application of the ISO 14001 standard. The data were too used to develop an audit toolkit that may help food companies to benchmark their suppliers in terms of environmental performance. The case is made for the use of the PAS 2050 to help measure the carbon footprint of a food product, and this standard was also reviewed as a tool available within the field of study. This study has already proved beneficial for the collaborating partner, Reynolds Ltd., who anticipate its use for assessing and promoting improved environmental behaviours among their suppliers. Furthermore, findings of this research have identified key opportunities for further developments linked to environmental performance benchmarking in the food industry and a number of proposals are put forward as recommendations.
