ATTENTION!
UK Bakers Urge Convenience Stores and Market Traders to Stop Misuse of Bakery Delivery Equipment
Bakers Basco is stepping up efforts to tackle the ongoing misuse and illegal sale of its bread baskets and dollies, essential equipment designed solely for transporting bread safely and sustainably from bakeries to retailers. Despite being clearly marked, these items are increasingly found in convenience stores, market stalls and online marketplaces, disrupting the supply chain and undermining sustainability efforts.
Since 2006, Bakers Basco has managed a nationwide pool of over five million baskets and dollies on behalf of the UK’s biggest bakeries. Misuse of this equipment is not always intentional but it has a significant impact: industry losses average 60% and can reach 100% in some areas. Baskets diverted for display, storage or resale reduce availability for bakeries, increase costs and often end up in landfill instead of being reused.
To combat the issue, Bakers Basco has invested in GPS tracking and a dedicated investigations team to recover missing equipment. The company is appealing directly to market traders, convenience stores and social media platforms to help protect the supply chain by returning misplaced items.
Anyone who comes across Bakers Basco equipment can arrange free collection by calling 08000 327323 or emailing enquiries@bakersbasco.co.uk
OUR MEMBERS
A MESSAGE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER
As the UK government moves toward a circular economy, the role of local authorities and waste management companies has never been more critical. The government’s initiative to tackle waste and encourage recycling is a significant step forward, but it’s essential to address the often-overlooked issue of grocery delivery equipment, such as bread baskets and dollies, being mismanaged.
At Bakers Basco, we manage millions of bread baskets and dolly equipment used to transport bread across the country. While we’ve made strides with GPS tracking and recovery efforts, the issue persists—misplaced or abandoned items often end up in landfills instead of being returned to the supply chain for reuse. This not only leads to financial losses but also contributes to unnecessary plastic production, undermining the circular economy’s goals.
The success of a circular economy depends on collaboration. Local authorities and waste management companies must be vigilant in their waste collection practices and recognize the value of grocery delivery equipment within the supply chain. Recent cases of misplaced equipment, such as abandoned bread baskets found in public spaces, highlight the need for swift action and collaboration.
Bakers Basco is fully committed to supporting the Circular Economy Taskforce and is ready to assist with knowledge, resources, or insights to help make this transition smoother. By working together, we can ensure that materials are reused, reduce waste, and contribute to a sustainable, circular economy that benefits everyone. The time to act is now.
- Paul Empson, General Manager, Bakers Basco
