ATTENTION!
UK Bakers Urge Social Media Giants to Crack Down on Illegal Selling of Grocery Delivery Equipment on
Bakers Basco is taking a firm stance against the rising issue of the illegal sale of bread trays and delivery equipment on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. As the UK’s leading provider of returnable transit packaging (RTP) for the bakery industry, Bakers Basco relies on these reusable trays to transport bread safely and sustainably across the country. Unfortunately, the online sale of these trays—clearly marked with the company’s logo—has become an alarming trend.
With over 2,800 trays and 386 dollies being sold illegally over the past year, this practice not only disrupts the bakery supply chain but also undermines environmental efforts. These trays, designed for durability and reuse, play a key role in minimising plastic waste. The misuse of this equipment adds unnecessary strain to an industry already focused on sustainability.
Bakers Basco is ramping up efforts to track down offenders, urging social media platforms to take this issue seriously and implement stricter controls. The company is also appealing to the public to stop participating in the illegal sale and misuse of its equipment to help protect both the supply chain and the environment.
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
