Being a sustainable baker can feel challenging when running a busy baking business, especially when there never seems to be enough time in the day. But have you ever stopped to consider how much greener your business could become with just a few simple changes? Here are seven practical ideas to help reduce waste, improve sustainability and set you on the right path towards a more environmentally responsible approach to baking.
Reduce
✔ Review and evaluate your baking activities and how green they currently are. Consider what might be improved. Create a plan of action (easiest to more challenging) and make a record. That way you can work through any changes you think you are able to make one step at a time.
✔ Are you keeping a keen eye on your energy suppliers and use? Be mindful with energy consumption, review it regularly, and seek out more energy efficient equipment when possible. Simple things like making sure you don’t leave oven or fridge doors open for unnecessary periods of time can also be more economical.
✔ Food waste can represent a significant cost to a bakery, so consider ways to make better use of surplus products. Misshapen baked goods or unsold bread could be repurposed, offered at a reduced price or redistributed through suitable food-sharing schemes. Any products offered for consumption must meet food safety requirements, including appropriate storage and allergen information.
Ingredient choices are also worth reviewing. Consider the sourcing of your flour and other ingredients, and explore plant-based alternatives where appropriate. Environmental benefits should be assessed using reliable information rather than assumptions about individual ingredients.
✔ Are there things you are doing on paper which could go digital. Review how you might transfer processes into a digital format to save printing and paper.
Reuse
✔ Choosing durable baking equipment and supplies can help reduce the amount of waste generated by a bakery. Investing in good-quality baking tins, trays, utensils and other equipment designed for repeated use may prove more economical over time than frequently replacing cheaper alternatives.
Where practical, consider reusable alternatives to disposable products, ensuring they are suitable for food contact and can be properly cleaned and maintained. Reusable baking liners may also be an option, provided they are specifically designed for repeated use and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before purchasing, consider the expected lifespan, maintenance requirements and suitability of each product rather than relying solely on general environmental claims.
Recycle
✔ Recycling is an important part of managing waste in a bakery. Review the paper, cardboard, plastic and other packaging materials used during food preparation, production and distribution to identify opportunities for improvement.
Where practical, consider materials that can be recycled through your existing waste collection arrangements. However, not all packaging is suitable for conventional recycling, particularly where coatings or food contamination are involved.
Speak with suppliers and waste contractors to establish which products can be recycled and what collection facilities are available. Providing clear waste separation instructions for staff can also help prevent contamination and improve recycling practices.
✔ When refurbishing a bakery or replacing furniture and equipment, consider whether suitable second-hand items could be used instead of purchasing new ones. Reusing furniture, shelving and other durable items can extend their useful life and reduce unnecessary waste.
Second-hand equipment may also offer financial savings, although its condition, maintenance requirements and expected lifespan should be considered. Any equipment used for food preparation must meet appropriate hygiene and safety requirements.
Want to reduce your baking paper waste? Ask us about Food Paper, a sustainably sourced and fully recyclable baking paper used by baking and food businesses across the UK. Which can be pre-cut to the shapes and packed in volumes you require.
If you like what you hear, why not give our paper a try? Contact us to request a FREE sample ream for your baking business.
For more information about our company, visit the Linwood Raker website
