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Sustainability

As a worker co-op we have tried hard to put environmental and social goals at the heart of everything we’ve done since we were founded over 45 years ago.

We recognise that we’re facing a climate emergency and need to act. So we’ve reviewed how we approach sustainability and looked for more ways to step up and use our co-op as a force for good. In June 2023 we set out our ambitious sustainability strategy which set our direction for the rest of the decade, to 2030.

Our latest sustainability update – published July 2024

In July 2024 we published our first update, with progress on our strategy. It covers work done in 2023, a year which saw many ups and downs, with the cost of living crisis hitting hard, set against the ongoing backdrop of the climate and ecological emergency.

We’ve remained committed to our sustainability efforts, it’s embedded in who we are. At Suma, we firmly believe that businesses hold a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis. Making accurate information accessible to all stakeholders is essential. We’re all about transparency.

Jump in to read our full report from the year, explore the highs and lows, and discover case studies across each pillar of our strategy.

Six areas where we want to make change

As a large business with a fleet of vehicles and a global supply chain, we can make a big impact by reducing the emissions we produce either directly and indirectly, as well as supporting reductions from our suppliers.

We already use 100% renewable energy for our own operations and have two bio-gas trucks, which result in 84% fewer emissions than the diesel equivalent. By 2030 we aim to have decarbonised our fleet of trucks and be working with our suppliers to support their own carbon reductions.

Packaging and food waste are huge negative by-products of the food industry. That is why we will be working to support a zero-waste supply chain by reducing excess packaging and incorporating circular processes.

We aim to be a zero waste to landfill business by measuring and understanding where the full scope of all our waste streams go and working on ensuring absolutely none of these end up in landfill. By 2030 all our packaging will be made from at least 30% recycled material.

We already recognise the importance of high ethical practices in our supply chain, so that the products we buy have a positive impact on the natural world and people.

In the short-term we will focus on setting even higher ethical standards for suppliers and source from more co-operatives, B-corps and suppliers which can evidence they use sustainable farming practices, by which we mean those that are regenerative and / or organic. By 2030 we aim for 75% of Suma brand products to be organic.

As an equal pay, equal say worker co-op, we’ve always been focused on creating decent work for everyone at Suma. We’ll continue to increase diversity and inclusion for Suma workers.

By 2030 we aim to support living wages throughout our supply chain by working with more Fairtrade and co-operative suppliers.

Suma was born from a passion for wholefoods, organics and veggie food. Today 90% of our products are vegan, and we supply healthy ingredients to thousands of customers across the UK and beyond.

By 2030 we plan to increase the proportion of plant-based and nutritious foods across our ranges to support healthier food choices.

As a worker co-op built on equality and integrity, we already advocate for a different way of doing business, in our industry sector, in our local area and nationally.

By 2030 we’ll be forming partnerships with other organisations, co-operatives, charities and NGOs to educate and engage citizens on co-operative solutions to big challenges.