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Accent Fresh Sustainable Supply Chain Partnerships – Case Study

At Vertas Group, we are deeply committed to delivering sustainable services and driving positive environmental change across our supply chain. With an ambition to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, and a near-term target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline), we recognise that meaningful progress is only possible through strong supplier partnerships.

Introduction

At Vertas Group, we are deeply committed to delivering sustainable services and driving positive environmental change across our supply chain. With an ambition to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, and a near-term target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline), we recognise that meaningful progress is only possible through strong supplier partnerships.

Our collaboration with Accent Fresh, a Norfolk-based regional produce supplier, exemplifies how aligned values, innovation and local sourcing can deliver measurable sustainability outcomes. This partnership has played a key role in reducing Scope 3 emissions across our catering operations, contributing directly to our achievement of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2025.

 

Objectives of the Project

The key objectives of our partnership with Accent Fresh were:

  • To reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions, particularly those associated with food miles, packaging, and energy usage in our supply chain
  • To increase resilience and sustainability by supporting local and seasonal sourcing
  • To enhance operational efficiency through reduced waste and digital systems
  • To ensure alignment with Vertas’ environmental standards and certifications
  • To contribute to Vertas Group’s broader sustainability strategy and external recognition

Solutions Implemented

Working in close collaboration, Vertas and Accent Fresh delivered several impactful initiatives:

  •  Reusable Packaging: Introduction of returnable plastic crates reduced packaging-related carbon emissions by 80%
  • Optimised Deliveries: Routes are strategically planned with return-load logic to minimise food miles and vehicle emissions
  • Renewable Energy: Accent Fresh installed and expanded solar panels to power cold storage facilities; excess energy is returned to the grid
  • Paperless Picking: A new digital picking system aligns with our digital transformation goals and significantly cuts paper usage
  • Zero-to-Landfill Waste Strategy: All recyclable materials are processed on-site; green waste is diverted to local farms for reuse as animal feed
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Produce is sourced from LEAF and Red Tractor-accredited growers, ensuring traceability and responsible agriculture
  • Environmental Certification: Accent Fresh achieved Carbon Charter Silver status in 2024, reinforcing alignment with our own ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and Planet Mark certification

Showcasing Agility

Accent Fresh have demonstrated impressive agility and responsiveness throughout the partnership, including:

  • Rapid investment in infrastructure, such as a new crate washer to cut water usage by 80%
  • Fleet enhancements, including ordering their second electric delivery van, supporting lower emissions transport
  • Flexible logistics, offering 6-day-a-week delivery, even on bank holidays, with tailored route planning for each Vertas site
  • Digital innovation, with tablet-led order picking and soon-to-launch electronic delivery systems
  • Community-minded operations, including surplus donations to local charities and food banks, which complement Vertas’ own social impact priorities

Benefits

The partnership has delivered substantial benefits for Vertas Group:

  • Carbon reduction: 80% cut in packaging-related emissions; verified 5% reduction in supplier GHG emissions
  • Operational efficiency: Reduced waste collections, streamlined logistics, fewer emissions per delivery
  • Reputational value: Contributed to Vertas Group winning the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development
  • Resilient local supply chain: Regional sourcing has improved consistency, reduced risk, and supported the local economy
  • Shared sustainability values: Both organisations uphold recognised standards and accreditations, reinforcing client and stakeholder trust

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