DCS Sustainable Supply Chain Partnerships – Case Study

Introduction

At Vertas Group, our approach to sustainability is practical, measurable and collaborative. To meet our goal of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, with near term target of reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2030 from a 2022 baseline year. We rely on innovative suppliers who actively reduce waste, lower emissions, and support the shift to circular models.

Our partnership with Disposables & Catering Supplies (DCS), a key supplier of catering disposables and hygiene products, exemplifies this commitment. Since 2019, DCS has helped us eliminate thousands of single-use plastics from our supply chain, introduce low-carbon cleaning solutions, and increase our overall use of recyclable, compostable and biodegradable products. This directly contributed to our achievement of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2025. Together, we are reshaping procurement to deliver for both the environment and our clients.

Objectives of the Project

The core aims of our partnership with DCS were to:

• Eliminate single-use plastics from catering operations wherever possible
• Introduce innovative and sustainable product alternatives, including compostable packaging and plastic-free disposables
• Reduce Scope 3 emissions, particularly through reduced packaging, improved logistics, and product reformulation
• Promote waste prevention and circularity in both product and operational processes
• Strengthen alignment with Vertas’ environmental strategy and compliance with UK legislation

Solutions Implemented

• Plastic-free alternatives: DCS has helped Vertas remove over 600,000 plastic cutlery items by switching to birchwood, and eliminate 400,000+ polystyrene products through the adoption of bagasse alternatives
• Pure Paper Cups: Replacing plastic-lined cups, these use an aqueous coating, making them 100% recyclable, compostable and marine safe – critical in avoiding microplastic pollution
• High-sustainability portfolio: Today, 90% of DCS-supplied catering disposables to Vertas are recyclable, biodegradable or compostable

Through the Jeyes Professional (Selden) range, Vertas has:

• Eliminated the equivalent of 1.7 million single-use bottles by switching to Vmix concentrates
• Adopted UK-made, biodegradable, phosphate-free chemicals
• Reduced packaging, transport emissions, and chemical waste across sites

Operational Waste & Emissions Reduction

• DCS reuses all incoming packaging for outbound deliveries
• On-site compactors, balers, and pallet reuse systems contribute to a 70% overall recycling rate
• Ongoing paper reduction with a digital delivery note system to save waste on over 700,000 deliveries annually
• Warehouse and depots lit by LED motion-sensor lighting, supporting energy efficiency
• Use of rainwater for vehicle cleaning further reduces water consumption