Zeelandia UK shares
local initiatives and
impact in Global CSR report
Each year, the Royal Zeelandia Group shares a corporate social responsibility (CSR) report, showcasing our commitment to having a positive impact on our employees, customers, and consumers, as well as on the communities we live and operate in, and the environment in which we coexist.
The 2023 report, reviews the CSR activities of each of the different operating companies within the group, demonstrating how their local activity combines to a very impressive global performance for Zeelandia. For at Zeelandia we do not measure our success merely in terms of our financial performance, profit, or market share. It is about assuming responsibility for the world we share
Andy Taylor, NPD Manager and CSR Ambassador for Zeelandia UK, reflects how in the UK our CSR initiatives continue to make an impact and are closely aligned with the group’s strategic approach of being ‘better for people’ and ‘better for the planet’.
Product innovation Focusing on Consumers and Sustainability
At Zeelandia UK, we innovate to produce products which can positively impact consumer health and also focus on packaging improvements to benefit the environment. This has included reviewing and reducing packaging across our product ranges, which not only improves customer handling but also contributes to less waste. In early 2024, our Release Agent spray packaging was updated to use 65% less plastic.
Where consumer health is concerned, we continue to build our portfolio of ancient and hydrated grains for industrial bread production. These grains have health benefits such as reduced cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and positive gut health.
We are also working to actively reduce and remove palm oil from our products to the benefit of our Industrial manufacturing customers and the environment.
Reducing Operational Impact on the Planet
We also continue to focus on clean energy and responsible procurement of our products, while working towards zero waste through environmental projects and exploring new measures to reduce CO2 emissions across our sites, building on a global reduction of 30% compared to 2022 operations.
Nationally, we have improved our CO2 tracking during production processes and are working with agricultural partners and suppliers to measure emissions from field to end consumer. We are proud to continue working in this area and want our clients to feel confident that they are working for an ingredient supplier that cares for the planet.
Locally, we continue our relationship with Essex Wildlife Trust. At our Colchester site, we now have a small wildflower meadow, which includes bird boxes and bug hotels.
We are proud to have a BRC Grade A across both our production sites while becoming members of SEDEX to highlight and showcase our sustainable supply chain.
Employee Development and Support
We care for our employees by nurturing a safe and supportive working environment where they can thrive professionally and as individuals.
Across 2023, we have worked hard to build on our existing employee wellbeing programme, providing a programme of activity and engagement days, from seated yoga to team baking sessions, that are focused on bringing the team together and building a strong team culture. We have also launched a new staff newsletter to share news and personal achievements across our 2 sites.
We see staff health and well-being as a priority and have also introduced new initiatives such as mental health first aiders, NHS health check visits and an employee assistance programme.
Local, National and International Community Engagement
We are committed to supporting the communities where we work and live, as well as supporting the bakery business infrastructure and talent pipeline across the UK.
This has included the continuation of key national partnerships with the University College Birmingham, the National Bakery School and also supporting the Alliance for Bakery Students and Trustees (ABST), providing workshops and training sessions, as well as donations of ingredients.
In Colchester we also have a strong relationship with Market Field College, supporting a training programme for teenagers with learning difficulties, with a hands-on day in our bakery, to build the skills they can use to gain employment within the baking industry.
Both our Colchester and Wigan sites have been instrumental in fundraising for local charities and causes close to the hearts of our team members, including donations to Derian House Children’s Hospice, Tiptree Community Hub, Colchester & Ipswich Hospital Trust, Pink for Peace, Comic Relief and more.
Internationally, we continue to work closely with Zeelandia Ukraine in support of Bake4Ukraine, providing and shipping equipment donations from UK industry partners, which have allowed fresh supply of bread and soup across families impacted by the current crisis while supporting the re-building and re-opening of Ukranian bakeries damaged by war.
David Amos, Managing Director of Zeelandia UK, added “We are incredibly proud of both UK and international efforts to continue to drive crucial CSR activity across everything we do, which has been championed by our talented team members.
“While reflecting on our achievements, we recognise the influence and responsibility we have as a leading bakery ingredient and service provider. With this, we must also be aspirational in continuing to overcome industry challenges while promoting sustainability across the business.”
