Synergie Environ was commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland to carry out a Confidential Packaging and Waste Prevention Review at Diet Chef’s main warehouse operation in Edinburgh. Diet Chef Ltd was established in 2008 to supply pre-prepared, portion and calorie-controlled ready meals, including breakfasts, lunches / soups, dinners and snacks. A detailed site survey was carried out in partnership with Diet Chef’s staff, to identify potential cost-saving opportunities to improve resource efficiency and minimise waste.

The survey was supported by the collation and analysis of extensive billing and production data to identify key SKU’s and substantiate specific recommendations for improvement. Key findings included opportunities to reduce packaging use and costs by joining a Packaging Compliance Scheme as this is likely to be the most cost-effective route, reduction of film weights, improved primary and secondary packaging designs and the potential to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, the extent of transit packaging sent out with deliveries.

In total, the review identified total potential cost savings of over £125,000 per annum.  The associated potential environmental benefits included waste and material savings of over 100 tonnes per annum and carbon savings of over 120 tonnes per annum.  It was concluded that an RTP solution could simultaneously address material usage, cost, operating efficiency and customer storage requirements while providing a significant ‘green’ marketing opportunity.

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