Tag: co-op

Co-op commits to LEAF Marque Certification, empowered by grower and farmer partnerships

Stuart Mitchell

Co-op announces commitment to enhance sustainability across its fresh produce supply chain by requiring all UK-grown products to be LEAF marque certified by January 2027.   The convenience retailer will roll out the environmental certification in its stores throughout 2026, in partnership with British growers and farmers, as part of Co-op’s ongoing strategy to strengthen resilience in its fresh produce supply chain.   The new LEAF marque is a recognised standard for sustainable farming, focusing on integrated farm management practices which promote soil health, biodiversity, and the protection of water resources. The certification will work alongside existing reassurance schemes such as Red Tractor.   Olivia Theaker, Co-op’s Agriculture Manager said: “Supporting British agriculture…

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Supermarkets playing with fire on future of food, says WWF

Stuart Mitchell

The UK’s broken food system is causing environmental collapse and creating volatility in supply and price, according to a report by WWF released recently.     Drawing on data from 10 retailers (Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Lidl GB, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose), 2025’s What’s in Store for the Planet report assesses the progress on environmental action of 90% of the UK grocery market and concludes that action on reducing environmental risks is stagnating.   It warns that without decisive action environmental impacts will escalate, threatening food security and…

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Co-Op Launches First UK Convenience Store Trial For Coffee Pod Recycling With Podback

Stuart Mitchell

o-op has become the first UK convenience retailer to partner with Podback, the nationwide coffee pod recycling service, to make it easier for its customers and members to recycle used coffee pods in-store. The six-month trial will see dedicated Podback-branded recycling units installed in 30 Co-op stores across southwest England and in Co-op’s three sustainability showcase stores in Leeds, Soham, and Northampton. Participating stores can be found via Podback’s online Recycle Checker, and Podback recycling bags can be ordered from its website or through participating coffee brands. Customers simply fill…

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Co-op and The Hacking Games Launch Inspire Session to Help Young People Use Digital Skills For Good

Stuart Mitchell

Co-op and The Hacking Games have recently hosted the first Inspire Session at Co-op Academy Walkden in Salford, marking the first in a planned series of events under their partnership to help young people put their digital skills to constructive use and explore ethical career paths in cybersecurity. The event brought together 300 students aged 13–14 for a live session with leading cybersecurity experts including Mivy James, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at the Ministry of Defence, Greg Francis, cyber offender prevention consultant at 4D Cyber Security and former SOCA…

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Two-Thirds of Britons Say Background Still Affects Career Success, Co-op Research Finds

Stuart Mitchell

Two-thirds (68%) of Britons say their background still affects how far they can go in their career – suggesting social mobility in the UK is stalling rather than improving, according to new research for Co-op. More than half (52%) also think businesses should treat social mobility as part of their wider diversity and inclusion commitments. The findings highlight how many people believe bias in recruitment and a lack of professional networks continue to limit opportunity across the UK. To help tackle this, Co-op has launched two free toolkits to make…

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