We all know the way we live our lives has a big impact on the health of our planet. When you run a business that responsibility gets a bit bigger and, as you’d expect, we take it seriously. We’re not perfect, but here’s what we’re doing…

…with our packaging…

We’ve gradually reduced the amount of plastic we use to wrap our bars by 30% and while we continue to trial new technologies that might eventually replace our current packaging, we’re doing our best to address the plastic we create.

We are pleased to be partnering with Plastic Bank, an organisation that empowers people around the world to earn money by removing plastic from our seas and oceans. Our own plastic ‘footprint’ will be offset by the plastic that’s collected and recycled. You can find out more and get involved on the Plastic Bank website.

…and our ingredients

Around 20% of our ingredients come from developing countries. We try to build relationships with our suppliers at source and do the right thing by the people on the ground. For example in Bolivia, where our Brazil nuts grow wild, we’re supporting local communities to see them through the hardship that has followed the recent crop failure. We’ve partnered with a local NGO (CIPCA) to give pickers and shellers alternative employment until this year’s harvest is in.

We want strong, lasting relationships with our suppliers, so we pay them a fair price for their produce. It’s the right thing to do, and it also ensures we get the very best ingredients year after year.

What’s more, our ingredients arrive in the UK via boat and train, none are air-freighted.

…at the Makery…

We were using 350,000 disposable cups a year, so our single-use cup dispenser has been retired and every member of our team has been given a new KeepCup.

We’ve switched all our light bulbs (even the really high ones in awkward places) to LEDs, reducing the electricity consumption of our lighting by about two thirds.

We also send off some of our wooden pallets to be made into hives for our growing army of beekeepers.

All food and packaging waste is now being incinerated in order to provide power. Currently just shy of 20% of our power needs are being met by this method.