Greggs Prioritizes Recyclability Over Lightweighting in Packaging Strategy
According to its latest sustainability report, Greggs did not meet its 2025 target of reducing packaging weight by 25%. However, the company has shifted its focus toward improving recyclability, reporting that all own-brand packaging is now recyclable, with the exception of its hot drink cups.
Initially, Greggs set out in 2021 to cut packaging weight by 25% compared to 2019 levels while ensuring remaining materials were widely recyclable. However, the transition to more sustainable alternatives—such as replacing plastic bags with paper and introducing wooden cutlery—made it more challenging to achieve weight reduction goals.
The company acknowledged that sustainability efforts evolved over time. Rather than prioritizing lighter materials alone, Greggs emphasized the importance of using more environmentally responsible materials, even if they were heavier.
Ongoing Lightweighting Efforts
Despite missing its overall target, Greggs has implemented incremental lightweighting measures. Its soft plastic bread bags have been reduced by 3 microns, saving approximately three tonnes of plastic annually. Packaging improvements also include a 10% weight reduction in Belgian Buns box lids and replacing rigid lids on salad pots with peelable film, cutting their weight by over 90%.
This change has been extended to other products, such as Fresh Cream Slice packaging, contributing to an annual reduction of 7.7 tonnes of plastic. Additionally, the company has lightweighted pallet stretch wrap by 7 microns, saving more than 36 tonnes of plastic each year.
In logistics, Greggs introduced collapsible plastic containers for transporting grated cheese to its production sites in Manchester and Enfield. These reusable units are designed to improve efficiency while eliminating over 110 tonnes of cardboard annually.
Looking ahead, Greggs aims to achieve a 25% reduction in packaging weight relative to sales by the end of 2026, alongside further improvements in recyclability.
Advancing Recyclability
Greggs has focused heavily on transitioning to packaging formats compatible with household recycling systems. This includes replacing polystyrene cup lids with recycled plastic alternatives.
By 2025, all own-brand packaging was reported to be fully recyclable, except for hot drink cups. These cups require a plastic lining to hold liquids, which current UK recycling infrastructure cannot process.
To address this, Greggs continues to collaborate with industry partners to find a long-term solution. In the meantime, it encourages customers to bring reusable cups by offering a 25 pence discount on hot drinks.
The company also plans to introduce segregated waste bins across its stores and has already eliminated unnecessary single-use plastics from both retail and manufacturing operations. All paper and board packaging is now sourced from FSC- or PEFC-certified materials.
Carbon Reduction Progress
Greggs reported a 56% reduction in emissions intensity since 2019, including an 18% decrease in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions. However, it highlighted that approximately 95% of its carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions, largely linked to supplier activities such as ingredient sourcing and packaging.
To address this, the company is working closely with suppliers to reduce emissions associated with high-impact materials like paper and card.
Greggs has committed to achieving a 46.2% reduction in absolute emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline. These targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
In the long term, Greggs aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, with interim goals to achieve net-zero Scope 2 emissions by 2030.
