Addressing the rise of illicit sales of bakery equipment on online marketplaces
F
or readers who may not be familiar with the significance and history of the bread basket, allow me to explain: The story goes beyond just the availability of a reusable and recyclable bread basket. The real value
lies in the effective and efficient use of such equipment, which is only achievable when there is a comprehensive system in place to manage and track the baskets. This system ensures that the baskets are used, collected, and reintegrated into the supply chain seamlessly. Fifteen years ago, the five largest plant bakers in the UK recognised that the entire process of managing bread baskets could be optimised by establishing a dedicated equipment management company. The primary mission of this company was to design, source, and oversee an industry- standard bread basket and dolly specifically for the baking industry. This initiative led to significant cost savings in the design, procurement of raw materials, and production of both the basket and dolly. Additionally, a robust management system was developed to ensure that the equipment was reused as efficiently as possible. Thus, Bakers
Market Insight
Paul Empson, General manager Bakers Basco shines a light on the rampant misuse and illegal sale of bread baskets and dollies, threatening both the sustainability of the bakery industry and the integrity of the UK’s food supply chain.
baskets are misused or misplaced, potentially ending up in landfills or falling into the hands of unscrupulous recyclers and resellers who chip the plastic and sell it on. To combat this, Bakers Basco has implemented an increasingly effective process for tracking baskets, confronting these offenders, and, if necessary, taking legal action. Yet, every time a bread basket is removed from this circular economy system, we are forced to create a new one, which undermines the sustainability credentials of our industry and harms the environment.
Basco was founded as a joint venture by five of the UK’s largest bakeries—Allied Bakeries, Hovis, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, and Warburtons—who together represent the majority of the UK bakery market. However, the sustainability benefits of this approach are compromised when these bread
18 Kennedy’s Bakery Production August/September 2024
Aside from the issue of illegal recycling, there is another concerning trend: the illicit sale of our bakery equipment on online marketplaces. While platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace have created opportunities for individuals to repurpose unused items and contribute positively to the circular economy, this darker side of the trend has severe implications for the UK’s grocery and bakery industries, as well as for our broader efforts in plastic recycling. Over the past year, despite our sustained efforts, we identified thousands of advertisements across various online platforms, including Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and auction sites. These ads
bakeryproduction.co.uk
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