A focus on local apprenticeships, renewable energy and an end to single-use plastic are key elements of a new comprehensive corporate social responsibility policy brought forward by Elsham-based coffee roaster Lincoln and York.
The company, which has operated on the South Humber Bank for 25 years, has secured backing from 95 per cent of the workforce as it looks to build on the 1.5 million cups it produces annually – in the most sustainable way.
A targeted five year plan, the company headed by James Sweeting, is looking to make an impact in the local community, the coffee community, and on the environment.
Lincoln and York will ensure 10 per cent of the workforce – currently 82-strong – has been recruited locally as apprentices, while giving back 100 charity days as part of the first element.
When it comes to global sourcing, close-knit relationships with contacts in coffee origins will be enhanced through a £100 per person hospitality fee for farms visited, improving livelihoods.
To remain in line with the 2050 net zero ambition, by 2024 Lincoln and York is also aiming for the removal of all single use plastic in the business, reductions in energy usage per year, a switch to a renewable energy source and for all packaging to be recyclable.
Mr Sweeting said the CSR strategy will ultimately deliver on as many of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals as possible, while those 1,000 cups a minute are produced at Elsham Wold Industrial Estate.
“With the coffee industry experiencing momentous changes over the last decade, sustainability is in the driver’s seat in moving business agendas forward and setting objectives for the sector,” he said
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“We’ve worked on fine tuning our CSR policy for a while to identify and address the most prominent challenges and areas where we can make profound impact. It is also important that our strategy is reflective of our company values, so I’m extremely pleased that the overwhelming number of our workforce support our direction.
“We’re on a mission to help Britain drink better coffee. For us this means covering all aspects of the coffee industry, from sourcing beans, to providing jobs in our factories for local apprentices. As we continue to expand across Europe, we hope to attract more customers, who share our passion for creating sustainable products of the highest quality.”