BWG Foods, supplier to SPAR and EUROSPAR Supermarkets in Ireland, has announced a major €11 million sustainability investment programme aimed at significantly decreasing the environmental footprint of its large-scale nationwide supply chain.

As part of the investment programme, BWG has become the first FMCG group in the country to launch a fleet of CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles following an initial investment of more than €2 million in 14 new trucks along with supporting infrastructure. BWG has plans to extend its investment in CNG vehicles by an additional €6 million for a further 50 vehicles by 2025 as part of its wider supply chain sustainability programme.

BWG operates one of the largest delivery fleets in Ireland with approximately 280 vehicles, which together cover over 25 million kilometres per year. The new vehicles, which use natural gas as the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel, are currently generating C0₂ savings of up to 22 percent per truck.

As part of its wider supply chain sustainability programme, BWG is also implementing a number of operational efficiency projects that have already led to collective CO₂ emission savings of 3,200 metric tonnes, including a re-routing programme which led to the reduction of more than 2.3 million kilometres travelled annually, and the increasing of individual delivery vehicle capacity by 15 percent, further reducing the number of journeys required.

Commenting on the announcement, Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods said, “Our focus is to create an environmentally sustainable business that makes a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate. Today’s announcement is a significant statement of our intent to substantially reduce the environmental impact of our expansive nationwide supply chain operation. This announcement complements a number of other sustainability initiatives that we have launched at store level including energy, waste and plastic reduction programmes.”

Source: SPAR Ireland

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About SPAR Ireland

SPAR Ireland was established in 1963 and is operated by leading wholesale and retail company, BWG Foods. In 2014, 80% of BWG’s shares were sold to SPAR South Africa, however, the existing shareholders remain involved in the business.

With a presence in every county across the Republic of Ireland, SPAR is one of the country’s largest convenience retail groups. In developing the business, SPAR Ireland has a long track record of recognising the strategic importance of introducing new retail concepts. It operates three of the four SPAR formats: SPAR, EUROSPAR and SPAR Express, bringing consumers a comprehensive range of innovative products and instore offerings.