Sustainability at Selecta

Our approach to sustainability is built around clear reporting, responsible sourcing and practical improvements across our operations, equipment and supply chain.

We focus on three areas: Planet, People and Product. Where we report progress or environmental performance, we aim to support those statements with measurable data, recognised standards or independent assessment.

Our operations involve transport, equipment, electricity, products, packaging and waste. We are working across these areas to identify opportunities to reduce emissions, use resources more efficiently and improve how our service is delivered.

Current initiatives include:

• introducing electric vehicles into our fleet
• using telemetry and route optimisation to help reduce unnecessary service journeys
• increasing the use of renewable electricity within our operations
• monitoring waste and identifying opportunities for reduction and recovery
• measuring greenhouse gas emissions across our operations and value chain.

Connected technology also helps us understand how equipment is performing and when stock or technical support is required. This can help us plan replenishment and service visits more efficiently.

Actual environmental impacts vary depending on customer location, equipment, service frequency, energy source and product mix.

Refurbishment forms part of our approach to equipment management.
Where equipment is suitable for refurbishment, components can be inspected, repaired, replaced or upgraded so that machines can be returned to service rather than automatically being replaced.

Our Corporate Social Responsibility reporting states that refurbishment can extend equipment life by up to six years.

The environmental benefit of refurbished equipment will vary depending on factors including the machine, refurbishment undertaken, operational life and energy consumption.
 

We work with certification schemes and responsible sourcing programmes across parts of our coffee portfolio. More than 50% of our coffee is certified according to Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or organic standards. Since 2023, all Pelican Rouge branded coffee has been certified under one or more of these programs.

Our Pelican Rouge range includes certified coffees, while the Selecta Coffee Fund supports coffee-growing communities through programmes including farmer training, agricultural development and initiatives designed to support household livelihoods.

Certification, sourcing approach and programme participation vary by product, so product-specific information should always be checked when selecting a coffee range.  Learn about our Selecta Coffee Fund.

Across our business, we continue to explore opportunities to make better use of materials and reduce waste.

Initiatives reported through our Corporate Social Responsibility programme include:

• refurbishment and reuse of applicable coffee and vending equipment
• development of alternative packaging formats
• reusable cup programmes in selected markets
• recycling and material-recovery initiatives
• projects exploring alternative uses for spent coffee grounds.

Not every initiative operates in every market, and availability should be confirmed for the individual customer or location.

Our responsibilities extend beyond environmental performance.

We work with employees, suppliers, partners and coffee-growing communities and have policies and programmes covering areas including:

• health and safety
• human rights
• ethical business practices
• responsible procurement
• community and farmer support.

The Selecta Coffee Fund is one example of how we work with coffee-growing communities through locally delivered programmes designed around agricultural productivity and household livelihoods.