CEO, David Elder emphasises that Alliance's current range, Aware!, has been carefully developed to reflect the growing need to minimise environmental impact, both at global and local level, with many of the products natural, bio-degradable, certainly recyclable and environmentally friendly, to boot.

"While it's fair to say that nearly every caterer is on board with the ethics of buying products that fall into the sustainability category", he says, "it's also crucial that products work and therefore the items we sell are all proven performers.  Whether sandwich packaging, disposable cups, cutlery, cups and disposable lids, the range accommodates the majority of caterer needs. There is a very small premium in some instances - but again, it comes back to the fact that if the product delivers, then this premium is acceptable to the majority of businesses. It's what their customers want and now demand as part of the growing social commitment to the environment".

David also cites government targets on ‘sustainable development' as a growing factor in purchasing decisions alongside the consumer ‘emotional' need.

"Our industry is currently being driven by two main factors, government targets on ‘sustainable development' and the desire by consumers to ‘do their bit' for the environment even when out of home. As a result, complying with national environmental legislation, and working with companies that demonstrate environmentally sound methods and polices has become very important to Alliance. We are strategically aligning the business with those companies who promote and enjoy a synergistic approach to sustainability.

"It's not just lip service. We've introduced six key strategies to reduce environmental impacts in our range. These investigate whether the products are manufactured from a sustainable, renewable or recycled source, i.e. reduce the use of fossils fuels, which is included in plastics such as Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polystyrene (PS) and will end up being deposited in landfill sites.

"This includes looking at ways of improving the reduction of carbon emissions by using recyclable and bio-degradable products. As a demonstrable example of how we have delivered on our environmental commitment we have sourced an alternative plastic Polylatic Acid (PLA), which is an alternative plastic produced by extracting sugar from com starch, sugar beet or wheat starch, which is easily composted.

"In addition, we have increased the development of carton board and cartons, which are manufactured from a sustainable and renewable resource, with only 12 per cent of the world consumption of wood being used for carbon manufacture and both bio-degradable and can be used in waste to energy schemes."

http://www.allianceonline.co.uk/

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