Central Co-op is reporting sustainability, safety and efficiency gains from an ongoing partnership with goods not for resale (GNFR) supplier Lyreco UK & Ireland.
As one of the largest retail co-operatives in the United Kingdom, the organisation has committed to making significant strides in sustainability and efficiency, and reports substantial reductions in carbon emissions and the development of more practical, sustainable operational solutions through the partnership.
Sustainability in Action
Since 2021, Lyreco has been working to shrink the carbon footprint of its delivery operations by transitioning to an electric van fleet. Between 2020 and 2023, this shift cut emissions by over 170 tonnes of CO2e. The initiative is part of Lyreco’s broader ambition to achieve net zero for all scopes by 2030 and ensure that 90% of its sales come from sustainable products by 2026. To support this, Lyreco applies strict sustainability assessments to its supply chain, following ISO 20400:2017 guidelines.
Recognising their shared environmental commitments, Central Co-op and Lyreco have worked closely to ensure that all supplied products align with the highest sustainability standards. This collaboration has led to the launch of two key initiatives in 2024: Pro Earth and BioHygiene, both of which are helping Central Co-op reduce its environmental footprint without compromising efficiency or safety.
Pro Earth: A Smarter Approach to Fuel Spill Management
Managing fuel spillages on petrol forecourts has long been a challenge, with sand being the traditional method for absorption. However, sand creates large amounts of hazardous waste and requires frequent disposal.
Through its partnership with Lyreco, Central Co-op trialled Pro Earth’s ProCleanSorb, a natural peat-based alternative, at three petrol filling stations before rolling it out across all 18 sites. ProCleanSorb, made from certified Canadian Veriflora® sphagnum peat moss, absorbs fuel spills instantly, can be reused multiple times, and lasts up to 12 times longer than sand, reducing both waste and operational costs.
Colleague feedback has been clear: ProCleanSorb is easier to use and more effective. A forecourt manager at Halifax Road in Huddersfield tells FM Magazine:
“ProCleanSorb is definitely the cleaner option. It soaks up spills much quicker and is a better product underfoot. Sand is more of a ‘grit’ and takes longer to absorb the spillage – plus, it’s heavier when wet. The fact that ProCleanSorb can be reused also makes a difference, and we’re seeing cost savings on waste disposal.”
BioHygiene: Biotech Cleaning for a Healthier Workplace
Central Co-op has also become the first major UK retailer to adopt BioHygiene, a leading biotech cleaning brand, across its 430 retail and funeral locations. BioHygiene’s products replace chemical-heavy cleaners with eco-friendly alternatives derived from natural ingredients, making them safer for both people and the environment.
This transition was driven by direct feedback from colleagues, who had raised concerns about allergic reactions caused by previous cleaning chemicals. A trial of BioHygiene’s All-Purpose Sanitiser eliminated these issues, leading to its full adoption in 2024.
Beyond health benefits, BioHygiene also helps Central Co-op cut waste. All products are packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, reducing packaging-related carbon emissions by up to 85%. Colleagues also reported that BioHygiene’s solutions were more effective than traditional cleaning agents, tackling stubborn stains that had previously been considered permanent. The switch has also streamlined operations by reducing the number of different cleaning products in use.
Long-Term Commitment to Sustainability
At the heart of these initiatives is Central Co-op’s core purpose: “Creating a sustainable Society for all.”
As a Member-owned co-operative, Central Co-op is focused on long-term environmental responsibility, ensuring that its sustainability efforts benefit colleagues, Members, and the wider community. With carbon neutrality targeted by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2040, the Society is setting new benchmarks for sustainable retail.
Among its ambitions, Central Co-op aims to:
- Become self-sufficient in green energy by 2030, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Continue investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, including solar panels, LED lighting, and improved refrigeration systems.
The partnership with Lyreco UK & Ireland is a clear example of how businesses can work together to achieve meaningful sustainability goals. By embracing innovative solutions like Pro Earth and BioHygiene, Central Co-op is proving that sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.
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