Sustainable, responsible operations
At United UK, we believe sustainability starts at home. We’re committed to embedding environmental, social, and governance principles into every part of how we operate.
Verified metrics
United UK’s own sustainability performance, independently assessed under the Weaver Sustainably Responsible Business Programme. Full Carbon Reduction Plan available on request.
Figures independently verified under the Weaver Programme. (underpinned by DEKRA)
14%
Reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions since 2024 baseline.
Net Zero by 2050 commitment.
0%
Waste sent to landfill.
Non-recycled waste (RDF waste) reduced year-on-year by 7%. Separate waste streams implemented in line with 2025 guidance.
60% +
Recycled content across product packaging ranges.
100%
Of employees covered by social responsibility and safeguarding training. Ethical sourcing, labour standards and wellbeing embedded via the Weaver framework
Embedding ESG into our core
Our commitment to ESG standards goes beyond compliance. It’s a way of doing business. We measure our environmental footprint, champion social equity, and maintain governance standards that we’re prepared to be held accountable to.
From carbon management training for every member of staff to transparent Weaver-verified reporting, sustainability is part of our daily operations – not an annual exercise.
Environmental
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Minimum 5% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions from the 2024 baseline
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Formal Carbon Reduction Plan in place, with a Net Zero by 2050 commitment
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Reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and priority Scope 3 emissions
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Transition to certified renewable electricity
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Net Zero fleet target by 2035
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50% reduction in single-use plastic across our operations
Waste & packaging
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Zero waste to landfill
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Non-recycled waste has reduced year-on-year (from 55% to 48% and continuing)
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Separate waste streams implemented in line with the 2025 guidance
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Minimum 60% recycled material across product packaging ranges
Waste
Comprehensive recycling stations enable full waste segregation across our site. We have achieved zero waste to landfill and continue to reduce non-recycled waste year-on-year.
Energy
LED lighting is installed across all facilities. We are progressively electrifying our vehicle and handling fleet, including electric forklifts, and transitioning to certified renewable electricity.
A greener workplace
Our National Distribution Centre in Milton Keynes is designed with sustainability at its core. We track and reduce water and energy consumption through regular audits, and we’ve made substantial investments in infrastructure that reduces our operational footprint.
"At United UK, we believe sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. By embedding ESG principles into our operations and supporting initiatives like Access Sport, we’re not just meeting targets—we’re building a culture of care and accountability."
Chris Innes, Operations & Purchasing Director
Supporting Access Sport
Promoting inclusion through sport
United UK is proud to partner with Access Sport, a charity that empowers young people through physical activity. Access Sport addresses the social barriers that prevent many young people from participating in sport – and in doing so, supports physical and mental wellbeing in communities that need it most.
Our partnership includes financial support for grassroots sports initiatives, paid staff volunteer days with Access Sport programmes, and fundraising activity across our team.
In 2025, United UK and its staff raised over £20,000 for charity, a portion of which supports this work.
Key initiatives
We also donate £500 to Access Sport with every client spend review – so when our clients work with us, they’re contributing to something beyond procurement.
Our stance on modern slavery
Defining the challenge
Modern slavery is a serious crime and a gross violation of human rights. It manifests in forms such as slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking, all of which involve the exploitation of individuals through the deprivation of their liberty for personal or commercial gain.
Zero-tolerance stance
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Ethical integrity: United UK upholds a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery across all aspects of its operations.
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Proactive systems: We enforce robust policies and controls to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our business or supply chains.
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Transparency: Our practices align with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to maintain accountability and openness.
Who it applies to
This policy applies to everyone working for or on behalf of United, including employees, directors, agency workers, contractors, and business partners. By embedding these principles, we ensure a collective commitment to eradicating modern slavery in all its forms.
Interested in how our sustainability approach benefits your business?
The environmental standards we hold ourselves to directly inform how we source products and manage your supply chain. Find out how United UK helps hospitality businesses reduce their Scope 3 emissions and meet their ESG commitments.