Wholefoods supplier takes climate action

Suma Wholefoods, a signatory of the Yorkshire & Humber Climate Action Pledge, launched their sustainability strategy in 2023.

The Calderdale-based cooperative has more than 300 workers and distributes vegetarian and sustainable products to businesses and communities across the UK and internationally.

The new sustainability strategy addresses several key areas including carbon emissions, supporting local suppliers and organic agriculture, and promoting Fairtrade and B Corp practices. Targets include becoming a net zero business by 2035, and ensuring all stocked products have at least one form of ethical verification by 2030.

Suma Wholefoods have already taken significant steps to reduce their environmental impact, including:

• volunteering and partnering with local tree planting organisations to help prevent flooding in the local area
• purchasing trucks fuelled by biogas from food waste, which reduces emissions by 84% compared with the diesel equivalent
• using 100% renewable energy for their own operations
• reducing packaging waste and plastic use wherever possible.