The latest figures were announced in the company’s annual Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) report this week (2 May), which also revealed that it saved 370 metric tonnes of CO2 by banning disposable cups.
Its waste management strategy, which ensures all waste is now minimised, recycled or disposed of responsibly, meanwhile enabled the company to reduce food waste by 7.5% - exceeding Bartlett Mitchell’s target by 2.5 percentage points.
Other findings include: a reduction in the environmental impact of its grab and go packaging, by using “fully recyclable or compostable packaging at 90% of sites” – with the aim of reaching 100% this year.
Executive chairman Wendy Bartlett commented: “The resolve to make a long-term difference that has been demonstrated by our team has been immense. I couldn’t prouder of the energy and determination to achieve these tremendous results.
“Last year, our focus was on reducing waste and while we continue to improve in this area, we have widened our attention to include social sustainability through our work with the Soppexcca coffee co-operative in Nicaragua.
“Bartlett Mitchell has come a long way and produced positive and tangible outcomes. But there is plenty more to be done and we will continue to make every effort to use effective collaboration to drive meaningful change.”
Andrew Stephen, chief executive of SRA, added: "Feeding thousands of people every day, caterers like Bartlett Mitchell have the power to change eating habits and shape a better food future for all of us.
“As multiple winners at the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Awards, Bartlett Mitchell has proved over an extended period that sustainability is an intrinsic part of its business model, and that's been rewarded with continued market growth.
“Embarking on a bold initiative to create a new coffee brand that's better for both the farmers who grow it and for customers, is typical of the company’s approach.
“More than half a million cups later, Perkee (Bartlett Mitchell’s “premium and sustainable” coffee brand) is proof that you can develop a product that is good in every way, including for business.”