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Sustainability

EcoVadis – A Globally Recognised Benchmark

Sustainability is no longer an aspiration for A.G. Axton & Sons (Wholesale) Limited – it is something we actively measure, assess and improve.
We are proud to have undertaken the EcoVadis sustainability assessment and to have been awarded the EcoVadis Committed Badge. EcoVadis is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, assessing companies across environmental, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement criteria.

Completing the EcoVadis assessment represents an important milestone for our business. It provides independent verification of how we operate today, highlights where we are performing well, and gives us a clear framework for continuous improvement. Importantly, EcoVadis is widely recognised across global supply chains, giving our customers confidence that our sustainability claims are robust, transparent and externally assessed.

Our participation demonstrates a clear commitment to responsible trading and to embedding sustainability into the way we work, not just as a policy, but as a measurable, ongoing process.

View our EcoVadis recognition web page here.

Reducing Food Miles And Transport Impact

Journey times and distances are kept to a minimum through careful route planning, with our vehicle fleet continuously monitored using satellite navigation to minimise fuel use and emissions. Where possible, we actively reduce food miles by back-hauling produce when passing through growers across our distribution area of Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex, Surrey and Wiltshire. This approach allows us to maximise vehicle efficiency while supporting regional growers and reducing unnecessary transport movements.

Packaging Reduction And Waste Minimisation

We operate a reusable and collapsible tray policy across the majority of our produce and distribution network and require nominated suppliers to operate similar systems wherever possible. In many cases, growers cut or pick produce directly into large palletised containers. This significantly reduces packaging, handling and labour at source, while improving overall efficiency across the supply chain.
 
We have actively reduced waste levels by:
• Using packaging that can be reused or recycled
• Re-using containers for repeat orders wherever possible
• Recycling remaining materials through baling systems
 
Recovered cardboard and plastic are baled on site and transferred to approved recycling contractors. In conjunction with a Waste Service Compliance Company, this has allowed us to significantly reduce our general waste stream. As a result of these measures, our landfill waste collections have reduced from twice weekly to minimal levels, delivering a 75% reduction in waste impact. We fully comply with the Packaging Waste Regulations and are members of an approved recycling scheme (Valpak membership No. R M 03359). Waste minimisation is actively promoted throughout our operation, supported by our order management systems and the continued use of returnable containers.
 
We also offer a collection service for reusable cardboard crates, and larger customers return flattened cardboard for baling and recycling.

Red Tractor Assurance

As one of the UK’s leading food assurance marks, the integrity of the Red Tractor Standards is fundamental to our operation. These standards have been developed and refined through consultation with experts from across the food supply chain, including scientists, academics and professionals in veterinary science, farming, food processing, retail, animal welfare, food safety and environmental protection. A.G. Axton & Sons supplies products that meet these rigorous standards, giving our customers confidence in the safety, traceability and responsible sourcing of the produce we deliver.

Looking Ahead

Our EcoVadis assessment provides a clear roadmap for continued improvement. Sustainability at A.G. Axton & Sons is not static – it is an evolving commitment that we will continue to measure, refine and strengthen as part of our long-term business strategy.

Testimonials

What They Say

You guys deserve so much praise and positive feedback for everything you do – all year round but particularly at Glastonbury! Everything was great and if there were any issues they were sorted immediately. We really do appreciate the effort and smooth service you guys provide.

Glastonbury Team

Nutrition and Hydration week I can confirm a good day was had by all. The customers enjoyed learning about the origin of their food and thrilled to be engaged with the family run business. A day like this is essential and beneficial to both businesses and do put both at the heart of our communities and educate our customers about their food.

Ashford St Peter NHS Foundation Trust

Thank you so much for your donation again this year. The fruit you supply us is always of the highest quality and is a highly valued prize in our Summer Fayre raffle. This year your contribution helped us raise in excess of £2000 which will help us to buy much needed equipment for our children and will go towards ensuring we can provide the more vulnerable children with the support they need.

Anna Jones, Head, Shamblehurst Primary School

Say Hello

Carbon Reduction Plan

At A.G. Axton & Sons, we are proud to be on a journey towards a sustainable future. We are committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050—an ambitious target that will not only benefit our business but also our customers, suppliers, and the wider community. Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions is a key priority, and we are taking actionable steps to drive meaningful change.

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