The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has prevented over 60,000 food items going to waste by redistributing them via waste-prevention app Olio, according to a recent report. 

The retailer also shared that customers have spent £5m on food from more than 50 local producers.

In its half-year sustainability update report, CI Coop shared more figures which it said demonstrated “significant strides” across its four sustainability pillars – in accordance with its Blueprint for a Sustainable Future strategy – and its commitment to becoming a net-zero business by 2040. 

Planet 

Under the planet pillar, CI Coop reported a 5% year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with total emissions now at 89,441 tCO₂e. 

The society says it continues to invest in energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting upgrades, refrigeration improvements and thermal blinds. It has also submitted its targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is developing a “comprehensive decarbonisation plan” for its operations. 

Community 

CI Coop says it has donated £46,000 to 47 charities through the Community Fund, with a second tranche planned later this year. Colleagues have contributed 416 hours of volunteering, and over 65,000 food items have been redistributed via Olio, equivalent to 47,150 meals. 

Partners 

Under CI Coop’s partners pillar, it says more than £5m has been spent with over 50 local producers, “supporting the local economy and reducing food miles”. 

Fairtrade product sales reached £1.39m, and local procurement totalled £18.93m. 

People 

CI Coop said that over 3,500 hours of colleague training have been delivered, with “strong engagement” in new e-learning programmes. Equitable pay at the business is “supported by its gender pay gap reporting”. 

CI Coop CEO Mark Cox said: “The commitments made in our strategy are not simply words, they are a clear statement of our intent to deliver our goods and services in a more sustainable way.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful to our colleagues and members who continue to support our journey.” 

Click here to read the full sustainability update report from CI Coop.