UK leading plastics recycler and compounder Luxus, has began research at its in-house Technical Centre to address the escalating problem of transit packaging theft and loss suffered by its bakery client, Allied Bakeries.
James Ballantyne, Sales Manager at Luxus, said: "At Luxus we've been supplying the UK baking industry with our specialist 'closed loop' recycling service for 'end of life' bread baskets for a few years now.
"It had become increasingly apparent that despite our efforts to reduce carbon and save cost for bakeries by re-engineering their old bread baskets to re-enter their supply chains, that the major cost to bakers still remained unchanged - replacing the baskets once they have been lost or stolen.
"Our aim therefore, is to address the 'three C's' for bakers - carbon, cost and now crime by introducing aids to prevent theft. We are currently trialling the development of new technically advanced additives for Allied Bakeries as an anti-fraud measure for bread basket theft.
"The new additives will be used for the manufacture of traceable bread baskets to both deter and aid detection of theft. The addition of these unique additives will ensure that they are less desirable to secondary materials markets and are easier to detect, while maintaining the same high quality performance.
Jacquie Cahill, Supply Chain Director at Allied Bakeries, comments: "We welcome the efforts being made by suppliers, such as Luxus, to tackle this industry-wide issue. Baskets are used throughout our supply chain to deliver our bread and bakery products, and we incur enormous costs in replacing those that go missing during the process. We believe in providing a quality product as cost effectively as possible, and fully support new innovations that reduce supply chain costs and the potential for theft."
According to the bakery alliance, Bakers Basco which was established to tackle this very issue, 'the theft of bread baskets and dollies has been a problem for numerous years. Replacement rates range typically between 40 per cent and 100 per cent.'
James Ballantyne continues, "Being able to prevent loss and improve recovery rates will not only reduce costs but significantly improve supply chain efficiencies, saving our clients significant sums each year. So at Luxus we are looking forward to finding a highly cost effective and carbon positive solution to this long-standing issue."