The report outlines the group’s future commitments towards sustainability and five areas of focus for future initiatives, which are aligned to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), and the group’s ESG performance for the 2021 financial year and the first six months of 2022.
Tortilla says its ESG strategy is based on three core pillars: to reduce its impact on the environment; to attract, develop and retain its people and core values; and to enhance its positive impact on society and the communities where it operates
Highlights of Tortilla’s progress so far include maintaining zero waste to landfill status, procuring 100% renewable electricity and offsetting gas, and turning all waste cooking oil into bio-diesel.
The group has also launched a partnership with food waste organisation Too Good To Go with all raised funds going to ESG initiatives, and has started a local burrito donations programme.
It says it is also driving wellbeing and career progression through the Tortilla apprenticeship scheme, and has raised more than £37,000 for charity over the past year.
“We are proud to be sharing our first ESG report, as we emerge from and continue to navigate what has been a very challenging period for many,” says chief executive Richard Morris.
“The pandemic and the months since have shown the importance of building a business that is resilient and sustainable in its operations, and customers are expecting this from us now more than ever.”
The company’s commitments include developing a net zero roadmap, verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and implementing strategies to reach this. It will also reduce waste, improve data capture across all staff and introduce further training initiatives to aid retention and support long-term career progression.
“The urgency of issues such as climate change and growing socio-economic challenges is clear, and our focus now is on our plans and commitments to reducing our impact on the environment while enhancing our positive impact on our communities and society as a whole,” adds Morris.
“This will be a central part of our business operations moving forward, and I look forward to reporting on our progress in this area over the coming years.”