UK bakers urging a cautious and responsible resumption of RTPs to protect the supply chain

With the arrival of the peak shopping season, including major events like Black Friday, Halloween, and Christmas, UK supply chains are bracing for a surge in consumer demand.

For UK bakers such as Warburtons, Hovis, and Allied Bakeries, this period presents challenges, especially in ensuring the return of essential returnable transit packaging (RTP), such as bread baskets and dollies.

“The Golden Quarter, from October through December, is one of the most critical periods for the grocery supply chain,” said Paul Empson, general manager of Bakers Basco. “The demand for fresh baked goods soars, and the need for our RTP assets to be in the right place at the right time becomes even more crucial.”

Bakers Basco, a membership scheme, created by the leading UK bakers to manage RTP for the baking industry, reports that more equipment goes missing during this quarter than at any other time of the year. With the fast pace of deliveries, bread baskets and dollies are often misplaced or left behind, disrupting the efficient flow of baked goods to retailers across the UK.

Empson continued: “This isn’t an issue of supply shortages — it’s about equipment being stuck in the wrong place or falling into the wrong hands. When baskets and dollies go missing, it not only hampers our supply chain but also costs us financially and environmentally.”

Missing RTP assets can have significant consequences. Every misplaced basket or dolly means increased costs for replacement and additional waste that could have been avoided if the equipment was reused as intended. These assets are designed to last up to 10 years as part of a sustainable, circular economy — making their proper return even more essential.

“We’re calling on everyone involved in the supply chain — from logistics teams and warehouse staff to supermarket employees and even the general public — to take responsibility for the equipment they handle,” Empson urged. “All our RTP assets are clearly marked with ownership details and a contact number to ensure easy recovery. A responsible return culture is vital, especially during such a busy time.”

As the grocery supply chain gears up for the busiest quarter of the year, Empson sees this as an opportunity to address the issue head-on. “By working together to ensure RTP assets are returned and reused, we can reduce costs, limit waste, and maintain a seamless flow of goods to UK consumers.”

In the Golden Quarter, the stakes are high for the grocery supply chain. Bakers Basco relies on the cooperation of everyone to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of fresh baked goods, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

“Let’s get it right this year — for our customers, our businesses, and our planet,” Empson concluded.

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