// Sainsbury’s to invest in start-up businesses with core focus on sustainability
// The first investment is expected to be announced before the end of 2022
Sainsbury’s will invest a minimum of £5 million over the next four years into start-up businesses that focus on sustainability.
The grocer said it will invest in businesses commercialising sustainable technologies that look to reduce operational carbon emissions and water usage, as part of its Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments launch.
Sainsbury’s partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), will scout and invest into early stage companies, not limited to the Sainsbury’s supply chain, across a range of sectors.
The first investment is expected to be announced before the end of 2022.
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Sainsbury’s has already reduced its impact on the environment, having cut its carbon emissions in its own operations by 7% year-on-year and 20% from its 2018/19 baseline.
“We are committed to reaching our Net Zero target of 2035 and are proud to be doing our part in leading the way to create solutions that will reduce carbon emissions and water usage not just in our stores, but across the entire sector,” Sainsbury’s property and procurement director, Patrick Dunne said.
“We know that reducing emissions and water use is a critical part of tackling the climate crisis and to achieve this, we understand the importance of investing in pioneering technologies that can be adopted by all retailers.
“Tackling an issue of this scale requires collaboration and we’re really excited to not only invest in these businesses, but also provide a pathway to in-store use, working towards a more sustainable future for everyone.”
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