In a significant boost to its ongoing efforts, Bakers Basco has recovered over 2,900 pieces of essential bakery equipment across Northern Ireland last year alone. This includes 1,605 Omega baskets and 1,315 dollies, underscoring the persistent challenges of equipment misuse in the bakery supply chain and the cooperative’s determination to address them head-on to safeguard essential supply chain assets.
Since expanding its operations in Northern Ireland, Bakers Basco’s team has also investigated 32 leads, leading to the recovery of misused equipment and issuing various charges against offenders. From retailers improperly discarding Omega wheels to local markets and online platforms using the equipment unlawfully, the scale of misuse has reached alarming levels, prompting an intensified recovery operation.
Among the more concerning findings, Bakers Basco uncovered incidents of Omega wheels being discarded in skips, equipment used for market displays in Craigavon, and unauthorized sales of Omega baskets on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. These issues highlight the persistent challenges faced by Bakers Basco in its mission to protect the circular economy for the UK bakery industry.
“Over 2,900 pieces of equipment recovered in just one region demonstrates the magnitude of the problem we’re tackling,” said Stacey Brown, National Investigations Manager for Bakers Basco. “Every basket or dolly misused disrupts the supply chain, burdens bakeries financially and detracts from the sustainability of the circular economy we’re striving to protect. We’re leaving no stone unturned to educate, investigate, and, when necessary, pursue legal action to ensure compliance.”
Legal action remains a last resort, typically preceded by efforts to recover equipment through cooperation and education. Bakers Basco continues to work closely with Worthingtons Law to address ongoing legal cases in the region, with one case already successfully settled this year.
“From shops tossing Omega wheels into skips to unauthorized resales online, the scale of misuse is staggering,” adds Brown. “We’re committed to taking every step necessary – which includes educational briefings with bakers and drivers – to ensure the equipment stays in the right hands and continues to serve its purpose within the circular economy.”
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