As we step into 2025, the food logistics industry finds itself at a critical juncture. Building on the challenges and lessons of 2024, businesses are striving to balance economic resilience, sustainability and consumer expectations in an increasingly volatile landscape. Reflecting on last year’s insights, it's clear that flexibility and innovation are more important than ever. Here are some key trends and challenges that I believe will shape our industry in 2025.
Continued Economic Pressures and Cost Management
Economic turbulence in 2024, from fluctuating fuel prices and rising inflation placed unprecedented pressure on food logistics. While there are hopeful signs of stabilisation, economic uncertainty remains a constant. For many in the food supply chain, including us at Bakers Basco, managing costs without compromising service has become a delicate balancing act. To stay competitive, companies will need to continue adopting efficiency-boosting technologies and closely monitor operating expenses ensuring that any savings can be reinvested to withstand future disruptions. The road to profitability remains long, but with careful planning and a commitment to resilience the industry is well-positioned to navigate these financial headwinds.
Reusable Transit Packaging and the Circular Economy
At Bakers Basco we’ve championed reusable transit packaging solutions as part of our commitment to a circular economy. The demand for sustainable packaging options only increased in 2024, and I anticipate this will accelerate in 2025. More companies are recognising the value of reusable packaging—not just as a cost-saving measure, but as a way to reduce environmental impact. Our bread baskets and dollies, designed to be used thousands of times, are one way we’ve actively contributed to this shift. In 2025, we plan to expand our efforts of keeping these baskets in circulation by introducing more technology-driven initiatives such as more GPS tracking devises, which have proved a huge success since being introduced a couple of years ago. We have always been aware that a more circular approach will not only reduce waste but also lower costs in the long term, benefitting both our baker members and the environment.
Plastic Packaging Tax and EPR Scheme Developments
The government’s Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme were significant topics in 2024, with the deferral of the EPR scheme to October 2025 being a particularly welcome decision for many businesses following lobbying of the UK’s major food manufacturers. While the goals of these policies are crucial - reducing plastic waste and improving recycling rates - it’s essential that they are implemented in ways that do not disproportionately burden businesses. Next year, I hope to see meaningful adjustments to these schemes that account for industry concerns, including potential exemptions or incentives for companies using durable, reusable RTP solutions like ours. The new government should use this extra time to strengthen recycling infrastructure which remains insufficient to meet the rising demand for recycled plastic. Proper investment in this area would be a game-changer for the industry.
Driving Awareness for Sustainable Practices
In 2024, Bakers Basco continued with our national poster campaign targeting industries beyond food logistics to promote circular economy principles. This initiative not only raised awareness but also positioned us as thought leaders in the sustainable packaging movement. In 2025, we aim to build on this momentum with new campaigns that engage stakeholders from diverse sectors. Expanding these efforts will help create a broader, collaborative push towards sustainability.
Conclusion
As we look to the future it’s clear that businesses in the food logistics industry will need to remain agile and proactive. By advocating for sensible regulatory changes and driving awareness we can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable industry. At Bakers Basco, we’re committed to playing our part, not only in meeting current challenges but in setting a new standard for what the industry can achieve.