Sustainability
At Khalid’s Kakes, we believe every crumb counts when it comes to caring for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a choice for us it’s a responsibility we proudly embrace. From the ingredients we source to the way we bake and package our creations, we’re constantly striving to reduce our impact and make a positive difference. We know there’s still more to do, but every small step brings us closer to a cleaner, greener future for the baking industry.
The UK industrial bakery sector — producing about 2.5 million tonnes of baked goods per year — consumes approximately 2,000 GWh of energy, resulting in around 570,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Additionally, ovens alone account for up to 70% of electricity use in some bakeries.
Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
At Khalid’s Kakes, sustainability is woven into every part of our operations from how we power our bakery to how we deliver our cakes. We continuously invest in practices and technologies that reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote long-term environmental stewardship.
Reducing Power Consumption
All our refrigeration and baking equipment is energy-efficient, designed to minimize power use without compromising quality. We operate fridges, freezers, and ovens only when required and ensure that all appliances are fully powered down when not in use — resulting in an average 20% reduction in annual energy consumption. Our ovens are serviced annually to maintain optimal performance, preventing heat loss that could extend baking times and increase energy demand.
Eliminating Single-Use Materials
We’ve eliminated single-use plastic aprons and disposable hair and beard nets across our bakery. Instead, our team uses durable cotton and nylon aprons that are washed and reused, significantly reducing landfill waste. Similarly, we’ve transitioned to lightweight, reusable hairnets that are both sustainable and more comfortable for our staff.
Internal Recycling and Waste Reduction
We actively reuse materials within our production process — repurposing packaging and supplies to create moulds and structures for our bespoke cakes. Any remaining recyclable materials, such as cardboard and paper, are responsibly sent to recycling centres, ensuring zero waste to landfill from these sources.
Transitioning from Diesel to Electric
To reduce our carbon footprint, we are phasing out diesel delivery vans in favour of fully electric vehicles. We have also optimised our delivery schedules to minimise unnecessary mileage and idle time — including deliveries on designated days and outside peak traffic hours — achieving a 30% reduction in
idle time and lower overall emissions.
Zero Food Waste Policy
- At Khalid’s Kakes, we are proud to operate a zero food waste policy as part of our commitment to sustainable and responsible baking. We believe that great food should never go to waste — especially when it can bring joy to others.
- To ensure that no cakes are discarded, we regularly partner with local charities and community organisations, donating any unsold cakes to those in need. This initiative allows us to share the simple pleasure of something sweet while minimising our environmental impact.
- Additionally, cakes that are not sold are creatively repurposed as “content cakes” for photography, product testing, and marketing purposes — ensuring that every bake serves a purpose.
- By combining thoughtful production, community giving, and creative reuse, we keep waste to an absolute minimum and continue to bake with both purpose and care.
Local ingredients:
- Proudly Handmade in the UK: Every cake is craXed with love right here in the UK. This means we can personally ensure the quality of every ingredient, while keeping our food miles low.
- Locally Sourced Goodness: We believe the best bakes begin with the best ingredients. That’s why we work closely with UK-based suppliers who share our passion for freshness and quality.
- Plant-Based Possibilities: Listening to our customers and caring for the planet, we’re planning to introduce a delicious range of plant-based cakes that deliver on taste while treading lightly on the environment.
- Ethically Sourced Imports: For the few ingredients that can’t be grown locally like our rich coffee we only work with farms and producers who uphold ethical, transparent, and sustainable practices.
- Because at Khalids Kakes, we believe that doing good should taste just as good.