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The rise of online marketplaces has provided a platform for individuals to sell unused items, contributing to the circular economy and giving second lives to many products. However, this trend has also led to a troubling increase in the illicit sale of grocery delivery equipment, which threatens the UK’s grocery industry and undermines plastic recycling efforts.

Following Bakers Basco’s PR campaign in August 2023, the situation has only worsened. A recent search for plastic bread trays revealed thousands of items being sold on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. These trays, clearly marked with Bakers Basco’s name, address, and contact details, are vital for the daily transportation of bread across the country.

Over the past year, Bakers Basco identified 89 adverts across various online platforms, including Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and auction sites. These adverts accounted for the attempted sale of a total of 2,864 baskets and 386 dollies. When contacted, a few sellers agreed to remove the equipment from Facebook and allowed Bakers Basco to collect the items. Unfortunately, the majority of sellers ignored messages or claimed that the equipment did not belong to the company, despite the items being emblazoned with Bakers Basco’s logo.

In one notable case, a seller who refused to provide collection details or delist the item had their personal account linked to the advert, revealing their place of employment. Bakers Basco officers visited the location and issued a charge as the seller was found to be misusing the equipment. This intervention led to the recovery of 228 Omega dollies.

Bakers Basco, a leading provider and controller of returnable transit packaging (RTP) for the bakery industry, has appointed a dedicated team to track and combat these illegal online sales. Despite their efforts, the proliferation of online marketplaces has made it increasingly difficult to recover stolen equipment, posing significant challenges for the industry.

Paul Empson, General Manager of Bakers Basco, highlighted the gravity of the issue: “The misuse and illicit sale of our plastic bread baskets is a serious problem for the UK’s bakery industry. These baskets are crucial for maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring the safe transportation of baked goods. Social media platforms, including Facebook Marketplace, must take this issue seriously and implement measures to prevent the illegal sale of such equipment. The impact on the supply chain, food safety, and the environment is too significant to ignore.”

The illicit sale of these baskets not only costs the baking industry considerably each year but also disrupts the supply chain, affecting bakeries, retailers, and consumers alike. Sellers who refuse to return the equipment and demand payment exacerbate the problem, causing additional financial strain and operational disruptions.

Stacey Brown, National Investigations Manager at Bakers Basco, expressed deep concern: “These baskets are designed specifically for our members to ensure safe storage and transportation of baked goods. Selling them for general-purpose use poses contamination risks, compromises food safety, and contributes to the plastic waste problem. This is not a victimless crime; it has real consequences for our industry and the environment.”

In response, Bakers Basco is intensifying its efforts to monitor all social media sites and will take legal action against anyone found selling their equipment online. The company calls on consumers to recognise the impact of such actions on the circular economy and plastic recycling efforts and urges responsible behaviour to preserve the integrity of the supply chain and protect the environment.

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