Total supply chain solutions specialist, Oakland International, has appointed Vera Bruntink as Sustainability Manager to drive forward their programme of sustainable and environmental initiatives throughout its group of businesses.

Having studied economics in the Netherlands and a marketing internship in New Zealand, Vera completed a master’s degree in management and corporate sustainability at Cranfield University in the UK, and whilst there worked on several sustainability consultancy projects for a range of small to medium-sized enterprises.

Vera commented: “Oakland has always prioritised sustainability from within an industry known for its significant environmental impact, giving me a great starting point for driving impactful sustainable change.”

Oakland has over the years introduced a wide range of sustainable initiatives that fit with

their ethical approach to business and their focus on leading the way in advancing carbon efficiencies.

Added Vera: “My strategic mindset and experience in identifying sustainability issues and opportunities together with my passion for the environment will help me focus on driving the business to become net-zero. In the short term I will be mapping Oakland’s current environmental performance and carbon footprint, after which we can set reduction and net-zero targets, as well as starting with several energy saving initiatives.

“In the longer term I will focus on securing B-Corp accreditation, increasing our on-site energy generation, working on decarbonising our distribution fleet, reducing packaging and waste, basically everything we can do to make Oakland as sustainable as possible.”

A specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain, Oakland International is BRC AA accredited and a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development and currently working towards becoming the first carbon-neutral business within their sector.

Commenting on her appointment, Oakland’s Strategic Development Manager Pete Vaughan said: “We are delighted to welcome Vera to Oakland International to support us with our sustainability agenda.

“I’m sure her knowledge, experience and expertise will be a huge asset as we move forward to attain our environmental goals.”