Boxed Drinks LTD: Our Sustainability Commitment

Since I started Boxed Drinks in 2017 with a single horse trailer, the goal has always been to bring something unique and high-quality to events across the UK. I’m a firm believer that "quirky" shouldn't mean "wasteful."

While our fleet is vintage, our approach to the environment is focused on the future. We don’t claim to be perfect, but we are committed to making honest, incremental changes to ensure our business treats the planet with respect.

1. Honest Packaging

We have moved away from single-use plastics wherever the market allows. We focus on materials that are easier for event waste teams to process:

• Recyclable Cups: We source high-quality recyclable cups for all our hot drinks.

• Natural Materials: We use wooden stirrers and paper straws as standard.

• Waste Reduction: We encourage "bring your own cup" initiatives at regular sites and are always happy to integrate with an event’s specific reusable cup scheme.

2. Sourcing with Integrity

As the face of the business, I personally vet who we work with to ensure our values align.

• Coffee: We partner with 200 Degrees, whose commitment to direct trade ensures farmers are paid fairly and environmental standards are met at the origin.

• Milk Alternatives: We always stock a variety of plant-based milk to provide lower-carbon options for our customers as standard.

3. The Fleet: Preserving, Not Producing

I’m often asked about our vintage trucks. It’s true—these vehicles were built in an era before modern emissions standards. However, we view our fleet through the lens of the Circular Economy:

• Restoration over Production: By restoring and maintaining vintage vehicles like our 1985 Land Rover, we avoid the massive carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping new commercial vehicles.

• Maintenance: I personally ensure every vehicle is maintained to the highest mechanical standard to run as efficiently as possible for its age.

• Logistics: We plan our routes meticulously to minimise "empty miles" and ensure our travel is as direct and purposeful as possible.

4. Operations on Site

We respect the ground we stand on. Whether we are at a festival, a wedding, or a corporate pop-up, we aim to leave no trace.

• Clean Power: Most of our trucks are equipped with high-capacity Lithium battery systems. These are charged at our base prior to the event, allowing us to run our operations off-grid for many hours. This eliminates the need for noisy, fossil-fuel-heavy generators and ensures silent, emission-free operation on-site.

• Waste Management: We strictly follow on-site requirements for safe and responsible disposal, ensuring our back-of-house waste is handled correctly.

• Chemicals: We use biodegradable cleaning products to ensure we don't leave harmful residues behind after we pack up.

5. Looking Ahead

Sustainability is a journey. My promise is that Boxed Drinks will continue to listen to our partners and customers, adapting our kit and our menu as better, greener options become available.

Rob Elliott Founder, Boxed Drinks LTD