Market Harborough Honey Co. is committed to supporting the local economy. The ingredients, bottles, labels and packaging are sourced as locally as possible. Our honey is harvested from our very own apiaries local to Market Harborough and our spirits are produced and bottled at a distillery in Market Harborough too.
As beekeepers we do like to think we are doing our bit for the planet by having millions of bees, however some things can look good on the surface to then find its not so great underneath. We have detailed all our key areas below where things come from and are made, along with how recyclable they are.
For us to offer beehive adoption, which is seen as a very socially responsible thing to invest in and to help other companies meet there ESG targets, we need to ensure we are actually being responsible ourselves.
1. Ethical Beekeeping Practices
We prioritise the health and well-being of our bees. Our hives are managed using organic and natural methods that respect the bees’ natural behaviours and needs. We avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides, opting for treatments that are safe for both the bees and the ecosystem.
2. Local Sourcing and Biodiversity
We source our honey from our own hives, ensuring that our bees forage on a diverse range of plants native to our region. This not only contributes to the unique flavour profiles of our honey but also promotes local biodiversity. By supporting local flora, we help maintain a healthy environment for all pollinators.
3. Supporting the Local Economy
We are committed to strengthening our local economy by sourcing materials and partnering with local suppliers whenever possible. Our honey is harvested and processed right here in the community, ensuring that a portion of our profits stays local and supports neighbouring businesses and families.
4. Participation in Local Events
We actively participate in community events, where we promote awareness of bees and their vital role in our ecosystem. By engaging with the public at farmers’ markets, festivals, and educational fairs, we help spread the message about sustainable practices and the importance of protecting pollinators.
5. Minimal Environmental Impact
Our production processes are designed to minimize waste and energy consumption. We use eco-friendly packaging made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. Additionally, we strive to reduce our carbon footprint by maintaining local operations and using sustainable transportation methods for distribution.
6. Using Sustainable Products & Packaging
Our jars are all manufactured in the UK, and and current industry standard is that 35% of each new jar made comes from recycled glass. All of our glass jars and lids are 100% recyclable. We do not import jars from abroad, we source them from a supplier we have vetted and happy with. The lids are made from metal are also 100% recyclable.
We use tight fitting custom made corrugated cardboard for our packing cases, this cardboard is sourced from an FSC certified paper supplier. We ensure the boxes are an exact size as to not produce any non essential waste. Our boxes are all made in the UK, and not only are they 100% recyclable, but they are also 100% biodegradable taking no more than 1 year to fully biodegrade and be reclaimed by the planet.
Every jar of honey comes with a label. This label is produced in the UK and is made from paper. The only part of the label which is possibly not so easy to recycle is the adhesive, however, this is commonly recycled even when left on the jar. We chose not to go down the route of having polythene labels as we do not like the idea of using plastic when we can use paper.
7. Supporting Pollinator Health
In addition to our own hives, we actively participate in programs aimed at protecting and enhancing pollinator habitats. We collaborate with local farmers and organisations to promote planting wildflowers and creating bee-friendly environments that support all pollinators.
8. Continuous Improvement
Sustainability is an ongoing journey. We regularly assess our practices and seek innovative ways to enhance our operations. Feedback from our customers and community is invaluable as we strive to improve our environmental impact and promote sustainability in the honey industry.
Join Us on Our Journey
By choosing Market Harborough Honey Co., you’re not just enjoying our delicious honey; you’re supporting a sustainable future for bees and our planet. Together, we can make a difference, one jar of honey at a time. Thank you for being a part of our mission!
