Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Market Harborough Honey Co., we’re dedicated to producing exceptional honey and spirits while supporting our local community and protecting the planet. We believe that doing the right thing means more than just looking good on the surface – it’s about ensuring every decision we make has a positive impact. From our ethical beekeeping practices to sourcing materials locally and using eco-friendly packaging, sustainability is built into the heart of our business.
Our honey comes from our own apiaries in and around Market Harborough, and our award-winning spirits are produced and bottled right here in town. Ingredients, bottles, labels, and packaging are sourced as locally as possible, reducing our carbon footprint and keeping investment in the local economy. We are proud to offer beehive adoption programmes that help other businesses meet their ESG goals – but before we ask others to invest in sustainability, we make sure we’re living by those values ourselves.
1. Ethical Beekeeping Practices
We put the health and wellbeing of our bees first. Our hives are managed using organic, natural methods that respect the bees’ instincts and needs. We avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides, using only treatments that are safe for both bees and the wider environment.
2. Local Sourcing & Biodiversity
All our honey comes from our own hives, where bees forage on a wide variety of plants native to our region. This not only creates unique, delicious flavour profiles but also promotes biodiversity, supporting a thriving habitat for all pollinators.
3. Supporting the Local Economy
Whenever possible, we partner with local suppliers and use UK-made materials. From harvesting and processing honey to producing spirits, much of our work happens right here in Market Harborough, helping to strengthen the local economy and support neighbouring businesses.
4. Community Engagement
We take pride in participating in local events, from farmers’ markets and food festivals to educational talks and school visits. These events help us raise awareness of the vital role bees play and encourage sustainable practices in our community.
5. Minimising Environmental Impact
We design our processes to reduce waste, energy use, and unnecessary transport. Our packaging is recyclable or biodegradable, and our operations remain local to minimise our carbon footprint.
6. Sustainable Products & Packaging
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Glass – All our jars are UK-made, with at least 35% recycled content, and are 100% recyclable along with their metal lids.
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For our Honey Jars we use Rawlings & Son in Bristol, and for our spirit bottles, we use Croxsons in Surrey.
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Cardboard Boxes – Custom-made from FSC-certified paper, our boxes are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, breaking down naturally within a year. Their exact-fit design prevents waste.
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We use Kite Packaging in Coventry for a large amount of our packaging, and ASC Direct near Bradford for other more specialist customised packaging.
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Labels – Produced in the UK from paper, with recyclable adhesive. We avoid plastic-based labels, choosing sustainable paper alternatives.
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We use Label Apeel in Thurmaston, Leicestershire for all of our labelling needs.
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