STRATEGY TO SOCIAL EFFECT
Social procurement transforms everyday purchasing decisions into opportunities for meaningful change, benefiting people, planet and profits. NEW MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT
BANDSAW BLADE SAFETY THE GLUTEN-FREE ADVANTAGE GET EVENT READY
With forty years in procurement, Uniting’s Chris Heptinstall shares why problem-solving, curiosity and ethical impact define his approach to complex supply chains – and storytelling.
Whatever your business, you’ll be getting ready for busier, warmer days ahead. And this edition of Flair brings you all the hot topics.
Modern slavery and an ethical supply chain remain front of mind for us all. The newly released Bunzl APAC Modern Slavery Statement provides more detail on the work and commitment we continue to focus on in this space (pgs 4, 5, 33).
It’s the season for BBQs, outings, holidays and entertainment –so whether you’re a butcher, hotelier or large event venue, we have some ideas and insights around bulking up your offering with gluten-free alternatives (pg 26), being washroom ready (pg 22), and using the best heavyduty commercial cleaning products (pg 16). We also take a sharp look at safety and PPE when it comes to blade use in meat processing environments (pg 30).
There are a couple of new products catching our eye –HOBART’s Premax FP dishwasher, which delivers a superior wash while reducing water consumption by 60% (pg 6), and Katermaster’s blue cling wrap, easily identified and retrieved if inadvertently mixed within food products (pg 7).
Our Feature Guest is Chris Heptinstall from Uniting Care, who shares his fascinating life’s journey (pg 34) – and meet Brian Sherriff, Bunzl’s BDM for Healthcare (pg 35). Both Chris and Brian contribute to our feature article on social procurement and the role we can all play in corporate responsibility (pg 8).
Enjoy this edition. We put it together with you in mind.
Mark Phelan Managing Director, Bunzl Australia & New Zealand
4 & 5 Spotlight: Sustainability
6 The Process: Less Water, Full Impact
7 Check Out: Wrap Smart
8 Purposeful Supply Chain
Reframing procurement: embedding ethics, sustainability, and local impact into sourcing.
12 Cut Risk, Not Corners
Learn about safety protocols for equipment handling in meat processing environments.
16 Beyond The Surface
Hygiene, sustainability and efficiency: the trifecta driving hospitality cleaning strategies.
18 Power In Partnership
Explore how First Nations procurement builds resilience and generational community impact.
22 Planning Big
Discover how clean washrooms increase repeat attendance for large, busy stadium venues.
26 Evolving The Offer
Explore the benefits of gluten-free value-added products in-store for butchers and meat providers.
30 Sharp Focus On Safety
How proper blade maintenance prevents injuries and improves productivity for those working in the meat processing industry.
33 Policy Into Practice
The value of turning static strategy into operational practice.
34 Between Two Worlds
Cover Photography: Graham Werner
Procurement and storytelling converge: Chris Heptinstall’s expertise inspires both business solutions and crime fiction plots.
31 Expert Q&A
With Bunzl’s Brian Sherriff.
Cover Photography: James Moffatt
Bunzl Asia Pacific’s 2025 Modern Slavery Statement affirms its commitment to ethical sourcing and protecting human rights.
Modern slavery is estimated to affect over 50 million people globally. For Australian and New Zealand businesses, the challenge is not just awareness but identifying and addressing risks hidden deep in multi-tiered supply chains – and ensuring change is accessible across the whole business, so that all employees, regardless of their role, are equipped to identify and respond to potential risks of modern slavery. At Bunzl Asia Pacific, protecting human rights is integral to how the business operates, particularly in high-risk sourcing regions. This commitment is shared in the company’s recently released Modern Slavery Statement. Bunzl takes a strong, risk-based approach to responsible sourcing, and a key element of this approach is the company’s global risk assessment model, developed with assurance experts LRQA. In 2024, Bunzl assessed 1175 suppliers globally through its supply chain audit program. The company’s Global Supply Chain Solutions team conducts audits to assess compliance with Bunzl’s ethical sourcing policies. These audits examine a wide range of issues, including the use of child, forced or bonded labour, working hours, wages, disciplinary practices and occupational health and safety.
Internally, staff are equipped with training and awareness campaigns to help them recognise and act on social risks. For customers, it means confidence in products sourced with integrity and care; for employees, confidence in knowing they’re part of the solution. “Leadership also plays a vital role,” says Felicity Kelly, Head of Sustainability at Bunzl Asia Pacific. “Leaders set the tone, ensure the right resources are available, and foster a culture where doing the right thing is expected.”
Rather than severing ties with non-compliant suppliers, Bunzl takes a constructive approach – promoting improvement. A collaborative framework built on dialogue, corrective action plans, and regular followups acknowledges the operational pressures many suppliers face – from limited resources to complex local labour dynamics. Working with suppliers through these challenges helps lift standards across the board while maintaining stable, long-term relationships.
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2028 has brought supply chains into sharp focus, and Bunzl Asia Pacific’s Modern Slavery Statement offers a benchmark for businesses navigating ethical sourcing obligations.
With the release of its Modern Slavery Statement, Bunzl Asia Pacific offers a compelling blueprint for Australian and New Zealand businesses aiming to meet the complexity of modern slavery reporting. The statement provides insights into the operational shifts required to maintain ethical sourcing integrity across complex supply chains.
In Australia, the Modern Slavery Act 2018 requires entities with annual consolidated revenue of at least $100 million to report on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. They must also describe the actions they are taking to assess and address those risks through an annual Modern Slavery Statement submitted to the government. Failure to meet modern slavery reporting standards can result in reputational harm and greater regulatory attention, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management for Australian businesses.
At the core of Bunzl’s strategy is a risk-based framework that prioritises suppliers in higher-risk countries and sectors, using historical audit data, publicly available information
and advanced risk-monitoring tools. This approach helps procurement teams anticipate compliance issues and build stronger relationships with suppliers.
Business leaders must also foster a culture of transparency and accountability not only across their supply chain but within their own organisations as well. Bunzl’s Speak Up Policy, supported by accessible reporting channels and visible reminders, demonstrates how businesses can empower employees to raise potential issues early. By framing modern slavery risk management as an ongoing journey, Bunzl reinforces that compliance extends beyond audits and paperwork. It requires active partnership with suppliers, ongoing training and adaptive strategies aligned with shifting regulatory environments.
Engineered for water efficiency, the HOBART Premax FP dishwasher reduces consumption by up to 60% – a water-wise solution for operators managing volume, quality control and sustainability all at once.
WATER EFFICIENCY in commercial catering shouldn’t just be a luxury; it should be an imperative. As the Australian and New Zealand hospitality sectors confront rising utility costs and tightening sustainability standards, warewashing remains a significant source of resource consumption. According to Sydney Water, the benchmark for water efficiency in a commercial kitchen is < 35 L per food cover, while an inefficient volume sits at > 45 L per food cover.
Traditional undercounter dishwashers can use up to 2.5 litres of water per cycle. The HOBART Premax FP uses just 0.8. That difference scales rapidly across a commercial kitchen, such as in a hotel, event centre or busy pub, running hundreds of covers daily. Operators can expect up to 68% savings in water and chemical consumption, without sacrificing hygiene, drying performance or cycle speed. In real terms, it translates to thousands of litres saved each month; an appealing prospect as water costs continue to rise and local governments introduce stricter conservation frameworks.
The Premax FP’s integrated drying functionality eliminates the need for towel finishing or secondary handling, while its unique steam management system recaptures waste heat to tackle heavily soiled washware. This reduces energy load and avoids excess steam emissions when the door opens – an understated but essential comfort and safety feature for high-volume teams and operations. Paired with self-cleaning wash arms that eliminate manual cleaning
between runs, this mechanism streamlines operations and supports consistent hygiene standards without interrupting flow.
For businesses seeking even more versatility, the optional cutlery premium upgrade introduces a fast, built-in polishing cycle, eliminating the need for standalone polishers. In an industry where every square metre counts, this level of integration is a strategic advantage.
Commercial kitchens in hotels, stadiums and event venues require machines that run hard and smart. With the HOBART Premax FP, reduced water usage isn’t a trade-off, it’s a competitive edge.
Contact your local Bunzl representative.
In fast-paced kitchens, visibility isn’t a luxury; it’s a safeguard. Katermaster’s new blue cling wrap helps reduce risk, improve detectability and support food safety at scale.
THINK OF A BUSY commercial kitchen or foodservice scene: it thrives on rhythm. Orders come in, plates go out, and behind the scenes, the smallest kitchen essentials can either aid or interrupt the flow. Cling wrap is one of those everyday essentials, relied on to preserve freshness, prevent contamination and minimise food waste. Katermaster’s new blue cling wrap fits into this structure, offering an instantly visible layer of quality control. But this isn’t just a tweak to a kitchen classic – it marks a shift.
Cling wrap has long been a foodservice staple. Now, it’s also a tool for quality assurance. In settings like large-scale commercial kitchens or institutional food prep, where hundreds or thousands of meals are assembled in shifts, traceability and detectability –or the ability to identify and track food safety risks – is essential. Detectability ensures any foreign object, like a piece of wrap, can be spotted quickly before it becomes a problem.
Blue cling wrap stands out clearly against the full spectrum of food types, making it easy to identify when wrap has been applied and, crucially, if any has been misplaced or dropped in food. If a fragment of wrap is accidentally introduced into food, it’s seen and removed, reducing the risks of contamination or foreign object detection incidents and meal recall.
It’s a deliberate safety mechanism that aligns with the same logic behind blue adhesive bandages in foodservice first aid kits: visibility reduces risk during prep, transport or packaging.
Blue cling wrap might seem like a minor change, but in professional food environments, it represents a measurable operational advantage. Visibility is not just about optics. It’s about prevention, control and trust. In fast-paced foodservice settings, it’s one more way to safeguard standards while keeping everything moving.
BY TAKING AN ETHICAL APPROACH TO PROCUREMENT, BUSINESSES CAN SUPPORT REAL SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE, AS WELL AS ENHANCE THEIR REPUTATIONS.
For many businesses, procurement is about more than just product and price. Increasingly, organisations are using it as a force for good.
Social procurement – businesses using their buying power to create social or environmental benefits – is on the rise. Australian businesses spent $1.1 billion with social enterprises over the seven years between 2018 and 2024, including a record $257 million in the 2023-24 financial year, says the social enterprise industry body and certifier, Social Traders.
On both sides of the Tasman, government rules mandating social procurement have been a big factor in its rise, says Brian Sherriff,
key account manager at Bunzl Australia & New Zealand. But they are not the only element driving organisations to take a more ethical approach.
“Social procurement is gaining traction across many industries, driven by government policies, stakeholder expectations and ESG commitments,” says Sherriff. Organisations are reframing value to include impact, transparency and ethical sourcing. “Procurement leaders have an opportunity to open doors for smaller social enterprises, and many are taking that opportunity.” Approaching procurement with ethical or sustainable outcomes in mind can have a cascade of benefits on both sides of the transaction.
“You’ve got to look at procurement as more than a transaction. It’s an opportunity to solve problems, to shape relationships, and to set standards. When you treat your suppliers as partners – as a community pulling in the same direction – you can achieve longterm value that extends well beyond price.”
According to Social Traders, Australia has more than 12,000 social enterprises, contributing $21 billion to the economy every year, and buying from them can have a big impact: that social procurement spend since 2018 has created 10,000 jobs and more than 918,000 training hours for people otherwise shut out of work, as well as delivering $88.1 million in affordable and accessible community services and diverting more than 56,000 tonnes of waste from landfill.
Buying from social enterprises, disabilityinclusive suppliers, and Indigenous-owned businesses doesn’t just support those enterprises and their direct work. It can have a broader impact, supporting local economies, boosting inclusivity and jobs, bolstering local resilience, and rewarding local entrepreneurs and innovation.
It also provides several benefits for the business doing the procuring. Social procurement can be a powerful way to improve a brand’s reputation in the minds of consumers, who are increasingly aware of brands’ ethical credentials and want to spend their money on businesses whose ethics align with their own. It can also be an important tool for boosting staff morale and engagement, and retaining employees – particularly young
ones – who increasingly want to work for purposeful employers. By engaging with a wider range of people and businesses, buyers may find new opportunities for collaboration arising and unearth new sources of inspiration and innovation. Businesses that engage in social procurement can also boost their supply chain resilience; a diverse range of ethically minded suppliers may prove more resilient to disruption when times get tough.
For large organisations across Australia and New Zealand, one of the strongest cases for social procurement lies in risk management. Governments are tightening global supply chain expectations around modern slavery, carbon emissions and labour standards. By partnering with transparent and values-aligned suppliers, companies gain visibility into their supply chains and reduce exposure to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, or sudden supply shocks. These partnerships can also create agility. Smaller social enterprises are often closer to their communities and more responsive to shifting conditions. That responsiveness can give businesses access to innovation and flexible service delivery models that may not emerge
from conventional procurement relationships. Over time, the effect is amassed: resilient, diverse and values-led supply chains.
Chris Heptinstall, the head of procurement at the social services organisation Uniting, says he regards ESG responsibilities as being just as important as cost and ease of process for staff when it comes to making procurement decisions. “Staff and stakeholders alike expect us to operate with integrity, and that means embedding ESG considerations in all purchasing decisions,” he says.
“Procurement is more than just a transaction. It’s an opportunity to solve problems, to shape relationships, and to set standards. When you treat your suppliers as partners – as a community pulling in the same direction – you can achieve long-term value that extends well beyond price.” By embedding social and environmental responsibility into supply chains, companies have the power to not just do good but also enhance their reputations and gain the business benefits that come with that. Procurement can create real, lasting change for the businesses doing the buying, as well as for people and the planet.
FOR BUTCHERS, ABATTOIRS, AND SEAFOOD PROCESSORS, SAFEGUARDING STAFF FROM CUTS IS A CRITICAL PRIORITY. CUT-RESISTANT GLOVES ARE THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE. HERE’S HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GLOVE FOR THE TASK.
Whether it’s boning in an abattoir or filleting in a seafood plant, hands are on the front line and at high risk. Cuts are one of the most common injuries in food processing and manufacturing, and a key contributor to lost time. According to WorkSafe NZ, cuts and burns are frequently reported injuries in the food and beverage services sector.
Gloves are essential protection in food processing settings, but the wrong choice can do more harm than good. “You need a glove that matches the risk, the task, and the environment,” says Tracy Ngui, Bunzl ANZ Category Manager for PPE “That’s why standards matter so much when selecting the right glove.”
Selecting gloves starts with decoding the global standards. The EN388 European standard has been widely adopted in Australia and New Zealand as AS/NZS 2161.3 and rates gloves across:
• Abrasion resistance (1–4)
• Blade-cut resistance (using the original Coup test, 1–5)
• Tear resistance (1–4)
• Puncture resistance (1–4)
• TDM cut resistance (A–F, via ISO 13997)
• Level F is the highest cut level – suitable for high-risk tasks like meat deboning and blade handling.
“For heavy-duty tasks, nothing less than Level F should be on your radar,” explains Ngui.
“Allcare Cut Resistant Gloves, for instance, are rated 4X4XF – top performance on abrasion and cut hazards and certified to withstand more than 30 newtons of downward pressure or the equivalent of dropping a 3kg weight onto a sharp blade edge directly onto the glove."
Discover Allcare's Cut Resistant Gloves by scanning here.
High density PE fibres wrapped around stainless steel filament core.
Sizes Available – Small to 5XL
FIT
It’s not just about cut level – it’s about finding the right mix of protection, comfort and usability. Consider the following features when selecting gloves:
Ill-fitting gloves can increase risk – prioritise the comfort and range of motion critical for repetitive cutting or trimming tasks
DEXTERITY
Fine gauge yarns better support detailed tasks requiring dexterity and can help reduce fatigue
MATERIAL
Blended materials such as stainless-steel mesh or high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) balance cut resistance, durability, and comfort
DURABILITY
Consider products that can withstand multiple commercial washes in high-turnover environments
COLOUR-CODING
Facilitates easy sizing and wash-cycle tracking for greater efficiency.
“The best glove isn’t the most expensive – it’s the one your team actually wants to wear,” says Ngui. “If it fits well, feels right, and doesn’t get in the way, it’s far more likely to stay on – and that’s where real protection starts.”
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FROM LOBBIES TO KITCHENS, NOT ALL SURFACES ARE THE SAME. ACCOMMODATION SPACES NEED TARGETED CLEANING SOLUTIONS THAT WORK HARD WHERE IT MATTERS MOST.
As international tourism fully rebounds in 2025 – as forecasted by the UN World Tourism Organization – Australia and New Zealand’s accommodation sector will feel the ripple effect across every floorboard, shower grout and buffet counter. But before the first guest steps into their room, the first thing they notice (even subconsciously) is cleanliness. And that starts in the high-traffic zones: lobbies, lifts, food service areas, shared washrooms and dining floors. Recent polling by ahs hospitality reinforces this point. When asked which aspects of housekeeping make the greatest impact on a guest’s stay, 74% of respondents emphasised that all elements matter — from staff courtesy to personalised service. Yet one area stood out: ‘thorough room cleaning.’ Guests are acutely aware of how carefully their room has been prepared, and this attention to detail can influence everything from their overall comfort to whether they return or recommend the property.
From tiled lobbies to food-prep benches, every zone has unique hygiene needs. In food service areas, especially, the stakes are high: degreasers, anti-microbial sanitisers, detergents and pH-neutral floor solutions help keep things hygienic, safe and visibly clean.
Unlike off-the-shelf products, commercialgrade solutions are crafted with chemical properties that deliberately target grime, scale, biofilm and bacteria across all sorts of materials. The chemical composition itself needs to be tough enough to produce fast results, yet also be gentle enough so as not to damage the surface or pose any risk to guests (or staff).
There’s also a long-term financial lens to consider. Deep cleaning routines not only reduce allergens and bacteria, they help protect the life of carpets, upholstered furniture and high-value décor. Hospitality companies that adopt professional-grade cleaning solutions often find they can extend the replacement cycle of luxury furnishings by several years, resulting in significant cost savings. In competitive accommodation
markets, this balance between guest satisfaction and operational efficiency is becoming a key and poignant differentiator.
Accommodation-based restaurants and kitchens face daily peaks, from the rush of breakfast buffets to last service. Meanwhile, laundry teams push linen through highvolume cycles where quality must be preserved. Neutral detergents, odour control and spotspecific sanitisers all play a role in helping businesses meet expectations. In kitchen and restaurant areas, degreasers and sanitisers work hard in maintaining hygiene and ensuring safety between service periods. Hard flooring in hallways and other high-traffic areas tend to need degreasers or solvents that can break down residue from food and spills. However, choosing the right cleaning product should never be just about the soil type. Some things to consider: occupancy levels, guest turnover, peak footfall across zones. All of these things (and more) can influence the product you
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end up choosing. Chains like Hilton and Accor operate at high capacity across Australia and New Zealand, which drives up demand and means cleaners need to use solutions that are not only highly effective but will continue to work hard under constant use.
“The busier the space, the more dependable the products need to be,” says Lach Nankervis, GM Hospitality at Bunzl. “When guest numbers are high, consistency and reliable products give cleaning teams the freedom to focus on the guest experience instead of just product dependability and whether the tools will hold up during large-scale cleaning operations.”
Sustainability is also a very important factors. Concentrated formulations that use less product per spray/wipe, have less packaging and – perhaps most importantly –keep water consumption to a minimum are seeing a marked uptick in favourability among hospitality businesses.
With the right cleaning products in place, businesses can confidently maintain hygiene across every surface, shift and service.
BY PARTNERING WITH FIRST NATIONS SUPPLIERS, BUSINESSES CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN RECONCILIATION AND INDEPENDENCE.
Working with Indigenous suppliers is about much more than ticking boxes.
It is about investing in Indigenous independence, creating new generations of entrepreneurs, and supporting sustainable long-term job creation, and social and economic empowerment.
Indigenous businesses make a real difference to people’s lives. Every dollar of revenue generated by Indigenous businesses in Australia creates $3.66 of economic and social value, according to The Sleeping Giant Rises, a 2025 report by the Indigenous business certifier, Supply Nation, of which Bunzl is a corporate member.
That equates to $42.6 billion of social value each year for Indigenous business owners, their employees, their households and Community.
“Doing business with Indigenous businesses creates additional social value experienced as agency and control over life, expanded aspirations, financial security, pride, physical health and mental wellbeing, improved family relationships and stronger connections to Culture and Country,” the report says.
Indigenous enterprises tend to reinvest directly into their communities, creating employment pathways, mentoring future leaders, nurturing local capability and developing an increased sense of pride.
As well as driving positive impact in their own communities, Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing to the prosperity of all Australians, Supply Nation says. Despite their vital role in regional and national growth, the contributions of these businesses can be underestimated. They not only generate employment and drive innovation, but also invest in skills development and long-term sustainability programs.
“Doing business with Indigenous businesses creates additional social value experienced as agency and control over life, expanded aspirations, financial security, pride, physical health and mental wellbeing, improved family relationships and stronger connections to Culture and Country,” the report says.
The Australian government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) has been a major driver of growth in revenue for Indigenous suppliers in recent years, by encouraging the use of Indigenous businesses in government contracts, generating more than $9.5 billion for Indigenous businesses since 2015.
Private businesses are also increasingly choosing to engage Indigenous suppliers, says Mark Phelan, Bunzl Australia & New Zealand’s Managing Director. “We see more and more of our customers –government and non-government – asking for First Nations representation in our product and service suppliers,” Phelan says.
As well as supporting reconciliation and building multi-generational wealth, partnering with Indigenous suppliers can also benefit the procurer, bringing depth, meaning and connection to your brand.
Today’s consumers are more conscious than ever – they want to support businesses that stand for something. Partnering with Indigenous suppliers enriches your supply chain with purpose, authenticity and innovation. Brands should be investing in the idea that partnering with Indigenous businesses is a move toward resilience. These partnerships deepen local supply networks, diversify innovation pipelines and create embedded value that can’t be replicated offshore or at scale without local knowledge.
For businesses serious about long-term relevance and integrity, Indigenous procurement is not peripheral; it’s foundational.
Partnering with Indigenous businesses allows brands to demonstrate that they “walk the talk” and are proud to put their principles into action. First Nations’ business owners also lead by example. “Indigenous business owners are role models for their families, employees and communities, demonstrating that it is
possible to break the cycle of disadvantage and bring mob along with them, without compromising their values,” Supply Nation says.
Among Indigenous businesses, economic activity often goes hand-in-hand with a strong commitment to delivering generational benefits for Community. This alignment of purpose maintains highly motivated and values-driven enterprises.
One such business owner is Lane Stockton, the CEO and co-founder of Yarn’n, an Indigenous-owned business that supplies recycled toilet paper, donates 50% of its profits to First Nations education, and recently teamed up with Bunzl to enable national B2B distribution.
“When you back Indigenous-owned businesses, you’re helping to build wealth that stays in the community, not just for today, but for future generations,” says Stockton. “It means job creation, skill development, and pride in seeing our culture embedded in everyday products and services.
“Working with partners like Bunzl is proof that when Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses work together with respect and purpose, we can shift the landscape, not just for our generation, but for those coming after us
Scan to see the results of Bunzl’s collaboration with Indigenous organisation Corporate.Connect.AB (CCAB).
D o u b l e Wa l l H o t C
SUSDWAS08/CCAB 8oz (80mm)
SUSDWAS12/CCAB 12oz (90mm)
P u l p L i d s
SUSHCLP080 Fits 8oz (80mm)
SUSHCLP090 Fits 12oz (90mm)
Sustain CCAB Aqueous Hot Cups are designed by Indigenous artists Allan Sumner and Russell ‘Yilamara’ Brown, in collaboration with Corporate.Connect.AB (CCAB)
g l e Wa l l H o t C u p s
SUSSWRB08/CCAB 8oz (80mm)
SUSSWRB12/CCAB 12oz (90mm)
P L A L i d s SUSHCL8 Fits 8oz (80mm)
SUSHCL12/16 Fits 12oz (90mm)
FOR LARGE VENUES SUCH AS STADIUMS, PROVIDING CLEAN, WELL-STOCKED WASHROOMS AT MAJOR EVENTS CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIUMPH AND FAILURE.
Fans at footy grand finals, tennis tournaments and spring racing carnivals are generally more interested in sporting whitewashes and brushing opponents aside than they are the state of stadium washrooms. But while washroom facilities may not be front of mind when supporters are buying their tickets, there’s no doubt that they do leave an impression.
“The washroom isn’t the main event, but it is still an important part of a customer’s experience at an event,” says Kate Moller, Account Manager Hospitality & Healthcare at Bunzl Australia & New Zealand. “Hygiene reflects the overall quality of the event and the care provided by the venue. Long lines, bad smells and unclean facilities can really taint the customer experience.” At this scale, washroom hygiene becomes more than a service; it’s part of a venue’s crowd management strategy and brand reputation.
visitors in 2023 across a mix of international sport, concerts, festivals and community events – the highest attendance in the venue’s history. Single events regularly draw crowds of over 40,000, with several FIFA Women’s World Cup matches attracting more than 43,000 spectators. In these high-pressure environments, success lies in managing not just the quantity of foot traffic but the timing and flow of movement through key areas such as washroom facilities.
Leading venues are turning to smart sensors that track stock levels in real time, mobile response teams that can move quickly across concourses, and flexible cleaning schedules that respond to live demand rather than rigid time slots.
“The washroom isn’t the main event, but it is still an important part of a customer’s experience at an event.”
With big crowds come big responsibilities, and keeping washrooms hygienic and operational for high-traffic volumes over many hours can be as tricky as coaching the Wallabies.
With the season of major sporting events in full swing in Australia and New Zealand, venues are playing for high stakes. Sports and recreation facilities were a $2.4bn industry in Australia in 2024-25, according to IBISWorld, with the majority of that revenue coming from major stadium events. And sport’s popularity is growing. Record crowds are attending AFL and NRL games, and flocking to events such as the Australian Open tennis and the Australian Grand Prix. The return of international music tours has also given the industry a boost and diversified revenue. In New Zealand, Eden Park hosted over one million
From training janitorial teams to organising supply logistics, the challenges of managing washrooms at major events demand expert organisation.
“There’s generally a large volume of stock required and limited space to store the stock on site,” says Moller. “You need to forecast correctly, make sure you have enough dispensers to accommodate the volume of attendees, and ensure staff have access to stock and are prepared for the demands of cleaning and dispenser replenishment.”
Effective planning begins well before the crowds arrive. Accurate forecasting is essential, not just to ensure stock levels meet demand, but also to confirm that the right dispensers are installed, functional and suited to high-traffic use. Trialling products and systems at smaller events can offer valuable insights and help iron out operational kinks. Just as crucial is ensuring staff are well-trained ahead of time, so that washroom operations run smoothly under pressure.
Poorly maintained and unhygienic washrooms can also be a health and safety hazard, and lead to government or council investigations, resulting in warnings, fines and revocation of licenses.
And it’s more important than ever to keep customers happy. “There’s an increased focus from customers on the maintenance of clean and well-stocked washrooms,” says Moller. “Customers have a higher awareness of hygiene – especially since the pandemic. And they expect a higher standard of washroom practices. They expect soap, paper towels and toilet paper to be readily available. They want visible sanitation schedules and touch-free amenities.
“Substandard practices may lead to complaints, generally online, which could affect the profile of the venue.”
When the full-time whistle blows, if fans have had access to clean washrooms, they’re more likely to recommend a venue, Moller says. The bottom line is clear: “Venues that prioritise hygiene and are well stocked are more likely to be chosen to host major events.”
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EFFICIENT
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Switch to a dispenser that’s designed for the real world. Choose the dispenser that reduces waste, cuts costs, and improves user experience.
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AS GLUTEN-FREE SHIFTS FROM NICHE DIETARY REQUIREMENT TO MAINSTREAM HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE CHOICE, BUTCHERS ARE ADAPTING THEIR OFFERINGS TO MEET EVOLVING CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS AND ARE BUILDING STRONGER LOYALTY AND BROADER APPEAL ALONG THE WAY.
Back in the day, the butcher shop floor was scattered with sawdust and countertop discussions focused squarely on the cut. The sawdust is long gone, and while the personal service and deep product knowledge we’ve always associated with the local butcher remain, the customer experience has evolved as modern butchers respond to a shift in consumer demand for ‘clean label’ products. A key part of that evolution is the growing appetite for gluten-free options.
Less than 2% of the population are diagnosed with coeliac disease – an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten –but a far greater percentage are choosing a gluten-free diet as a perceived path to healthier eating. With Australia and New Zealand among the world’s strongest gluten-free markets – projected to nearly double over the coming decade – glutenfree options are no longer a niche offering, but rather a core part of the customer experience.
Choosing gluten-free isn’t only about managing a medical condition; gluten-free has become a shorthand for health and quality. Are you offering gluten-free options yet? It’s a practical way to elevate your in-store experience and build lasting loyalty. While fresh meat is already gluten-free, sausages, marinades, sauces and crumbed items often include gluten through binders or seasoning mixes. Offering value-added products that eliminate gluten is critical to staying competitive in a market where ingredient integrity is proving a powerful influence on purchasing decisions across all categories. What makes this shift even more significant for butchers is the regulatory environment. Australia and New Zealand operate under some of the strictest gluten-free labelling laws in the world, which specify that anything labelled gluten-free must contain no detectable gluten. If you’re adding gluten-free alternatives to your offerings, this means there’s no room for error, but it also means a genuine point of difference when communicating with customers. If you can point to compliant products, this not only meets a growing demand but demonstrates professional standards that vouches for
“These insights into provenance and quality help customers navigate an increasingly diverse mix of household dietary needs and preferences with confidence.”
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your expertise. In a retail landscape where transparency matters more than ever, clarity around product sourcing and the ability to speak confidently about what “gluten-free” really means can strengthen customer trust and loyalty for your business.
Given the trusted place butchers have long held in their communities with their reputation for honest advice and comprehensive product knowledge, it’s an influence you are well placed to respond to. As good butchers know, customers often ask questions and look for guidance and reassurance about what they’re feeding their families. Further bolstering their position are the often longstanding and close relationships butchers have with their suppliers. Many work with suppliers who can offer a rare level of supply chain transparency, which makes them uniquely placed to respond to gluten-free queries and demands.
It’s not unusual for butchers to have worked with the same spice, marinade, glaze or sausage meal supplier for decades; that kind of relationship means they’re not just ordering from a catalogue. They’re having direct conversations about ingredients and the kinds of trends and demands they need to respond to. It’s a level of collaboration you rarely see in larger retail settings. For the customer, it also encourages repeat purchasing. Once a customer finds a butcher who caters to their household’s dietary needs, they’re far less likely to shop elsewhere.
These insights into provenance and quality help customers navigate an increasingly diverse mix of household dietary needs and preferences with confidence. Whether it’s ensuring safe meals for a coeliac family member, juggling childhood allergies and intolerances, or catering to general wellness preferences, being able to put a gluten-free chicken schnitzel or sausage on the table frees up mealtimes from secondguessing and compromise.
BLADE SENSORS TO SHARPER TOOLS, TODAY’S SAFETY INNOVATIONS ARE GIVING MEAT PROCESSORS REAL WAYS TO CUT INJURY RISK AND ENSURE BANDSAW SAFETY WITHOUT CUTTING PRODUCTIVITY.
Lacerations from bandsaws are among the most common injuries in the meat processing industry, but importantly, they’re also among the most preventable. With solutions such as BladeStop systems and the like, long-lasting blades, ongoing training, and fostering a vigilant safety culture among staff, operators can significantly reduce risks and ensure meat-processing safety while maintaining productivity at its highest level.
In the boning room or out on the factory floor, few tools are more essential – or demand more respect – than the bandsaw. In abattoirs and meat processing facilities, these machines are vital, but their risks are real.
“Hand and forearm lacerations are the most common,” says Neil Holmgren, Business Development Manager at Bunzl. “But we’re seeing injury rates drop as innovation and awareness continue to reshape how safety is approached across the industry.”
Arguably, the biggest advancement right now is the BladeStop style. Most abattoirs and meat processors now use this system on their saws. This requires the operator to wear a cable connecting them to the system, like a safety switch, and they need to wear a specific blue-coloured glove. An electronic eye on the saw can detect if the blue glove touches the blade and instantly stops the blade with a brake. This system has reduced injuries dramatically and has all but eliminated serious injury.
As an innovation, it really does highlight just how practical engineering controls, rather than reactive policy, can cause measurable safety outcomes. But the impact of this type of system ultimately depends on how it’s used and how accountable those responsible are.
“It is imperative the operators are still 100 per cent focused and are wearing the correct PPE to make this work,” says Holmgren. “The floor supervisors are constantly watching to make sure these things are happening with all the equipment.”
This is a level of vigilance that’s backed by research in the Making the Meat Industry a Safer Place report, which found that a strong organisational focus on compliance, supervision and especially return-to-work policies can greatly reduce claims costs.
“If the blades are too dull, it forces the operator to use more force, which is a leading cause of injuries.”
Another key element in injury prevention is the condition and sharpness of the blade itself. A well-maintained, sharp blade allows for cleaner cuts with less effort, reducing strain on the operator and lowering the risk of slips or sudden movements that can lead to injury.
“The blades on the saw must be regularly changed,” explains Holmgren. “If the blades are too dull, it forces the operator to use more force, which is a leading cause of injuries.”
Using high-quality blades designed for durability and long-lasting sharpness can make a huge difference in supporting safer handling, but also in helping maintain efficiency across shifts. Keeping a close eye on blade wear and building routine blade checks into safety protocols are simple, proactive steps that pay off in both performance and protection.
While no single solution will ever eliminate all risk, having a combination of modern equipment, structured training, PPE, and a committed leadership team is the best way to
weave together a strong safety net. As Holmgren states with his trio of mustdos: “Proper training, proper PPE, 100 per cent focus.”
When all of these elements align, the path forward becomes much sharper and in greater focus. A smarter and safer future for meat processors across ANZ is absolutely within reach.
TURN ETHICAL AMBITIONS INTO EVERYDAY PRACTICE BY EMBEDDING ACCOUNTABILITY AT EVERY LINK IN THE CHAIN. WHEN ACCOUNTABILITY BECOMES EMBEDDED, BUSINESSES STRENGTHEN BOTH RESILIENCE AND REPUTATION.
Too often, ethical sourcing policies remain static documents – aspirational, but not operational. Bunzl’s four-part supply chain due diligence framework challenges that, evolving compliance from a reporting exercise to an active process that reshapes business practices. For organisations across Australia and New Zealand, the value lies in closing the gap between policy and proof.
At the heart of this framework is assessment; a shift from assuming compliance to actively verifying it. Bunzl’s audits, conducted by trained professionals, extend far beyond box-ticking. They include factory tours, document reviews and direct worker interviews. A holistic approach like this uncovers insights that traditional compliance checks often miss, such as subtle risks around migrant labour or excessive working hours. For businesses, the implication is profound: actionable due diligence isn’t about more paperwork, it’s about sharper visibility.
High-quality assessments reveal risks earlier, but they also illuminate opportunities for supplier development. When gaps are identified, businesses
can engage suppliers in corrective action plans, building trust and resilience rather than severing ties. Codes of conduct can also gain little traction if they sit in isolation. Bunzl has moved beyond simply issuing its Supplier Code of Conduct by embedding verification mechanisms: annual re-acknowledgement in high-risk regions, multilingual distribution and increasingly digital platforms that track sign-offs in real time. This transforms the Code from a just formality into a living benchmark. Businesses that translate ethical sourcing into measurable action build layered accountability – supplier declarations, targeted audits and continuous monitoring. A static strategy suddenly becomes a living component of the business, treating data not as compliance paperwork but as a tool to identify risk patterns and drive strategic improvements and real change.
From high-stakes corporate deals to purpose-driven procurement in the not-for-profit sector, Chris Heptinstall has spent four decades solving complex puzzles. Along the way, he’s also authored a hit series of crime thrillers – with a procurement manager as the unlikely hero.
For Chris Heptinstall, procurement is like an intriguing puzzle always needing to be solved. And even after forty years in the business, he’s still up for the challenge. “Every day presents a new problem to overcome, a new solution to find – and I love that,” he says. Indeed, he jokes that he’s been in procurement for so long that when he started out, it didn’t even exist as a recognised profession. “There wasn’t really any such thing as procurement when I began working,” he explains. “We would use index cards to find out where we bought the components from last time, check the price and then send an order through the mail. I was a graduate trainee, and when the purchasing manager left, I thought that job would be a good fit for me. And I haven’t looked back.” Chris has been the Head of Procurement at Uniting, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profits, since 2019, but had previously worked at global heavyweights like IBM, Goldman
“One aspect of the job I enjoy is to sell what procurement does so other departments can see the advantage of our relationships.”
Sachs, and Macquarie Bank. “I loved the cut and thrust of the big deals, so I surprised myself by landing in a notfor-profit.” Initially thinking he’d be in the role for three years, Chris now can’t imagine leaving.
“I enjoy the culture so much. When you make savings for a corporation, it goes to the shareholders. When you make savings for a not-for-profit, it goes straight back into the business to help people who are vulnerable, and that just feels so much better.”
That sense of purpose only adds to the reasons he’s always loved the work of procurement itself. “Every day is different, and we interface with every single function in the business – sales, production, operations, legal, finance – and building a community of suppliers who are all pulling in the same direction,” says Heptinstall. “One aspect of the job I enjoy is to sell what procurement does so other departments can see the advantage of our relationships and feel proud of our environmental and social contribution.”
Raised in Zambia with an upbringing he describes as “special and unique”, Heptinstall says his childhood self wouldn’t be too surprised at where he is now. “My father was a businessman, and I always knew I’d be in industry or commerce.”
What his younger self might not have predicted was that he would go on to write a popular crime thriller series with the profession he loves as its backdrop. It might seem an unusual parallel career, but for Heptinstall it has more in common with his day job than you might expect – natural curiosity, a skill for strategy, and a knack for managing complex relationships.
“The first book, The Sleepwalker Legacy, follows a procurement manager working for an unethical pharmaceutical company. It’s got geopolitics, office politics, gender dynamics, mystery – and it struck a chord.” It sure did – he is now writing the sixth book in the hit series, which is published under his pseudonym, Christopher Hepworth.
He writes on his daily commute and – ever the procurement professional – tracks his progress with a disciplined project plan. “I even have a volunteer project manager who regularly checks in on my milestones over lunch!”
Whether he’s plotting a fictional corporate takedown, guiding his team to reach their potential, or negotiating a real-world deal, Heptinstall approaches it all with the same mindset and the same enthusiasm. “I love it –I think it’s the best profession ever. For someone who enjoys solving problems and creating something effective and best practice, the sky’s the limit.”
QUICK-FIRE Q&A
Brian tells us about his role as Business Development Manager – Healthcare, and how relationship building is core to maintaining long-term partnerships.
Business Development Manager –Healthcare
Tell us about your role at Bunzl ANZ.
First and foremost, my role is about relationship building. This involves creating and nurturing strong relationships into long-term partnerships. Long-term partnerships open doors to many new opportunities. Understandably, I serve as the bridge between customers and my company, engaging with them to understand their requirements so I can present solutions that meet their needs.
How did you get started in the industry?
Being a salesperson is not just a job for me, it’s a central aspect of my identity and daily existence. From a young age, selling was an inbuilt quality I happily embraced. Every job I’ve done over my career spanning 40 years has incorporated my passion for helping people understand their needs and offering solutions. What do you appreciate the most about your position? Collaboration definitely! Collaboration with Bunzl specialists and with supplier specialists has ensured that my horizons have expanded to many innovative opportunities that I may have overlooked without differing perspectives. Technology advances and training are core functions at Bunzl, which have improved my capabilities to successfully service my customers, enhance my skills, and ensure a life-long learning culture, which makes Bunzl an exciting and interesting place to work.
What are you excited to see more of in the future when it comes to your industry?
With the ever-increasing advances of AI into the modern world, how will our role as salespeople be impacted? AI can assist with tasks, but falls short in its current abilities to be able to read nuanced human interactions like reading emotions, adapting in real time, and above all, building trust. Future salespeople, including me, will need to be tech-savvy, adaptable, and adept at building relationships. Bring it on.
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