bigbasket, a TATA Enterprise, has released its 2023 Sustainability Report. The report highlights the company’s significant strides in six key impact areas: electric delivery vehicles, solar power generation, support for organic farmers, waste management, diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility.
bigbasket’s sustainability efforts resulted in the avoidance of 10,429 tonnes of carbon emissions through 6,491 electric delivery vehicles, which is equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of approximately 4.74 lakh fully-grown trees. Initiated in 2016 with a pilot of 10 electric vans in Noida, the company’s EV fleet now forms 27% of its delivery operations, comprising 5,731 electric bikes and 760 electric autos and vans.
Solar power generation also played a significant role, with bigbasket producing 5,268 MWh of solar energy in 2023. The company has installed solar panels on the roofs of 28 warehouses across 13 cities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 4,214 tonnes.
bigbasket further demonstrated its commitment to sustainable agriculture by supporting over 10,000+ organic farmers with field geotagging, agricultural intelligence, and knowledge sessions on modern farming techniques and government schemes. This initiative promotes sustainable farming practices that preserve soil fertility and provide healthier food options.
Speaking about the initiative, Hari Menon, CEO and Co-Founder, bigbasket, said, “At bigbasket, we are not just reducing carbon emissions or generating solar power; we are redefining what it means to be environmentally responsible in the modern age. Our commitment goes beyond numbers; it is about catalyzing change, nurturing inclusivity, and leaving a legacy of conscious consumption. With every customer, we are not just delivering groceries but a future we can all be proud of.”
In terms of waste management, bigbasket has recycled 100+ tonnes of waste per month. The company has also incorporated specially designed metal crates to minimize the use of corrugated cardboard, while damaged fruits and vegetables are repurposed as compost or animal feed. Additionally, bigbasket has transitioned to 100% digital invoices for ‘bbnow’ orders and prints invoices on recycled paper for ‘bb supersaver’, saving 220 tonnes of virgin paper annually. Moreover, delicate products are wrapped in cornstarch packaging, which biodegrades faster than plastics.
Apart from its sustainability initiative, bigbasket’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program- ‘Aarambh’ continue to promote equal opportunities for all, and has led to over 5,000 women (16.5% of the workforce) and 600+ persons with disabilities being part of the workforce. The company’s initiatives are further supported by the bigbasket Foundation, which connects customers to vetted NGOs through the Donations tab in the bigbasket app, enabling community engagement and support for various social causes.
Bigbasket is an online grocery market and has recently rebuilt its supply chain across cities to fulfill customer orders faster. The company’s operations have expanded to more than 400 cities in India, recording about 15 million monthly customer orders. bigbasket’s differentiation lies in its supply chain integration for fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, and other groceries, and its strong private-label brands. In 2020, bigbasket reached the milestone of US$1 billion in annual revenues.
