A YORK wholesaler is leading the war on plastic packaging with an environmentally friendly venture.

Simon Baynes Wholesale, which supplies locally sourced fruit and veg to almost 150 businesses around the city and beyond, has seen sales soar thanks to the demand for their ready-made recipe boxes and office fruit boxes.

The family-run business, which also owns the award-winning Millies greengrocers on Bishopthorpe Road, has been supplying produce for 100 years.

The company started out as a market stall in 1918, before developing a high-street presence and finally the wholesale business.

Their ready-made recipe and office fruit boxes, which use crates and baskets rather than plastic packaging, were introduced in 2015 and have steadily increased in popularity.

Managing director Simon Baynes said: "I am passionate about looking after the environment and doing what I can in my business to reduce plastic waste.

"We have always used very little plastic in our recipe and fruit boxes as there is nothing better than presenting a box of delicious fresh produce as authentic as possible.

"Fresh and locally sourced produce is full of nutrients, which are usually lost when produce is imported from far away.

"We champion local producers and always go above and beyond to reduce our plastic footprint as well as be as eco-friendly as possible."

The company's pre-packed recipe boxes have been designed for those looking for inspiration on how to cook tasty dishes from scratch, including stir-fries, curries, Sunday lunches and more.

While the office fruit boxes are being marketed as a way to improve the well-being and productivity of the workforce, and can be customised to accommodate all tastes and a range of company budgets.

For more details about the recipe and fruit boxes or to place an order visit www.simonbaynes.net or go to www.milliesyork.uk for information about the shop and their range of pre-made vegetable boxes.