Cookie Policy

Last Updated: March 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. This Cookie Policy explains how Protect A Plate (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our platform. It applies to all users of our website and services.

1.2. We comply with UK and EU law on cookies and similar technologies. We will only use non-essential cookies and similar technologies where you have given your consent.

1.3. You can change your cookie preferences at any time using the “Cookie settings” option (see section 6 below).

2. STRICTLY NECESSARY COOKIES

2.1. These cookies are essential for the website to function. They enable core features such as secure login and session management. You cannot opt out of these cookies without affecting how the site works.

2.2. We use the following strictly necessary cookies:

  • pap_customer — Used when you are logged in as a customer. Stores your authentication token (HttpOnly). Duration: session / 24 hours.
  • pap_admin — Used when you are logged in as an administrator. Stores your authentication token (HttpOnly). Duration: session / 24 hours.
  • pap_manufacturer — Used when you are logged in as a manufacturer. Stores your authentication token (HttpOnly). Duration: session / 24 hours.

2.3. These cookies are set with HttpOnly and Secure (in production) flags to protect your session from cross-site scripting. They are required to keep you logged in and to protect your account.

2.4. If we introduce additional security or CSRF-related cookies in the future, we will list them here and update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy.

3. FUNCTIONALITY COOKIES (PREFERENCES)

3.1. Functionality cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as language or region) and to provide enhanced features.

3.2. We do not currently use separate functionality or preference cookies. If we do in the future, we will describe them here and only use them with your consent.

4. ANALYTICS AND MARKETING COOKIES

4.1. Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our site (e.g. pages visited, time on site). Marketing cookies may be used to deliver relevant ads or track campaign effectiveness.

4.2. We do not currently use analytics or marketing cookies on our platform. If we introduce them in the future, we will update this policy, list the cookies and their purposes, and only enable them after you have given your consent (e.g. via our cookie banner or cookie settings).

5. LOCAL STORAGE

5.1. In addition to cookies, we use the browser’s local storage for session-related data that is needed to display your account information in the interface.

5.2. We use the following local storage keys:

  • auth_session_customer — Stores display data (e.g. email, name) for the logged-in customer so the UI can show who is signed in. This does not replace the secure HttpOnly cookie used for authentication.
  • auth_session_admin — Same purpose for administrator sessions.
  • auth_session_manufacturer — Same purpose for manufacturer sessions (may include company name).

5.3. This data is cleared when you sign out. It is used only to support the operation of the platform and is not used for analytics or marketing.

6. HOW TO CHANGE YOUR COOKIE SETTINGS

6.1. You can change your cookie preferences at any time:

  • Use the “Cookie settings” link in the footer of our website (or in the cookie banner when it is shown). This will open the cookie consent panel where you can accept or reject non-essential cookies.
  • If you have already made a choice, the banner will not show on every page; use “Cookie settings” to open it again and update your preferences.
  • Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled if you wish to use the logged-in areas of the site. You can avoid them by not logging in and only browsing public pages.

6.2. Your choices are stored in a cookie (e.g. consent preference) so that we remember them on your next visit. Clearing all cookies will reset your preferences and the cookie banner may appear again on your first visit.

7. MORE INFORMATION

7.1. For how we collect, use and protect your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions.

7.2. If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact us using the details in section 8.

8. CONTACT

Protect A Plate

2nd Floor, 5 High Street, Westbury On Trym, Bristol, England, BS9 3BY

Phone: +44 20 3603 0567

You can also use the contact form on our website for general or cookie-related inquiries.

By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of strictly necessary cookies and local storage as described in this policy. Non-essential cookies will only be used where you have given your consent.