Zero Waste to Landfill: A Journey of Responsibility, Resilience, and Results
Updated: Oct 5
At Orbia (Alphagary), sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment. Over the past seven years, our Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) initiative has transformed how we think about waste, responsibility, and our role in protecting the planet. This journey began with a simple but powerful spark: the desire to demonstrate that we are an environmentally responsible company.
The Spark That Started It All
The ZWTL initiative was born from a sustainability standpoint. We wanted to go beyond compliance and show our customers, employees, and partners that we care deeply about the environment. The goal was clear: nothing goes to landfill. Instead, we focused on three core principles—Recycle, Recover, Reuse.
What ZWTL Looks Like in Action
Our efforts span across multiple areas of our operations, utilizing the 3 R’s. Here are some examples:
Recycling cardboard boxes, which not only reduces waste but also earns us rebates when properly baled.
Recovering scrap metal from production processes or redundant equipment, allowing us to receive rebates.
Reusing pallets to minimize wood waste.
These actions have a real impact. In just 42 months, at Alphagary’s Melton Mowbray (UK) site, we’ve saved over 583 tonnes of CO₂ on total recycled waste with one waste contractor—a testament to the power of collective action and smart waste management.
Empowering Employees and Building a Culture of Responsibility
Our employees are at the heart of this initiative. Through ongoing training, they learn how to segregate items for recycling, recovery, or reuse. We recognize their contributions by name, celebrating their role in driving sustainability forward.
It eliminates the risk of non-compliance.
It reduces costs, as some waste is removed free of charge.
It generates revenue, like rebates for properly handled cardboard or metal.
Ethical Partnerships and Due Diligence
One of our biggest challenges has been ensuring that our waste contractors operate ethically and meet all regulatory standards. We perform due diligence rigorously and only work with accredited contractors who hold:
A valid Environmental Agency (EA) carrier’s license to transport waste.
ISO14001:2015 certification, though smaller companies may not have this.
An Environmental Permit to process waste at their site.
If a contractor doesn’t meet these standards, we check other documents and onboarding to ensure that they process waste ethically; otherwise, we don’t engage. Our priority is clear: never put the company name at risk.
Verified Impact and Recognized Responsibility
We track and verify our carbon reduction and cost savings through our waste contractors. Our efforts are audited annually by Deloitte, and this is included in our corporate sustainability documentation. Customers see our commitment through our ISO14000:2015 certification, which reflects our ethical and responsible behavior.
What’s Next?
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we’re not stopping here. Our future next steps could include:
ISO50000 certification for Energy Management.
Operation Clean Sweep – stopping plastics from going down drains.
Changing behaviors and education — especially around plastic.
Plastic has become a controversial topic, especially in the news and on social media. However, it’s important to remember: the plastics industry has responded to customer demand and needs. The plastic industry is changing and recycling more, either through self-governance or legislative means. Education is a key factor in driving change.
The Importance of Collaboration
Collaboration is essential in our sustainability journey. We work closely with our partners to ensure that our initiatives are effective. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can create a more significant impact. Together, we can innovate and find solutions that benefit both our businesses and the environment.
Engaging with Our Community
Community engagement plays a crucial role in our sustainability efforts. We actively participate in local initiatives that promote environmental awareness. By working with community members, we can foster a culture of sustainability that extends beyond our operations. This engagement helps us understand the needs and concerns of those around us, allowing us to tailor our efforts accordingly.
Conclusion
Our ZWTL initiative is more than a policy; it’s a mindset. It reflects our values, our commitment to sustainability, and our belief that every action counts. We’re proud of our progress and excited for what’s ahead. Together, we’re building a future where waste is minimized, responsibility is maximized, and our planet is protected. This is core to our Orbia principles and values.
By embracing sustainability, we not only enhance our operations but also contribute to a healthier planet. We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to innovate and lead in sustainable practices.
