Waste is a sign of inefficiency of a system and/ or a process. Therefore it is no surprise that successful companies try to optimize processes and eliminate waste.
A company that is generating excessive waste whilst at the same time obtaining good results is because is loading the burden on the shoulder of some other actor in the society.
In the current situation of a globalised economy, companies with zero waste strategies are more likely to survive in the long term.
Basic principles for Zero Waste companies are:
- Raw materials should be obtained, whenever possible, from recycled materials and not from new extraction. Any new extraction should be only justifiable when it comes from a regenerating source. A Zero Waste company will be diverting 90% from landfill and incineration.
- The linear system of production needs to be changed into a circular system in which the recycling potential can be maximised.
- Production processes should be redesigned in view of avoiding the generation of waste –in and outside the plant-.
- The consumption of energy and generation of waste of the product/machine should be included in the optimisation calculations.
- Apply eco-design and integrated product policy approach.
- Change the focus from labour productivity to resources productivity.
In this page you can find companies commited to work with Zero Waste principles in Europe.
Compostadores.com is a company in Barcelona, Spain, that produces composters out of recycled materials and provides with everything necessary for home composting. Composting is a vital part of waste prevention.
Effecorta in Italy is a km O shop that has won the ecoefficiency award in Tuscany, Italy.
Ecobimbi is an italian company producing washable and ecological dipers. Vital for reducing waste and the household expenditure.
We Beat the Mountain! is a social enterprise from the Netherlands that turns plastic waste into cool and functional products.
Do you know of a Zero Waste company in Europe that should appear here, let us know here!
