We always recommend that our customers attempt zero waste. Not because zero waste is necessarily possible, but because a zero waste focus always ensures that you optimise your operation’s materials value, minimise your overall environmental footprint, and develop the potential for additional revenue streams from recycled or recovered waste.
Because manufacturing operations and product output are so diverse, no single waste management strategy is applicable to all organisations. There are, however, some best practice approaches and procedures that will help you clarify and prioritise your waste management needs and indicate what baseline implementation activities you must undertake.
It’s important to start with understanding what waste management initiatives will improve your organisation’s sustainability. These will then have to be aligned with applicable legislation and general waste management and manufacturing sector best practices.
Ideally, you would opt for integrated waste management, simply because it offers the highest number of operational, balance sheet, stakeholder, and reputational benefits at least cost.