management practices with its sustainability goals, the company were keen to divert their waste streams from landfills, and increase opportunities for recycling and financial returns.
Trouw Nutrition had an ambitious zero-to-landfill target, and they needed to evolve their processes fast to reduce their carbon footprint. Priorities included managing hazardous powder waste, inefficiencies in waste segregation, and avoiding potential waste contamination.
Addressing the Challenges
The challenges faced by Trouw Nutrition were fourfold:
1. Hazardous Powder Waste Management The company generated significant volumes of powder waste, known as“ Filter Waste,” during its production processes. Non-hazardous powder was sent to landfills, while hazardous powder waste remained on-site due to handling limitations from a previous provider. This created logistical challenges and required a more sustainable, compliant solution.
2. Improving Waste Segregation and Contamination Control Waste segregation processes needed refinement to prevent contamination and optimise recycling. Limited signage and inconsistent sorting practices resulted in recyclable materials mixed with general waste, meaning there was an opportunity to increase efficiency.
3. Optimising Financial Efficiency Ineffective segregation and contamination reduced opportunities to secure financial returns from recyclable materials such as cardboard and plastics.
4. Logistical Streamlining Inefficient and untimely hazardous waste movement schedules further emphasised the need for a provider capable of delivering innovative, landfill-free solutions.
achieved 100 % waste diversion from landfills. This milestone reflects the effectiveness of a strategic, collaborative approach to waste management.
Key initiatives implemented by Waste Mission included:
• Segregation Improvements: Clearer signage, colour-coded containers, and dedicated waste operatives ensured that recyclable materials were properly sorted, stored, and processed.
• Contamination Control: Enhanced sorting practices significantly reduced the mixing of waste streams, enabling more materials to be recycled efficiently.
• Hazardous Waste Recycling: Waste Mission developed a sustainable, landfill-free solution for hazardous and non-hazardous powder waste, aligning with Trouw Nutrition’ s long-term environmental goals.
• Operational Efficiency: By improving waste handling and reducing contamination, the frequency of general waste collections was drastically decreased, leading to cost savings and greater efficiency.
Results and Impact
The partnership has transformed Trouw Nutrition’ s waste management approach, delivering significant environmental and financial benefits:
• 100 % Landfill Diversion: All waste streams are now recycled or repurposed, eliminating the need for landfill disposal.
• Reduced Contamination: Clear guidelines and improved segregation have made recycling processes more effective and sustainable.
• Cost Savings: Optimised waste collection schedules have reduced general waste movement from three times a week to once every fortnight, achieving substantial financial savings.
• Sustainable Solutions: Trouw Nutrition has established a reliable, environmentally friendly system for managing hazardous powder waste, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Nicola Guest, Group Marketing & Procurement Manager for Waste Mission, states,“ Trouw Nutrition’ s commitment to sustainability is evident in the progress we’ ve achieved together. Their leadership in adopting innovative waste management practices has set a benchmark for others in the industry.”
Looking Ahead
Trouw Nutrition’ s sustainable waste management journey reflects the value of strategic partnerships in driving sustainability and operational excellence. By aligning its waste management practices with its broader environmental goals, the company continues to lead by example in building a more sustainable future.
The Solution: A Partnership with Waste Mission
Within six months of partnering with Waste Mission, Trouw Nutrition
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