Zero Waste: a society in which we throw away less, reuse more, and conserve the earth's resources. With this research, PreZero exposes the gap between intention and execution to accelerate the transition to a waste-free society. Christian Kampmann, CEO of PreZero: 'The ambitions are there, but progress lags behind. The results of this research are therefore an important starting point for us to sharpen the conversation about Zero Waste.'
Employee involvement
Almost three-quarters (72%) of respondents are familiar with Zero Waste and find it important that their organization strives for it. Leading in the field of Zero Waste is clearly more important for large companies (51%) than for smaller companies with up to 1,000 employees (30%). For one in five respondents, it is unclear who within the organization is responsible for circular business operations. Where there is ownership, it is mainly with large companies and particularly with top management (34%). Christian Kampmann: 'We see that companies where employees are intrinsically motivated to work circularly often take steps faster. Our advice is therefore also to involve employees, both at management level and on the shop floor, and to increase their knowledge level about Zero Waste.'
Mainly waste separation
When it comes to Zero Waste initiatives within their organization, respondents indicate that waste separation and collection of specific waste streams occur most frequently (68%). Following at a considerable distance are reducing packaging or disposable materials (38%) and reusing materials and products (34%). Training and workshops (8%) and participation in cleaning or environmental events (10%) occur the least. Just over one in five (22%) respondents indicate that there are currently no Zero Waste initiatives within their organization.
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Saving costs
Most organizations separate their business waste into two to four streams (57%), with paper and cardboard and residual waste being the most frequently collected separately. About six in ten respondents (63%) are unaware that companies can have plastic and drink cartons collected for free. The same applies to packaging glass. If a company does make use of that option, the amount of residual waste decreases immediately. Just under half of the respondents (47%) are aware that waste separation can also be financially beneficial for organizations. Christian Kampmann: 'Investing in Zero Waste, for example by separating additional waste streams, is a strategic choice, with double returns: it reduces the amount of residual waste and provides companies with an advantage due to the impending increase in costs for residual waste due to the CO2 tax.'
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Circular economy the solution
Almost half of the respondents (46%) see better waste separation as the next step towards Zero Waste, while measures such as involving employees more, sustainable purchasing, reusing, and clear Zero Waste objectives are mentioned less often. PreZero understands the current economic uncertainties in which organizations operate, but sees circular working as a cost-effective solution. Kampmann: 'For many companies, Zero Waste sounds complex and far away. If you want to remain future-proof as a company and save costs, you need to take steps towards a circular economy. Go beyond waste separation.' Circular working makes Zero Waste concrete and achievable, thus forming the key to the ultimate goal: preventing waste, throwing away less, and reusing more.
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