The United Nations International Day of Zero Waste is held on 30th March every year. The day aims to promote sustainable consumption and raise awareness about zero-waste initiatives.

This year the theme is ‘Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles' and calls for action in the fashion and textile sector to reduce waste.

Whilst this year is there is a focus on the fashion sector, there is an opportunity for all businesses, no matter the sector, to reduce their waste. To help you out, we’ve put together some tips for how your business can reduce its waste.

Review your by-products

A lot of business waste comes from the incidental by-products created in the process of selling your main product or services.

Examples of by-products:

  • printed receipts
  • packaging
  • complementary products, such a bottled water or testers
  • printed marketing material.

Conduct an audit of all the by-products your business creates. Then look at alternative solutions to reduce them.

There are many ways you can reduce by-products. Alternatives to the above examples are:

  • email receipts to your customers
  • use minimal packaging or sustainable packaging materials
  • allow customers to opt in and out of complementary products
  • use digital marketing material and social media campaigns to promote your business.

Manage your inventory sustainably

There are many ways you can manage your business inventory to focus on sustainability and reduce waste.

To reduce inventory waste, ensure you don’t order more than you need. We recommend you:

  • run pre-orders to gauge the demand for your product
  • establish forecasting and stocktake systems
  • streamline processes with your suppliers for smaller and more frequent deliveries.

Make the most of recycling programs

There are some areas of your business where you won’t be able to reduce the amount of materials used. In these cases, ensure you recycle wherever possible.

Make the most of private and local government recycling services. You can find recycling programs near you on the Planet Ark website.

Start a return and reuse it program

A return and reuse it program allows customers to return used products or packaging for your business to recycle or reuse.

To make the program successful, make it easy for your customers. Ensure the program has:

  • clear rules around what can be returned
  • an easy drop off process
  • an incentive for your customers to participate. For example, discount offers for used products returned.

Want to explore more ways to manage your business waste?

Was this page helpful?