What is Zero Waste?
More than a target: Zero waste is a philosophy. And not a new one either – nature has always operated on a Zero Waste policy. All wildlife eventually returns to the earth where it sustains and strengthens the next cycle. Now more than ever, we face a need to conserve our scarce resources and minimize unnecessary wastage. To live in harmony with our environment, all we need to do is learn from it.
Road to Zero Waste: If we want to get serious about sustainability, we’ll need a solid Zero Waste strategy. By definition, Zero Waste does not mean no more waste at all – the goal is to reduce all avoidable waste to zero, conserve natural resources, maximize reuse and recycling, and minimize residual waste.
By plugging the gaps in our production cycles, eliminating inefficiencies, and properly managing resources, we can create a solid basis for a circular economy and start reducing avoidable waste almost all the way to zero.
Zero Waste in today’s world
Today, society is placing more and more importance on resource conservation and waste avoidance. Efforts to close recycling loops are gaining momentum – with both companies and their consumers actively pushing for more sustainable processes.
An efficiently run circular economy is the objective – a closed loop where each cycle strengthens the next. A solid Zero Waste strategy can not only help companies with sustainable resource management, but it can also help maximize business potential.
Successful initiatives from companies who have come very far in implementing their Zero Waste strategies are already abound, including:
PreZero Arena
Initiatives like reusable cups, grass cutting collection, an extensive waste-separation system and more at the PreZero Arena.
Why go Zero Waste?
Great strides have already been made in the pursuit of Zero Waste.
The beneficiaries?
Everyone: Companies already positioned to surpass stringent environmental regulations will surpass those that drag their feet. Customers who value sustainability can feel better about supporting businesses that practice it. A future generation that inherits a Zero Waste strategy can continue to work in unison with the environment, not against it.
The benefits of a Zero Waste strategy:
Contribute towards a sustainable future
Ensure future generations have ongoing access to valuable and sustainable resources.
Maximize value
Reduce the need for new raw materials and maximize the value-proposition of existing resources.
Comply with regulations
Get started with a Zero Waste plan now, and make sure you don’t get left behind.
Build trust
Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable alternatives, and stakeholders know that. Investing in Zero Waste is a statement of intent: We will be at the forefront of sustainability.
Minimize risks
Zero Waste strategies are ethical as well as sustainable. Practices that reduce the impact on local soils, groundwater, and air show that a company cares about the local environment and all those who inhabit it.
PreZero & Zero Waste
At PreZero, we want to contribute to the conservation of resources with our services and products and ensure that any unavoidable waste is processed efficiently, being returned to the cycle for reuse wherever possible.
In this way, we want to help further realize Zero Waste practices in industry and society and lay the foundation for a circular economy. To achieve our goal, we have brought all necessary operations and resources under one roof. We have built an ecosystem of custom waste-disposal vehicles, cutting-edge sorting and treatment facilities, innovative solutions, and in-house processes. All designed to minimize wastage, maximize value, and contribute to closing loops.
As leaders in the Zero Waste field, we have a responsibility to others. Consulting with companies to run more efficiently and see the value in waste – it’s what we do. Not only are we engaged in every step of the waste collection, handling, and recycling processes, but we are also a trusted partner for companies committed to a cleaner tomorrow. We are your one-stop partner in Zero Waste.
Zero Waste is no small task
That’s why PreZero has spared no expense investing in next-generation waste collection and sorting facilities: from our fleet of over 12,200 vehicles to several state-of-the-art sorting facilities situated throughout Europe.
Additionally, we offer innovative recycling solutions for almost all types of material flows across our broad ecosystem of processing centers in Europe. We have the infrastructure, logistics and consulting expertise that can companies realize their Zero Waste strategies and a more sustainable tomorrow. Discover our international locations and find the right service for your business needs.
Get involved: PreZero Consulting
We can all do more to optimize our processes and contribute to a circular economy. Zero Waste is an ideal to strive towards, and PreZero is here to support customers on their individual road to Zero Waste.
Next to our focus on Zero Waste consulting and Zero Waste strategy execution support, PreZero offers a broad range of further consulting services starting from sustainable packaging consulting to circular economy consulting services.
Case study: PreZero Arena
The PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany is a masterclass in how to go Zero Waste sustainably and realistically. The home of 1899 Hoffenheim and the first certified Zero Waste stadium in the German Bundesliga, no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of resource optimization at the PreZero Arena.
Initiatives include:
- Reusable cups that eliminate up to 500,000 disposable plastic cups every season.
- Grass clippings recycled from the pitch that are turned into one ton of eco-friendly grass paper per year.
- The planting of over 23,000 trees which was funded by 100% of the ticket proceeds from the inaugural PreZero Arena match.
- Green initiatives that compensate up to 3,000 tons of C02 each season.
- An extensive waste-separation system that makes waste sorting, collection, and subsequently, recycling easier and more efficient.
These innovative zero waste ideas mean the Bundesliga’s most efficient stadium now recycles puts 87% of all used materials to higher-value use via reuse, recycling, composting and fermentation. With plans to integrate the training center and offices, that percentage is only set to increase. By implementing simple initiatives like these, the PreZero Arena sets an example of how organizations can effectively impact the world around them for the greater good.
Get Zero Waste certified
Sustainability: Recognized.
The ROAD TO ZERO WASTE label is awarded to companies that have been certified by an independent testing organization and which have successfully transformed their sustainability practices. The underlying new standard, DIN SPEC 91436, defines the reference model for operational recyclables and waste management. The goal is to consider the ecological, economic, and social impact of waste and resource management in a holistic manner and subsequently commit to following a Zero Waste strategy.
The certification can be conducted by an approved and independent testing organization, such as TÜV SÜD or DEKRA. To achieve certification, focus should generally be placed on preserving existing resources, reducing consumption, avoiding waste, undertaking repairs, composting, fermentation, material reuse, and recycling.
The certification is separated into three levels
Bronze
Min. 85% positive recycling rate *
Silver
Min. 90% recycling rate
Gold
Min. 95% recycling rate
*Waste prevention, waste reduction, recycling, composting, fermentation