BIFFA

Anew report by leading sustainable waste and recycling firm Biffa reveals a once-ina-generation opportunity for the UK to make an £18 billion investment in dozens of new onshore recycling and energy facilities that will deliver the country’s ambitions for a net zero, circular economy.

Improving the recyclability of household packaging, banning plastic waste exports and increasing surplus food redistribution would also play key roles.

The move would unlock 43 million tonnes of circular raw materials annually to support sustainable manufacturing and consumption in the UK, creating 16,000 high-quality jobs, reducing carbon emissions by up to 7.1 million tonnes a year, and improving domestic energy security.

The report, called ‘From Waste Hierarchy to Carbon Hierarchy: Biffa’s Blueprint for Waste Net Zero’ says the UK’s waste sector has transformed from a landfill-dependent model to one prioritising recycling and energy recovery. u

The report recognises the huge progress made, with UK household waste to landfill falling by 50% from 2010 to 2020, and carbon emissions reducing by 69% from 1990, making the UK’s waste sector a stand-out contributor to carbon reduction.

In the report, Michael Topham, Biffa’s Chief Executive Officer, says: “Nonetheless, whilst this transition is to be celebrated, the task is nowhere near complete. The UK still produces too much waste and doesn’t recycle enough of it.

“After nearly two decades of success, recycling levels in the UK have plateaued at around 44 per cent. Too many materials are not designed for recyclability, and collections systems are often inconsistent and unclear. And where we do recycle, we remain too dependent on export markets as an end destination for materials.”

Topham says the transformation can be achieved using “existing, proven technologies and processes, and that there is a vibrant, competitive, skilled sector with the access to the capital to make this happen”.

He added: “Society supports this drive and the UK’s governments are committed to implementing policies to help make this happen. All that is needed now is for sensible policies that provide long-term certainty to be implemented without delay.

“At Biffa we have the skills, capital, and ambition to play a leading role in delivering this vision for a net zero, circular economy.”

Association, said: “ESA members, including Biffa, have played a key role in delivering the vital jobs and infrastructure that have moved the UK away from a landfilldependent society to one where half of everything we throw away is recycled – saving vast quantities of carbon emissions in the process.

“But the job is far from done and our members stand poised to invest billions more to help the UK reach its ambitious recycling and net-zero targets, provided that the UK policy and regulatory landscape supports and protects this next generation of circular economy investment.” n

For the full report, please visit Publications | Biffa

The energy landscape is continuously changing and with the government’s target of achieving Net Zero by 2050, it’s now more important than ever that businesses investigate ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint. Matthew Crockett, Managing Director of The Oil Depot, a national fuel company explains more about HVO fuel and carbon offsetting below.

Make the switch to HVO Fuel HVO is a 100% renewable fuel that cuts carbon emissions by up to 90%. It can be used as a drop-in replacement for the red or white diesel businesses currently use. There is no requirement to make any modifications to existing fuel infrastructure.

What is HVO Fuel?

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) Fuel EN 15940 is a paraffinic diesel fuel, it’s FAME free, has a higher cetane number (70+), reduces AdBlue consumption and has excellent cold weather performance. Several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have approved HVO for use in heavy duty road vehicles, passenger cars and non-road vehicles. u

➜ Businesses must follow strict WEEE waste rules or projects in the developing world. You will be showing your commitment to your community or supporting communities abroad.

The disposal of old IT equipment is covered by the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment legislation. This WEEE waste must not be sent to landfill as it can have PCBs, lead, mercury, and coolants which are dangerous to people and the environment.

➜ You reduce your landfill costs Sending items to landfill is expensive with Landfill tax and gate fees to consider. So, anything which reduces the overall volume of waste you send to landfill helps reduce your overall business costs.

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You can protect your data Recycling IT equipment also gives you the chance to ensure the data stored on hard drives is destroyed so that it cannot fall into the wrong hands and cause a data breach.

Shredding the drive, then mixing the metals with other shredded drives and sending that off for recycling is the best way to protect your business.

It also ensures your business is following the data protection rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to do so can result in a large fine. u

Gd+ HVO – the cleanest alternative fuel on the market

The Oil Depot has the operational capacity to supply Gd+ HVO Fuel nationwide. This is the cleanest alternative fuel on the market that has been supercharged with an enhanced organic additive.

Gd+ HVO is certified under the UK Renewable Fuel Assurance Scheme and has proof of sustainability from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).

The Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme is an initiative designed and managed by Zemo Partnership that aims to give fleet operators independent assurance of purchasing sustainable, low-carbon fuels which have been approved under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).

Reduce your carbon footprint by offsetting your fossil fuels carbon emissions

For those businesses that are not quite ready to make the switch to HVO carbon offsetting could be another option.

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon Offsetting is the process in which a business offsets its carbon emissions by funding CO2e reduction projects. These projects can include forestry schemes, hydroelectric power stations, wind farms, and other green initiatives that help reduce carbon emissions worldwide.

The Carbon Offset is achieved by purchasing Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) via experienced Carbon Project Developers that are all verified by external and leading global Carbon Offset verification organisations. The Oil Depot’s Carbon Offsetting scheme has been triple verified by Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard and Climate Action Reserve. u

Enhanced brand image and reputation

Investing in reducing your carbon footprint could give you the competitive edge when it comes to standing out in a crowded marketplace. Going green can do wonders for your public image and profile when tendering for contracts.

Knowing that you are conducting business in an ecofriendly manner allows you to introduce a green angle to your marketing strategy and attract new ethically focused consumers.

Better financial and investment opportunities

Green-focused businesses often take advantage of a far wider range of grants, loans and funding than a traditional business might.

Increased readiness for future legislation

Going green now could save you a significant amount further down the line, should the government or your industry enforce specific green provisions or regulations.

Green credentials for tenders

Most large organisations and public bodies now have a rigorous sustainability policy, meaning they seek out and favour green partner companies over less sustainable competitors.

It’s important to show your green credentials in every part of the supply chain and if your business is competing for a piece of work, demonstrating your green credentials can help set you apart.

Increased morale and attracting new talent Going green doesn’t only foster positive feelings from customers. Employees feel safer working for green businesses. Involving workers in company-wide green initiatives can boost the morale of your team. This is also a good way to reduce turnover, because employees don’t want to leave a place that makes them feel as if they are a part of a work community that cares.

According to recruitment website Totaljobs, more than a quarter of UK employees would consider taking a substantial pay cut to work at a more environmentally responsible organisation. For Millennials alone, this figure leaps up to 50%. More than 7 out of every 10 applicants in the Millennial age bracket investigate their potential employer’s environmental impact. n