As part of global efforts to cut down on waste, you must look for ways to reduce plastic in your business. However, plastic is necessary and has many uses. And there is also the chance that alternatives just won’t work for your type of business. So, here are some handy little tips.
Find the Right Supplier for Your Needs
Although the world’s governments are trying to have us cut down on how much plastic we use, plastic production is going nowhere. This is because plastics such as polythenes are very useful. Products made from such plastics are hygienic, durable and cost-effective. And your business might need them. However, not all manufacturers are the same. Only a handful, such as Hanmere, make efforts to reduce their plastic, therefore helping you reduce yours.
Phase Out Single-Use Items
It is believed that single-use items are the largest contributor to plastic issues such as ocean waste, litter and landfill overuse. So it helps to switch to plastics that are more efficient. For example, you can have your staff kitchen filled with reusable cups and cutlery, use biodegradable bin liners and maintain access to hygienic washing areas so people don’t use wipes. Wipes are also one of the biggest contributors to “fatbergs” that are destroying sewers.
Reduce Plastic at Your Business with Recycling Efforts
It’s hard to find a business that doesn’t recycle these days. Probably mainly because of heavy fines and penalties. Yet a survey by Business Waste found that 80% of companies in the UK don’t actually have a green policy. Without a policy in place, your recycling will be minimal. Therefore, you need to make it a priority across any sites you own or manage. Consider your commitment to the environment and the effect you can have with basic recycling rules in place.
Encourage and Train Employees
Of course, it doesn’t matter how great your green policy is if you don’t enforce it. So you need to make everyone aware of just what is expected. Seminars, emails and even posters will help your staff absorb their responsibilities when it comes to recycling. Make sure everyone is aware that they play a key role in making your eco goals a reality. You can encourage this with rewards for recycling targets or, on the other hand, take punitive actions against poor recycling efforts.
Incentivize Customers to Return Items
Recycling isn’t only an internal effort, and you can help hit your targets by extending your green policy to include customers. For example, you can give customers a small discount for returning recyclable products, such as jars that can be used again in your honey production factory. This helps maintain good eco-friendly policies. But it also helps you enhance brand awareness and establishes a little bit of customer loyalty too. Customers come back if there is something in it.
Summary
You can make immediate efforts to reduce plastic in your business. Finding the right supplier is crucial. But you can also make recycling plans and offer small rewards to staff and customers.