This content is presented in partnership with Rubicon.
For retail establishments aiming to enhance their sustainability practices and reduce their ecological footprint, waste audits play a vital role. As highlighted in a previous GreenBiz article, waste audits present a valuable opportunity for driving sustainability efforts within the retail industry.
Referred to as “material characterizations” at Rubicon, these audits view materials generated not as waste but as resources that can be repurposed beneficially. Material characterizations involve systematic assessments of materials produced in retail settings, providing insights into material streams and the quantities and types of materials generated by diverse retail operations.
After Completing a Material Characterization
- Develop a Long-Term Waste Strategy
- Set Clear Objectives
- Incorporate It into Your Sustainability Story
The primary goals of a material characterization include identifying discarded materials, evaluating current waste management and recycling practices, and pinpointing areas for improvement. These findings serve as the foundation for establishing a sustainable materials management (SMM) program.
For instance, if you own a chain of retail stores, data obtained from site assessments and material characterizations reveal crucial information about material types, volumes, and quality. By integrating this data with a robust SMM program, your company can craft a sustainable strategy to improve waste management practices over the long term.
Retailers often have expectations regarding the predominant materials found in their waste streams. For example, plastic film is a common challenge for many retailers. Upon discovering a significant amount of plastic film during a material characterization, we recommend implementing a plastic film recycling initiative. Targeted recommendations like these are instrumental in making tangible advancements in waste management.
If a retailer aims to reduce plastic consumption, the material characterization not only quantifies plastic waste but also identifies its sources and explores alternative options. Similarly, for retailers seeking to increase food donations, the characterization assesses the quantity and type of food waste, determines donation feasibility, and establishes collaborations with local food banks or similar organizations.
Material characterizations enable retailers to gain a comprehensive understanding of their waste streams. When coupled with a tailored SMM program aligned with their specific objectives, this understanding supports effective materials management and contributes to the broader sustainability goals of the company, resonating with environmentally conscious consumers.
Through strategic planning and targeted actions following a material characterization, retail businesses can enhance their waste management practices and make significant progress towards sustainability.