Waste reduction is a major environmental and economic challenge for companies. In addition to sorting and recycling, it is essential to act upstream to limit waste production at source. Here are some effective strategies you can implement.

Techniques for reducing waste at source

Eco-design of products and services
Integrate waste reduction criteria (minimum packaging, recyclable materials, eco-modularity, etc.) right from the design phase.

Dematerialization and economy of functionality
Give preference to digital and paperless solutions. Encourage use rather than possession (rental, sharing, reuse).

Inventory management and ordering
Optimize inventory management to avoid waste (monitoring expiration dates, just-in-time ordering, etc.).

Reuse and repair
Extend the lifespan of equipment and materials through repair, renovation and reuse.

Responsible consumption
Raise employee awareness of the need to reduce food waste, paper printing, packaging, etc.

Waste sorting and management solutions

Waste sorting
Set up collection and recycling channels for paper, plastic, glass, organic waste, WEEE, etc.

Biowaste composting Install a composter to recycle biowaste.
Install a composter to turn green and food waste into natural compost.

Waste collection and reclamation
Use specialized companies to collect and recycle waste that cannot be recycled in-house.

Circular economy
Integrate waste into reuse, repair or recycling loops.

Monitoring and quantified targets
Measure waste volumes, set reduction targets and monitor progress.

Inspiring case studies

Paprec Group
Leader in recycling, Paprec has implemented an exemplary circular economy approach at its own sites (zero waste, reuse, recycling).

Michelin
The manufacturer has reduced its industrial waste by 27% between 2010 and 2020 through eco-design, reuse and recycling.  

Roquette
The agro-industrial company recovers 98% of its waste and co-products, notably through methanization to produce biogas.

Decathlon
The sports retailer eliminated 88% of its textile and footwear packaging between 2008 and 2020.

By combining waste reduction at source, sorting, recycling and the circular economy, companies can considerably reduce their environmental impact while generating substantial economic gains.