Zero Waste

Release time：2024-03-21Source：China Sustainability TribuneAuthor：媒体中心

Zero Waste

From “waste sorting” and “zero-waste city” to “zero-waste society”, China is sharing its noteworthy experience in solid waste disposal with the world. Whether it's technology companies, automobile enterprises, logistics firms or emerging environmental protection businesses, various waste reduction initiatives are underway. Through material innovation, recycling, and building partnerships, these entities are exploiting resources and working towards creating a “zero-waste world”.

Recycle waste paper with innovative dry fiber technology

As global environmental challenges gain prominence, sustainable development becomes essential for various sectors. Epson, committed to the philosophy of green development and building compact, precise and efficient technologies, has pioneered the world’s first dry fiber technology. Leading the office paper revolution with innovative technology through the PaperLab dry process office papermaking system, Epson accomplishes the recycling and regeneration of waste paper in an almost waterless environment. This contributes significantly to sustainable development.

The “Starry Sky” Model — transform idle distribution rooms into “distributed data centers” for industrial parks

To address the data storage challenges faced by micro and small businesses in Hangzhou, State Grid Hangzhou Lin’an Power Supply Company has explored the development model of a distributed micro-data center known as the “Starry Sky.” The company leverages unused space in distribution rooms, aligning with the overlapping requirements for land use in data center construction. This integration efficiently utilizes social resources, reduces the consumption of public land resources, and offers high-performance, cost-effective data storage services to enterprises. As a result, the initiative has fostered mutual benefits among space providers, power supply companies, micro and small businesses, and industrial parks.

Innovation and implementation of closed-loop circular management for low-value recyclables in municipal solid waste

In addressing the challenges of recycling low-value recyclables, Luhai Pro-environment propels industrial development through advanced process technology and equipment, and has implemented an innovative circular management model for low-value recyclables. Aligned with the government’s top-level design, Luhai Pro-environment collaborates with stakeholders in activities such as public awareness campaigns, training, collection, sorting, and resource utilization pilot programs. In 2022, the company launched the nation’s first low-value recyclables sorting center in Xiamen, capable of processing 50 to 100 tons of mixed low-value recyclables daily, of which about 60% was plastic waste. This initiative represents a pioneering solution for the circular utilization of municipal solid waste resources.

Usher in a new era of “zero plastic” for laptops

To address the dependence on virgin plastics in electronic products, Lenovo, through research and development, achieved a milestone in 2021 by becoming the first company to mass-produce “zero plastic” adapters. These adapters use recycled plastic, constituting 95% of their material, eliminating the need for virgin plastics. The initiative has been applied to other components like laptop batteries, speakers, and internal parts. In the 2022 fiscal year, Lenovo utilized approximately 1,710 tons of “zero plastic,” resulting in a reduction of around 4,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Concurrently, acting as a leader in the supply chain, Lenovo has been instrumental in encouraging stakeholders to reduce their plastic usage.

“Blue Cycle” — a solution for marine plastic pollution governance

VisionBlue Technology employs digital technology as a tool and value sharing as a conduit to innovatively tackle key issues associated with marine plastic waste, such as the their collection process, destination, funding sources, and sustainable practices. By maximizing the value and redistributing the benefits of regenerated marine plastics, VisionBlue Technology ensures that coastal low-income communities, fishermen, and enterprises derive advantages from participating in marine plastics governance. The company has successfully devised an internally driven, sustainable, and replicable “blue cycle” governance solution, contributing to the recycling of over 2,247 tons of marine plastic waste.

Create “Zero-Waste” sustainable warehouses through precise identification and recycling

Bollore Logistics face challenges in the sustainable use of packaging and consumables. The company has addressed these challenges by precisely identifying and categorizing consumables for incoming goods and implementing recycling based on their material types and usage scenarios. This helps reduce procurement volume and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the company has adopted replacement solutions for essential consumables in its operations, making transitions from plastic to paper and from traditional materials to biodegradable or environmentally friendly materials.

Innovative water resource management for efficient energy conservation and recycling

In response to water scarcity and pollution, L'Oréal China actively promotes the circular utilization of water resources in its production and operations. The company employs efficient cleaning technologies, explores innovative approaches for reusing water in cleaning and disinfection processes, and develops water-saving products to optimize water resource management. In 2021, the Yichang Tianmei Plant pioneered a new model, utilizing recycled water from the factory throughout its entire industrial process. In 2022, in Suzhou Shangmei Plant, the high-pressure spray cleaning station with mobile water tanks successfully reduced water consumption per product by 6.4%. Additionally, the L'Oréal Water Saver achieved an impressive water saving rate of 80%.

Automated sorting and recycling of discarded textiles

To address challenges such as manual dependence and the difficulty of accurate sorting in recycling discarded textiles, TOMRA has introduced optical sorting technology. This technology uses sensors to accurately identify discarded textiles based on material and color, enabling high-speed and large-scale material separation through precise air blowing. The implementation of automated sorting technology in large sorting centers offers downstream recycling enterprises a stable and high-quality feedstock, facilitating the closed-loop recycling from discarded textiles to new textiles.

Reduce carbon emissions through collaboration: build a “circular economy” ecosystem in the automotive industry

BMW Group assumes responsibility, collaborates with partners to expedite the implementation of a circular economy model in China, and actively contributes to addressing climate change and resource scarcity. Regarding research and development, BMW Group promotes the utilization of recycled materials. In production and operations, the company consistently diminishes waste and boosts efficiency by incorporating renewable energy, managing water resources, and implementing waste management practices. In terms of recycling, BMW is engaged in the recycling of waste steel, aluminum, plastics, and components. Simultaneously, it collaborates with partners to achieve closed-loop recycling and the sequential utilization of electric vehicle batteries.

Break through the technological barriers in the recycling and reuse of waste tires

In addressing the technological challenges in the recycling and reuse of waste tires in China, ECOSTAR has autonomously developed ecological recycling technology and equipment for used tires. The company has deployed several “Industry 4.0” intelligent factories utilizing the RCOS remote operation and control platform. ECOSTAR has introduced an “Internet plus” recycling business model, establishing a green closed-loop industry chain that encompasses the entire lifecycle of “resources-products-waste-regenerated resources.” Through these initiatives, ECOSTAR is able to conduct safe and high-value processing of waste tires, generating economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Recycle deteriorated transformer oil

Enable every drop of spent transformer oil to undergo a “rebirth”! State Grid Xiaogan Electric Power Supply Company, in its efforts to establish a management system for the reuse of deteriorated transformer oil, pioneered innovations in transformer oil recycling technology. The company forged a sharing and win-win model with upstream and downstream enterprises along the value chain. Through the centralized processes of storage, auction, purification, and reuse of transformer oil, Xiaogan Power Supply Company promoted full lifecycle management, unlocking new application value. The company successfully recovered and centrally processed 584.5 tons of deteriorated transformer oil, equivalent to saving the consumption of 5,845 tons of non-renewable petroleum resources.

Pave the way for a zero-carbon future with the recycle-a-shoe program

Using the innovative Nike Grind technology, Nike collected surplus materials from the supply chain, incorporating them into product manufacturing and the development of sports spaces. This reflects a commitment to sustainable innovation that extends across sports and other fields. Through initiatives like the Recycle-A-Shoe program and the application of the Nike Grind technology, Nike erected 15 Nike Grind sports fields and activity spaces in China. These spaces utilized materials repurposed from 910,984 pairs of old shoes collected in the country. Since 2021, Nike partnered with Tongji University for the “Closed-loop Recycling of Used Shoes” program, working collaboratively to explore a recycling system for used shoes.

Develop an full-chain solution to tackle pollution from disposed plastic packaging

Kingfa introduced a sustainable solution for plastic packaging by creating an extensive and sophisticated recycling network for plastic packaging waste. Employing state-of-the-art plastic recycling technology, the company converted plastic packaging waste into high-performance recycled packaging materials. These materials were provided to packaging factories for the manufacturing of new packaging products, completing a closed-loop recycling system for plastic packaging that returns to consumers. In the period from 2019 to 2021, Kingfa utilized a total of approximately 60,000 tons of plastic packaging waste.

Recycle bicycle tires for the construction of charitable sports fields

Meituan Bike repurposed retired tires to build eco-friendly plastic sports fields. Since the commencement of the philanthropic initiative in June 2020, Meituan Bike has donated more than 20 sports fields to mountainous regions and schools in Qinghai, Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Hubei, Fujian, Shaanxi, Tibet, Yunnan, etc. The initiative recycled more than 50,000 bicycle tires, which were then utilized in the construction of sports fields covering approximately 15,000 square meters. In addition to tire recycling, Meituan Bike enhanced the opportunities for children in mountainous regions to engage in sports activities.

Promote “whole ecology” with “small recycling”

Reels serve as the primary packaging material for cables. Traditional iron and wooden reels, constrained by material, structure, and usage lifespan limitations, pose challenges in recycling. This has led to issues such as the inefficient and wasteful development of the entire industry chain. Hangzhou Technology Development Branch, through innovative alterations in the material and structure of traditional reels and the integration of smart chips, established an Internet of Things (IoT) system. The company pioneered China’s first reel recycling platform, resulting in cost reduction, efficiency improvement, value enhancement, and contributions to the sharing economy. This initiative was dedicated to playing a role in fostering a zero-waste world.

Foster “zero-waste logistics” with Innovative smart recycling services

To address the widespread use of disposable logistics packaging in traditional industrial manufacturing enterprises, HOREN CORTP Co., LTD. harnessed its extensive research and development capabilities in industry-wide logistics packaging, the Internet of Things (IoT), and recycling management SaaS. Through innovative technologies like individual codes for each crate, shared management of boxed goods, and AI-assisted decision-making, HOREN offered tailored logistics packaging recycling services across various industries, including bulk liquids, automotive parts, fresh cold chains, biopharmaceuticals, etc. The company expedited the elimination of disposable packaging, establishing itself as a “zero-carbon recycling partner” for global enterprises.

Build a platform for the shared reuse of used cement poles in agricultural and pastoral areas

Tongliao Power Supply Company addressed the shift from free-range to confined breeding in Inner Mongolia. Embracing the “resource-product-recycled resource” model, the company established a platform for repurposing used cement poles, fostering a shared ecosystem for mutual benefits among the government, enterprises, and customers. The power supply company contributed 1,984 old electric poles to construct 324 cowsheds and sheep pens, aiding farmers in saving construction costs of approximately RMB 790,000 yuan. This effort also led to a reduction of aggregate residue by 1,388.8 cubic meters and steel bars by 694.4 tons. Furthermore, it reclaimed around 100,000 acres of pasture, yielding significant results in greening and sand control.

Turn crop straw into treasure in china

In addressing the pollution resulting from the incineration of discarded straw, HP actively explored the potential of trays made from straw in China. Through collaborative efforts with suppliers, HP successfully devised a cost-effective, highly efficient, and high-quality production solution for straw trays, making them accessible to general consumers. Straw trays not only optimize resource allocation, reducing environmental pollution and forest resource waste, but also contribute to creating favorable conditions for increasing production and income for farmers.

Unlock Substantial Value from Modest Scrap Materials

State Grid Changji Electric Power Supply Company initiated the “Unlock Substantial Value from Modest Scrap Materials” campaign, concentrating on recycling and repurposing old production materials. By repurposing items like discarded safety helmets, tires, safety ropes, and oil drums, the company maximized the residual value of these materials, and contributed to sustainable social development.

Tackle food packaging plastic waste with “reduce plastic + recycle”

To address the substantial pollution and recycling challenges associated with plastic food soft packaging, Totole actively advanced sustainability across six dimensions: recycled and circular design, minimizing the use of virgin plastic, neutralizing the plastic life cycle, adopting low-carbon logistics and manufacturing, and enhancing product communication. In 2021, Totole introduced the “reduce plastic + recycle” strategy for plastic packaging, and initiated the “Food Plastic Soft Packaging Recycling Machine” project to involve consumers in tackling the issue of plastic waste. During the same year, the company successfully reduced plastic usage by 195 tons through packaging optimization.

Tackle Inefficiencies in the final stage of plastic bottle collection

In addressing challenges like low efficiency, downcycling, and secondary pollution in plastic bottle recycling, TOMRA persistently offered intelligent equipment and technical solutions for deposit-based recycling. More than 80,000 TOMRA smart recycling machines were applied in over 60 deposit-based markets globally, facilitating the clean recovery of 44 billion beverage containers each year. This significantly tackled inefficiencies in the final stage of bottle collection and cross-contamination issues. By spearheading technological advancements and promoting institutional innovation, TOMRA aspired to boost beverage container recycling to 500 billion!

Power “idle fish” unleashes the potential of idle resources

To avoid idle power equipment from becoming wasted social resources, State Grid Ningbo Yinzhou Power Supply Company has innovatively created a shared “Idle Fish”model, which includes a shared network platform that brings together the power supply companies, equipment leasing providers, equipment owners, governments, and equipment manufacturers. It helps to match the equipment supply and demand and integrate the resources. Through various forms of shared leasing, they maximize the value of idle equipment and contribute to the smart reuse of idle resources.

Waste batteries promote the sustainable development of SMEs

Danyang Power Supply Company, in collaboration with local governments and business associations, has addressed the issues of limited awareness and communication barriers among small and micro enterprises regarding micro energy storage stations. They have worked together with investment institutions, general contractors, and other key stakeholders to promote the cascade utilization of retired power batteries. This initiative aims to support the construction of micro energy storage stations for small and micro enterprises experiencing significant electricity demand fluctuations during peak and off-peak periods. By establishing a cooperative and mutually beneficial new model, this collaboration not only promotes the reuse of retired power batteries but also facilitates the healthy development of local small and micro enterprises and the socioeconomic environment.

Turn waste into treasure in a circular economy mode and promote closed-loop recycling for sustainable development

The rapid development of technology has led to a substantial amount of electronic waste. Dell, as a pioneer in the industry, has proactively established a closed-loop recycling supply chain. They consider the entire product lifecycle, chose proper materials, collect and recycle plastic from discarded products, and incorporate them into new computer products. Besides, Dell also actively participates in other closed-loop recycling initiatives. Through a partnership with the Orphaned Orca Fund, Dell manufactures laptop packaging trays using recycled ocean plastic waste, increasing the percentage of application from 25% to 50%.

Overcome the technical barriers of reuse of waste batteries

State Grid Zaozhuang Power Supply Company deepens industry-university-research cooperation, refines decommissioned power battery recycling, disassembly, research and re-use process to overcome the key technical problems in the establishment of decommissioned battery energy storage systems for electric vehicles, providing strong support for the grid to accept distributed energy. At the same time, it explores the use of decommissioned power battery in the photovoltaic poverty alleviation villages, to promote the decommissioned batteries in a wider range of social reuse. The project results have landed in a number of poverty-free villages in Zaozhuang City, further increasing the income of local villagers.

Brightened green e-commerce packaging

To address extensive packaging in the express delivery industry, Procter & Gamble (P&G) launched the Big and Little Green Treasure Boxes, reusable alternatives to corrugated shipping boxes. It has also collaborated with suppliers and major e-commerce platforms to establish the first e-commerce omnichannel closed-loop recycling network in China, applying reusable packaging on a large-scale. As a result, P&G has cut down on 55 million secondary packaging units, avoided using 170 million air-fill packages, and minimized paper waste by 12,000 tons within a year.

Idle material creates great value through recycle

YiYiTong focuses on establishing a transaction platform that caters to the reuse of idle materials in the electronics manufacturing industry. Through quality control and the introduction of environmental contribution value, YiYiTong helps upstream suppliers enhance their idle materials management. It also provides reliable supply channels to support innovation activities of downstream small and medium-sized enterprises. Their efforts contribute to the sustainable development of the industry and uphold the corporate values of “serving greatness, serving innovation, and serving the environment”From 2019 to 2021, they facilitated the sale of over 570 million pieces of idle electronic materials by suppliers.

Biodegradable trench coat, a new fashion for environmental protection

To address the high environmental pollution in the apparel industry, Xtep has launched a new series of biodegradable and environmentally friendly products. The world’s first poly lactic acid (PLA) windbreaker, made from sources such as corn and straw, can naturally degrade under specific environmental conditions. Additionally, Xtep has overcome the challenge of coloring PLA and achieved mass production of PLA-based products. In 2021, 100% PLA windbreakers and hoodies were launched. So far, products made from environmentally friendly materials have account for 30% of Xtep's entire product range.

Innovative water treatment technology achieves energy saving and efficiency

To reduce industrial wastewater discharges in the production process, Toyota Boshoku (China) has independently developed the highly competitive “Cooling and circulating water purification system Weets” This system ensures stable product quality while incorporating wastewater recycling and reuse, significantly reducing power consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. It allows natural water treatment materials and domestic wastewater to be discharged together, achieving environmental protection without pollution. Currently, this system is being progressively promoted and used within the Toyota Group worldwide, gradually becoming a new business channel.

Welcome GRANDBLUE---clean solid waste to overcome “not in my backyards”mindset

As a pioneer, Grandblue has established an intensive and eco-friendly industrial park for waste treatment, with a focus on minimizing social costs. The company emphasizes high-quality construction and operation in line with the principles of transparency, open communication, and consistency in their words and actions. Prioritizing responsibility, Grandblue actively collaborates with the community and media to share environmental assets, effectively addressing Nimby issues. Over the past decade, the company has achieved a remarkable record of “zero complaints + zero petitions”from the local community, demonstrating its commitment to creating a harmonious and inclusive park without physical barriers. Their achievements have earned praise from mainstream media outlets, including People’s Daily.

Classify used utility poles to maximize their residual value

In response to the low utilization rate of nearly 10,000 discarded utility poles each year, State Grid Taixing Electric Power Supply Company has implemented a classification and disposal system for these discarded utility poles. They are either recycled for road construction purposes, transferred to the low-voltage division or village groups for reuse, or utilized in various scenarios such as grape trellis installation, billboard construction, and flood protection slopes. This approach not only addresses the problems of disorderly stacking, safety hazards, and inconvenient disposal of used utility poles but also maximizes the residual value of these materials.

lmplement waste sorting

The concrete waste sorting faces significant challenges as it involves multiple stakeholders, complex design elements, and a shift in mindset and behavior. However, through theoretical innovation and pathway reconstruction, E20 has successfully developed a comprehensive waste sorting solution in Taiyuan City. This solution is supported by a theoretical foundation, practical tools, and demonstrated effectiveness, ensuring a “holistic”approach that is financially feasible and widely accepted by the public. The intelligent management and control system provided by the company greatly facilitates the comprehensive governance capacity of streets and communities.

Recycle second-hand clothes to promote sustainable fashion

In order to drive carbon reduction across the value chain and embrace the principles of the circular economy, Inditex has implemented its old clothes recycling program in 46 markets. Through partnerships with local non-profit organizations, collected waste garments are either reutilized (such as through donations) or recycled (such as through upgrading or downgrading recycling), providing a second life for discarded clothes and creating socially and environmentally responsible solutions. By the end of 2020, this program aimed to encompass all brand stores of the Inditex group worldwide.

Promote sustainable packaging process to create a zero-waste future together.

To address the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste, Nestlé actively explores new methods to reduce plastic pollution through innovative designs for recyclable plastic packaging, establishing closed-loop systems for plastic recycling and regeneration, and promoting changes in consumer behavior. Recognizing the complexity of plastic pollution, Nestlé places importance on collaborating with associations, non-governmental organizations, recycling enterprises, universities, and other stakeholders in various initiatives. By fostering comprehensive and innovative approaches, Nestlé joins hands with all sectors to create a zero-waste future.

Blue Mountain Project- an eco-friendly food delivery chain

Meituan Waimai introduced the “Blue Mountain Project ”in 2017, pledging to collaborate with additional partners to address environmental issues within the food delivery industry. After more than three years of ongoing progress, the Blue Mountain Project has transitioned from being solely platform-focused to establishing a centralized collaboration among upstream and downstream enterprises in building a sustainable supply chain. It has evolved from small-scale pilot partnerships to forming extensive alliances with partners to drive research and exploration of eco-friendly packaging materials for takeaways. Furthermore, it has shifted from single-function guidance to platform leadership, gradually establishing a comprehensive environmental protection ecosystem for the takeaway industry.

World without waste

Reducing the environmental impact of food and beverage packaging is a global challenge. In 2018, Coca-Cola introduced its global sustainable packaging strategy called“World Without Waste”Taking into account the specific context in China, Coca-Cola collaborated with the Wuliquiao Community in Shanghai to implement plastic bottle recycling initiatives. They introduced innovative practices such as the creation of recycled derivative products like the “Caring Package“and the”Not Just Bottles” exhibition. By focusing on recycling, regeneration, and public education, Coca-Cola actively explores solutions for sustainable packaging

Embrace sustainable fashion - FINEX Cellulosic Fiber Project

To address the low recycling rate of textile waste and the shortage of raw materials in the textile industry, Sateri has been conducting research and development since 2019. They extract fibers from discarded textiles, produce recycled dissolving pulp, and have successfully achieved industrial-scale production of recycled cellulose fibers. Currently, Sateri (Jiangsu) Fiber Co., Ltd. has commenced the production and sale of the FINEX Cellulose Fiber - FINEX Modal Fiber, which has obtained Recycled Claimed Standard (RCS) certification.

Exploration of the disposal of zero-value scrapped resources

The resource utilization of scrapped materials is increasingly being emphasized. State Grid Xinjiang Electrical Power Co., Ltd, taking scrapped safety helmets as an example, has explored the reuse of these helmets through a“market”formed by electric power companies, flower cultivation, agricultural cooperatives, and communities. The discarded safety helmets are repurposed for uses such as flower pots, feeding troughs for poverty alleviation farming, campus safety education and promotion, and creative materials. This approach fully unlocks the comprehensive value of safety helmets and promotes the efficient utilization of resources.

Plastic Removal Action：launch AI-powered closed-loop recycling system

Establishing a closed-loop system from consumption, recycling, to reuse is a key aspect of combating plastic pollution. Unilever and Alibaba are jointly creating the first large-scale AI-powered closed-loop plastic recycling system in China. The project utilizes AI identification systems to classify and collect recycled plastic bottles, which are then processed and transformed into recycled plastic particles for use in Unilever's product packaging. By constructing a plastic circular economy, this initiative aims to further enhance environmental sustainability. Currently, the project is being piloted in Shanghai and Hangzhou.

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