Waste is a two-sided problem in the consumer goods industry. On the one hand, some products are disposed of for various reasons, and on the other, waste is generated through packaging. FMCG companies have been producing an increasing amount of waste and single-use plastic.
Companies need to be more mindful of the waste generated throughout their value chain. Companies like Procter & Gamble and Dabur India recently claimed that they have achieved 'plastic waste neutrality’ by recycling a big chunk of their post-consumer plastic packaging waste. They have come under pressure to manage waste in order to be environmentally friendly and raise consumer awareness. Companies that are environmentally conscious are better able to draw in new clients since customers like to work with businesses that share their values.
Waste Generation from Major FMCG Companies in the UK
In 2021, Unilever, British American Tobacco, Reckitt Benckiser Group, Imperial Brands, and Associated British Foods generated significant waste.
Unilever Plc (Unilever) is a manufacturer and supplier of fast-moving consumer goods. In total, Unilever generated 659 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and an increase of 11% from 2020. In 2021, 633 thousand tonnes of waste generated was recycled (96% of total waste generated) by Unilever. They disposed of 5.8 thousand tonnes of waste of which 1.4 thousand tonnes were non-hazardous waste and 4.4 thousand tonnes were hazardous.
Associated British Foods Plc (ABF) is a subsidiary of Wittington Investments Ltd, is a diversified food processing and retail group. In total, Associated British Foods generated 571 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and a decrease of 2% from 2020. In 2021, 450 thousand tonnes of waste generated was recycled (79% of total waste generated).
British American Tobacco plc (BAT) produces, markets, and sells cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products, vapor and tobacco-heating products, and other tobacco-related products. In total, British American Tobacco generated 137 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and a decrease of 4.9% from 2020. In 2021, 108 thousand tonnes of waste generated was recycled (78.9% of total waste generated).
Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (RB) is a manufacturer and distributor of personal care, household, specialty products, nutrition, toiletry, and health care products. In total, Reckitt Benckiser generated 83 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and a decrease of 17.1% from 2020. In 2021, 55 thousand tonnes of waste generated was recycled (66% of total waste generated).
Imperial Brands Plc (Imperial Brands) is a manufacturer, marketer, distributor, and seller of a wide range of tobacco and related products. In total, Imperial Brands generated 42 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and an increase of 4% from 2020. In 2021, 9 thousand tonnes of waste generated was recycled (21% of total waste generated).
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