The Problem
Butternut Box was generating general waste which was collected every 5 days. Much of this waste comprised of soiled cardboard and plastic, which could potentially be recycled but was ending up in general waste due to the limitations in the recycling process.
The Audit Process
When Butternut Box was still in its commissioning stages, the company received an enquiry call from Robin Evershed, Greenbank’s Sustainability and ESG Investment Consultant. Robin highlighted the potential for Greenbank to assist Butternut Box in optimising its waste management processes. Adrian Saltmarsh, a Technical Sales Consultant from Greenbank, visited Butternut Box Kitchen to conduct a comprehensive waste audit to identify areas for improvement.
The waste audit conducted by Greenbank delved into Butternut Box’s current waste management practices and expenditure. Greenbank’s audit uncovered that improvements could be made to Butternut Box’s waste management system and the root cause of this was due to Butternut Box’s high standards of production and hygiene, it was unable to sustainably segregate recyclables at source. This highlighted the need for a more sustainable solution.
The Solution
Based on the findings of the audit, Greenbank proposed a solution to help Butternut Box reduce costs on general waste, further reduce CO2 footprint and increase its recycling rates. By investing in labour efficient and easy to clean balers to be situated in the production area, this would enable recycling at source as well as optimising the waste segregation processes. Butternut Box could significantly decrease the volume of waste sent to landfill – an attractive proposition for a business passionate about protecting the environment.
Greenbank recommended the installation of two galvanised balers, the X50 and X10 models, within Butternut Box’s Kitchen area. These balers would enable Butternut Box to efficiently compact and bale cardboard and plastic waste, making it easier to recycle and reducing the amount of waste sent to general waste collections. Additionally, Greenbank facilitated a connection with a recycling partner who offered better rebates for baled materials, further incentivising sustainable waste management practices. This process would make a big impact on sustainability at zero cost, effectively the balers would pay for themselves.
The Result
Following the implementation of Greenbank’s solution, Butternut Box experienced significant improvements in waste management efficiency and cost savings. General waste volumes were reduced by 50%, while actual on site recycling rates increased by 46%, leading to higher rebates from recycling partners*.
As a result, Butternut Box was able to reduce its monthly waste collection costs significantly, with all waste diverted from landfill and either recycled or converted into energy through incineration. Overall, the implementation of Greenbank’s solution resulted in a more sustainable waste management process for Butternut Box, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
*this helped fund the extra investment required.
