The Colgate Burlington Flavor Center of Excellence is the main flavor production plant for the Colgate- Palmolive Company. Located in Burlington, New Jersey, the plant prides itself on being one of the leaders in sustainability for not only the company, but the industry as a whole. Sustainability is the main identity of the site, and its commitment to those programs are one of its main values. In 2019, Burlington became the first site in the world to be LEED Zero Certified in all four categories. This includes Energy, Carbon, Water, and Waste. Our waste certification comes from our TRUE Platinum certified recognition, that we maintain and recertify annually. We maintain our waste practices through our Burlington Net Zero (BNZ) Committee, and our recycling / reuse programs.
These programs included reusing metal totes and drums to our Tennessee & Mexico Plants, recycling plastic and metal drums, sending expired chemical products out for reuse, and the use of many recycling bins around the site. Some of the site's other zero waste highlights include participating in a quarterly highway cleanup program for a local roadway in downtown Burlington, and reaching 100% diversion rate in 2021. The Adopt-A-Highway program has the site clean up trash quarterly with volunteers coming from onsite workers, and disposing of trash properly in our own receptacles. The 100% diversion rate was a huge achievement for the site and a great signal for the people how our hard work has been paying off.
“By 2025, we aim to achieve 100% TRUE certification for our global operations, including manufacturing sites, technology centers, strategic offices and owned warehouses,” says Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer. “With enthusiastic teams, collaborative partners and this comprehensive approach to waste reduction, we’re confident we can make it happen.”
Learn more about Colgate's sustainability efforts.