In June 2019, Colgate-Palmolive Cali was TRUE-certified to the Platinum level, the highest level of certification, in recognition for achieving its zero waste goals. This makes Colgate Cali the first Latin American company to receive this accreditation under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification system, and since 2019 zero waste has been maintained. Colgate-Palmolive Cali has made a commitment to improving their performance and impact, and our TRUE-certified recognition verifies our efforts are moving in the right direction. In order to achieve TRUE certification, Colgate Cali did not only implement the 3R (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) principle, but also the diverted waste principle; which would have otherwise gone to landfill through processes like: composting, hazardous waste prevention, redesigning, and innovation. At the end of 2020, Colgate-Palmolive Cali was able to reduce the waste sent to landfill from 49.5% to 1.4% compared to 2012. More than 2,000 metric tons of solid waste were redirected to composting and recycling, avoiding the garbage dump or landfill, and a cost reduction of $500,000 USD.
Caring for the people, the environment and the communities where we work and live is an integral part of Colgate-Palmolive and one of our principles, along with achieving Platinum level TRUE certification for zero waste, is in line with that commitment. At Colgate-Palmolive Cali, we have been constantly looking for a better approach to resource use and facility operation. Implementing zero waste means designing and managing products and processes that avoid and eliminate the volume of waste and materials; while also conserving and recovering all resources, and not burning or burying them. We have built dedicated teams to encourage and educate employees on minimizing waste, practicing the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle principle, processing technologies, and implementing measures that could bring about that change.
“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.