Colgate-Palmolive, Sri City Plant achieved TRUE certification for zero waste in January 2019. The Colgate-Palmolive Sri City plant is the first Colgate-Palmolive India, Ltd plant to be certified by GBCI. The site achieved 70 of a possible 81 credits and is Platinum certified. Some projects that may be highlighted as a part of the journey are as follows. The site team built awareness on the importance of engaging with the local community by carrying out a clean-up activity in the neighboring village. More than 20 Colgate employees partnered with local villagers and participated. We also recognized that food waste is a national loss and the underprivileged are deprived of food. Hence, to bring awareness about preventing the cause of food waste we display communication boards in the cafeteria and inform all the employees of the food waste generated the previous day. This builds consciousness towards minimizing food waste.
Reusing the packaging materials that arrive from the vendors to the site is an integral part of our efforts for diverting packaging waste and it also saves money. In the past, during the tooth brush manufacturing process, quality defective toothbrush handles were disposed of to a vendor. An innovative idea was generated where the toothbrush handles could be reground and added back to the process, thereby preventing excess waste. It is then blended with new materials, leading to saving material without compromising on quality.
“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.