The Athens Plant pursuit of sustainability goals led back in 2019 to a remarkable achievement— to be the first among the other European Colgate plants, to achieve a platinum level TRUE certification for zero waste. Recognizing the urgency to reduce waste, the site initiated a comprehensive approach by deploying a Green Team strategy. The team began by meticulously creating a waste map to identify areas of improvement. Collaborative discussions were then initiated with suppliers, resulting in a significant reduction in the volume of waste generated during the manufacturing process. The supply of bottle preforms in metal kinder boxes, instead of cardboard boxes, led to an almost 30% reduction of cardboard waste. A partnership was also forged with a vendor in regards to the label backing paper waste. Instead of discarding the paper, the vendor repurposed it, creating label sticker carriages.
However, Athens Plant success was not solely attributed to these measures. The true transformation came when the employees were actively engaged in waste segregation practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. The resounding outcome of this dedicated effort extended beyond the accolades received; it resonated with the community as zero waste ended up in landfills, demonstrating the factory's commitment to both global recognition and community well-being.
“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.