ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, has become a crucial aspect for businesses worldwide. This is due to the increased emphasis placed on sustainable and responsible practises by stakeholders including investors, customers and employees. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) movement was introduced back in the 2000s, and has since evolved into an all-encompassing framework known as ESG, which entered the sustainability landscape in the 2020s.
One of the most straightforward ethical practices that industrial companies and the environment can adopt is recycling. Recycling entails collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away into new products, thereby reducing waste and boosting sustainability. It is an important component of ESG, as it encourages environmental responsibility and demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Recycling is good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for the future
According to the Selangor State Government, the recycling rate for industrial waste increased from 25.9% in 2019 to 27.9% in 2020. As part of their efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, the government aims to increase the overall recycling rate to 40% by 2025. Given the current rate of progress, this objective seems achievable. In addition, various local authorities such as Majlis Bandaraya Klang, Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, and Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya have adopted a Low Carbon City Initiative framework and are working towards completing their action plans by 2030.
Industrial businesses play a critical role in ensuring that these targets are met. Companies must implement best practices in recycling to ensure that they are contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and promoting sustainable business practices. One-way businesses can accomplish this is by using innovative approaches to recycle waste materials and reduce waste production. Such strategies can include effective waste management processes, the use of recycled resources in production, and the adoption of greener manufacturing technologies. It is essential that industrial businesses be aware of the targeted goals in the Low Carbon City Initiative under the municipalities and act proactively to ensure that they comply with them.
There are several measures that industrial enterprises should to take to ensure that they have top-notch recycling systems that meet the set targets of the Low Carbon City Initiative standards stipulated by the municipal authorities. To begin, such companies should gain a comprehensive understanding of the materials they manufacture. Typically, they may conduct a waste audit to determine the recyclable materials and appropriate recycling techniques. For example, paper can be recycled into tissue paper, while plastic can be melted down and moulded into new products or into fuel.
Secondly, importance of industrial organisation educating their staff on the importance of recycling and the appropriate way to carry out the process effectively in the workplace. It is essential for organizations to provide comprehensive and precise recycling guidelines to their staffs. This will involve providing clear instructions on the appropriate location for recyclable materials, and equipping them with the necessary tools required for the proper segregation of the recycling materials. By doing this, businesses will not only contribute to the environment protection, but will also reduce their entire ecological footprint.
Thirdly, industrial enterprises can devise a plan to handle their current industrial recyclable materials and acquiring new resources. A candy factory, for example, can reuse leftover candies in their manufacturing processes. It is critical to develop an integrated framework that can track the number of materials being recycled, distinguishing between recyclables and disposables, and manage their accumulation.
Fourth, industrial organisation with their reliable waste management and recycling facilities, could help to boost their sustainability and recycling practices. They should actively participate in ensuring that their industrial recyclable resources are handled appropriately and waste are disposed of. This will require setting up a consistent pickup schedule for the recyclable items such as a weekly schedule while ensuring that the materials are recycled responsibly and safely.
Lastly, industrial companies should establish a waste tracking system as part of the processes, from monitoring their recycling efforts and accountability towards their sustainability goals. By partnering with a reputable trustworthy waste management company can provide monthly reports to facilitate this process. By implementing these measures, industrial companies can effectively contribute to promote sustainability and financial benefits.
As the saying goes, "what gets measured, gets managed”
None of us can change our yesterdays but all of us can change our tomorrows
