As we move into 2022, businesses will need to be aware of a number of different waste trends that could have an impact on their operations. Here are five of the most important ones to keep an eye on.
Increasing Recycling Rates
One of the biggest waste trends that businesses will need to contend with in 2022 is increasing recycling rates.
According to the Australian junk removal company Ridly, with a lot of continuing public awareness campaigns and more stringent government regulations, more and more people are becoming conscientious about recycling their waste properly.
This means that businesses will need to ensure that they have adequate recycling infrastructure in place to deal with the increased volume of recyclable materials. Those that don’t could find themselves struggling to keep up with demand.
The Rise of E-Waste
As more and more businesses move towards a digital-first approach, there is likely to be a corresponding increase in the amount of e-waste generated. This includes everything from old computers and printers to outdated software and electronic components that are no longer needed.
To avoid being overwhelmed by e-waste, businesses, especially those in the managed IT services industry, will need to have efficient systems in place for its collection and disposal. They may also need to invest in new technologies to help them deal with this growing waste stream.
Food Waste Reduction
Food waste is another area where businesses will need to make some changes in order to keep up with emerging trends. As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, they are demanding that businesses do more to reduce the amount of food waste they generate.
This means that businesses will need to review their operations and find ways to cut down on food waste at every stage, from production to distribution and sale. Those that don’t could find themselves facing reputational damage as well as financial losses.
The Growth of Sustainable Packaging
Another trend that is likely to have an impact on businesses in 2022 is the continued growth of sustainable packaging options.
As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, they are increasingly opting for products that come in eco-friendly packaging.
Businesses will need to respond to this trend by investing in sustainable packaging options of their own. This could include using recycled materials, compostable packaging, or even investing in reusable packaging solutions.
The Rise of Zero Waste Initiatives
A related trend that businesses will need to be aware of is the growing popularity of zero-waste initiatives. These are designed to help businesses avoid generating any waste at all, instead opting for systems that allow them to recycle or reuse everything they produce.
While zero-waste initiatives can be challenging to implement, they could offer significant benefits for businesses that are able to do so successfully. These include reduced costs, improved efficiency, and a boost to their environmental credentials.