Maltese Company Successfully Sets Up Zero Waste Initiative With Plans To Expand
Zero waste is a current buzzword with many companies listing it as a target goal for the near future. But how much is really being done to achieve these goals?
Since its inception in 2019, the Zero Waste Future Programme (ZWF) has focused its efforts on increasing recycling and prevention of land and marine litter.
It also engages the local coastal HoReCa industry, citizens, authorities and NGOs to take ownership towards a sustainable future through engaging solutions, awareness-raising events, and participatory processes.
ZWF is an initiative of The Coca-Cola Foundation and GSD Marketing Ltd. The project is implemented by the Cypriot NGO AKTI Project and Research Centre.
Through social and traditional media, the Zero Waste Future initiatives and activities have to date reached more than one million people. For the first time in Malta, a waste characterisation study was carried out in cooperation with the Vittoriosa Local Council where over 40 tonnes of recyclable materials have been collected through on-the-go recycling bins in the locality.
The hospitality industry was directly targeted and 50 HoReCa outlets were enrolled in the Responsible Coastal Business Network (RCBN) Programme.
These outlets were provided with an innovative Guide of Good Practices, which resulted in an additional 40 tons of waste being recycled.
During an awards ceremony held last month, Chill Café & Bistro, Don Berto Restaurant and Agħmilli Café Cafeteria ranked as the top three performers in this network.
Local designer Marco Parascandolo was also recognised for using recycled and sustainable material in his outfits. On the night, awards compère, Clare Agius, was wearing a Parascandolo dress sewn from recycled material.
“The way to tackle the interconnected global challenges of packaging waste and climate change is through collaboration and sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices. This program brings together private businesses, NGOs and Government in achieving meaningful and lasting results. We look forward to continue working together in this partnership, so we can drive change and protect the environment for our future generations,” said Maria Micallef, CEO of GSD Marketing Limited.
Environment Minister Miriam Dalli was also a guest at the event. “In today’s age the world is facing various challenges especially those related to the environment. However, we need to join forces, with the private sector and different organisations, so that collectively we continue raising awareness and drive real change that can result in long lasting environmental protection,” she said.
The program will run until July 2023, expanding the cooperation with the Local Councils of Cospicua and Senglea and enrolling new members to the RCBN.
Festivals Malta and Sports Malta have also joined forces with Zero Waste Future to expand the zero-waste concept during their events, while the Litterless campaign of Ekoskola has partnered up to engage current and future generations in this initiative.
The programme also supports the local NGO Zibel to recover and recycle marine litter.
The Zero Waste Future Programme utilises a 360 degree approach starting from litter prevention to the collection and recycling of marine waste, supporting a long term sustainability plan within a local context.
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