Waste management at Electrolux : Proposals for a New Waste Management- and Waste Reporting System

There has been an increased trend and awareness, during the past two decades, for global companies to assess their environmental impact. And when it comes to waste management, there are at this point few disarmaments that an increased awareness of companies’ resource-, and waste streams can have pos...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Rosberg, Philip
Format: Others
Language:English
Published: KTH, Industriell ekologi 2017
Subjects:
Online Access:http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-201663
Description
Summary:There has been an increased trend and awareness, during the past two decades, for global companies to assess their environmental impact. And when it comes to waste management, there are at this point few disarmaments that an increased awareness of companies’ resource-, and waste streams can have positive financial outcomes, if actions are taken. A lot of these ideas have already been implemented within Electrolux. By developing an energy and water management plan, Green Spirit, they have successfully improved their operations with reducing their energy intensity with 17% (2011-2015) and water intensity with 35% (2011- 2015) (Electrolux Sustainability, 2016). This study has the main objective how to improve and reduce waste in Electrolux´s production facilities, and to help Electrolux understand their waste streams. By assessing the waste performance at Electrolux, and by comparing environmental KPIs between Electrolux and a selection of competitors, a basis for decision was developed. Literature studies of legislative frameworks in geographical regions where Electrolux have a strong presence have helped to understand how companies can work with regulatory entities to solve greater issues. By joining forces with other companies and governments, Electrolux will be able to set an example of how waste performance and profitability can be achieved. By sharing best practice, and engaging with stakeholders and developers, Electrolux can help improve waste performance and save natural resources. This thesis has lead to the development of a new management system, a new reporting system, and a transparent way to rank and keep track of waste performance at Electrolux factories. A way to understand and address issues related to zero waste is also presented.