Waste management
The generation of waste is one of the most complicated environmental challenges currently faced by society. As societies develop, the volume of waste generated on a global scale continues to increase. Neglecting or failing to manage waste properly causes a noticeable impact on collection mechanisms and may lead to the contamination of water systems, soil and air, contribute to climate change and affect ecosystems and human health. However, when waste is properly managed, it can be converted into resources that help preserve raw materials, ensure economic sustainability and have a positive effect on both natural resources and ecosystems.
Resource management and Circular Economy
The
Circular Economy model aims to invert the current waste management hierarchy by introducing measures to prepare for the re-use and the recycling of waste materials (reuse, recycling and energy recovery). The Zero Waste certification lies within the framework of the measures of the OECD, UNEP, G20, PEMAR, the European Union and Spain, with regard to the Circular Economy.
The AENOR Zero Waste certification recognises organisations that recover the various waste fractions they generate, within the defined scope, thereby avoiding the landfill as their ultimate destination.
This system does not imply generating zero waste, but rather the appropriate handling of waste in order to reduce the generation of waste, prepare it for reuse and/or transform it into raw materials to reintroduce it into the value chain.
AENOR Zero Food Waste Certification
Food waste is a global problem that, apart from generating environmental, social and economic problems, also raises ethical challenges, as 9% of the world's population suffers from hunger.
Given this situation, organisations and agents belonging to the agri-food chain need to highlight their food waste prevention and reduction programmes.
Resource management to avoid food waste
In response to this need, as part of the trust platform "Combating Food Waste", AENOR offers the new Certification of the AENOR Zero Food Waste Model, which will help organizations to:
- Transmit confidence to customers and consumers about their commitment to and management of food waste through the well-known AENOR mark.
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Quantify waste, set specific goals for its prevention and minimisation and assess the effectiveness of its management, thus increasing the efficiency of its production system and reducing costs.
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Align their objectives with European circular economy strategies.
- Contribute to meeting SDGs, such as SDG 12, "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns," whose third goal is to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses, by 2030.