Taking big steps to reduce our plastic use
We were the first water company to produce a dedicated policy in 2018 on reducing single-use plastic waste.
We were the first water company to produce a dedicated policy in 2018 on reducing single-use plastic waste. Our work in this area continues, and in July last year, we were named as an Engaged Member of the Responsible Plastic Management (RPM) programme, outlining our commitment to the Water UK public interest commitment of preventing the equivalent of four billion plastic bottles ending up as waste by 2030.
We’re currently working to understand the life cycle of the plastics used in our activities across our supply chain. To do this, we’re carrying out an audit looking at the types of plastics used, the quantities, and how they’re used. By understanding how plastics are used across our operations, we can take decisions to reduce their use, and make a real difference to our customers and our environment.
Using the audit, we’ll create a plastics reduction plan focusing on five themes:
- Identifying and mapping plastic flows throughout the company
- Eliminating single use plastics
- Seeking sustainable plastics alternatives
- Reducing necessary plastic use
- Plastics recycling optimisation
The plan will highlight where more research is needed to develop or trial potential innovative solutions either through Bluewave – our own innovation team - or using our partnership links with the University of Portsmouth and its Revolution Plastics hub.
Understanding our plastics use is just another way we’re working to become a more sustainable organisation, support our net zero ambitions and protect the environment.
If you’d like to find out more or if you’re a supplier of sustainable alternatives to plastics, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at bluewave@southernwater.co.uk.