Whirlpool achieves 50% reduction in General Waste
Kitchen appliance manufacturer Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, the home of Hotpoint, Indesit, Whirlpool and KitchenAid brands, has announced the appointment of Axil integrated Services in a multi-million-pound contract.
This follows a highly successful previous partnership with the waste management firm that saw the manufacturer achieve a 50 per cent reduction in general waste and achieve its zero waste to landfill by 2022 pledge at Whirlpool sites in Peterborough and Yate.
The manufacturer’s re-appointment of Axil highlights Whirlpool’s ongoing commitment to its sustainability goals, including its Net Zero 2030 target for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions. To date, the waste management expert has already supported Whirlpool in reducing its plastic usage by 80%, as well as an overall reduction in General Waste by 50% – approximately the weight of a double-decker bus each month. In addition, Axil has saved the company 1,800 in manual hours by introducing machinery for waste movements and processing.
With the support of Axil, Whirlpool has implemented a leading waste management solution which closely follows the Waste Hierarchy. This includes a series of innovations to achieve Whirlpool’s waste recycling and reduction targets such as:
- Reduced general waste through sortation, reclassification, and energy recovery routes
- Simplified metal baling process by removing unnecessary handling, which resulted in improved health and safety and efficiency
- Upgraded on-site processing procedures using new machinery
- Switched to using local suppliers and a local recycling centre for recyclable materials, which has saved time, reduced Whirlpool’s carbon footprint and directly supports Whirlpool’s strategy of supporting the local economy
- Removal of single use cutlery and cups in on-site canteens and replace with biodegradable product
- Regeneration of hazardous waste compound
- Installation of new welfare cabins for staff
The new multi-million-pound contract includes the total waste management of all waste streams, including: Scrap Metal processing and recycling, Cardboard, Plastic, Wood, General Waste, Dry Mixed Recycling and Hazardous Wastes.
Axil and Whirlpool have worked together to introduce new systems and processes to ensure materials that might previously have classified as waste are recycled. Separating these valuable commodities, along with the recent increase in the value of commodities such as metal, has helped Whirlpool receive a £400k increase in rebates from waste from 2020-2021.
Commenting on the partnership, David Sherrington, UK & Ireland Energy, Environmental, Health & Safety Manager, Whirlpool, said: “We have made great strides in waste management thanks to the help and direction of Axil Integrated Services. We’re delighted that that we’ve achieved our zero waste to landfill target, but we’ll continue to work with Axil to further reduce our waste as we pursue our ambitious sustainability goals.”
Noting the important role manufactures have to play in reducing their carbon emissions and waste, Jason Lang, Commercial Director, Axil integrated Services, said: “We’re very proud that Whirlpool has extended its contract with us, which is a testament to the great work of the Axil team, Whirlpool’s commitment to achieving its zero waste targets, and our strong working relationship.
“Recycling has significantly increased because of the Axil total waste management solution. Whirlpool is now able to manage, control and understand their waste, not only by cost, but by volume, type and quantity. We hope that Whirlpool set an example for others in the manufacturing industry, a sector which has a key role to play if the UK is to meet its climate ambitions.”
Across their global operations, Whirlpool is demonstrating its commitment to the environment through several projects, including #PlasticLess. Whirlpool’s other sustainability partners include PlanetMark, which will independently audit’s the organisations GHG emissions. Whirlpool’s latest sustainability report can be found here.