Global Recycling Day: How BWB Manage Waste in the Manufacturing Industry

At BWB Technologies, sustainability isn’t just a slogan we dust off once a year. It’s a daily

commitment woven into how we design, manufacture, and operate. As we celebrate

Global Recycling Day, and with B Corp Month in full swing, it feels like the perfect

moment to share how we reduce waste, reuse materials, recycle responsibly, and

support a circular economy across our Newbury headquarters—and why this matters for

our planet and our community.

Recycling: Making Sure Nothing Goes to Waste

Manufacturing plays a crucial role in the global economy, but it also has a significant

environmental footprint. From raw material extraction to packaging and distribution,

every stage of production consumes resources. It generates waste that can be bulky,

long-lasting, and difficult to break down. That’s why recycling within manufacturing isn’t

just a “nice to have”,  it’s essential for building a sustainable future.

How we handle our waste makes all the difference. At BWB, we’ve built a recycling system

that ensures materials are sorted, repurposed, and kept out of landfill wherever possible

by following the 5 R’s of Zero Waste rule.

At our headquarters, we recycle:

• Soft plastics

• Hard plastics

• Paper and cardboard

• Compostable waste such as fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and tea bags

• Batteries

• Medicine blister packaging

• Metal, which we take to a local collection point that supports charity

We are also eager to find opportunities to give items a second life and have done so where

possible, for example:

• Expired first aid items have been donated to Ukraine

• One LCD monitor and two desktop computers were also donated to Ukraine

• Spare bubble wrap from suppliers was given away through an online marketplace

• Cardboard boxes are collected and reused where possible rather than recycled immediately

These small actions add up, reducing our environmental footprint and supporting others,

both in our local community and further afield.

Reusing: Extending the Life of Everyday Items

Reusing materials, components, and equipment is one of the most effective ways to reduce

waste and lower environmental impact. While recycling breaks down materials to create

something new, reusing keeps items in circulation without additional processing, saving even

more energy and resources and reducing emissions.

Around our headquarters, you’ll find:

• Second-hand canteen chairs, table, and awards shelf

• A reusable wall planner, sourced second-hand

• Notepads sourced second-hand

• A second-hand canteen clock

• A commitment to using both sides of paper, especially delivery notes and invoices

sent by third parties

These choices may appear straightforward, but they embody a mindset: sustainability begins

with utilising what we already possess and minimising the need for new production

whenever feasible.

Food Waste Mission: A Personal Passion Making a Big Impact

One of the most inspiring sustainability efforts at BWB is led by our Admin Executive, Mel,

whose passion for reducing food waste has blossomed into a remarkable community

initiative.

Since 2018, Mel and her family have been collecting food from shops and restaurants

through a food-sharing platform – food that would otherwise be discarded despite still being

perfectly edible. She now has individual agreements with several local businesses, collecting

food 10 times a week.

“Every time we collect food that would have otherwise been thrown away, it reminds me how much perfectly good food gets wasted. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that, with a bit of time and organisation, we can redirect that food to people, families, and a local farm who

truly appreciate it.” – Mel Thornhill, Admin Executive at BWB Technologies.

The scale of Mel’s impact is extraordinary:

• Over 1,000 items of food are saved every week

• Instead of the bin, donations go to charities, friends and family, our own team and

even a local farm

These items include crates of fruit and vegetables, baby formula, ready meals, baked goods,

and various other edible products.

Mel has shared, “It’s not always easy juggling collections and distribution, but seeing the

impact in our community makes it completely worth it. Getting usable food to people instead of letting it go to waste is a powerful way to tackle both environmental and social challenges at once. It raises awareness, encouraging others to think about waste and sustainability.”

Her work highlights a global issue. According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action

Programme), the UK discards 9.5 million tonnes of food each year, and worldwide, one-third

of all food produced is wasted. Food waste accounts for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the aviation sector. When food ends up in a landfill, it not only wastes

resources but also accelerates climate change.

Mel’s dedication demonstrates how individual action can inspire significant change. Her

efforts not only prevent waste but also aid those in greatest need.

A Greener Future, One Choice at a Time

Global Recycling Day reminds us that sustainability is a collective effort. At BWB

Technologies, our B Corp certification reinforces our responsibility to operate ethically,

minimise waste, and support our community. Whether it’s recycling manufacturing materials,

reusing office furniture, or championing food-waste reduction, we’re committed to doing better every year.

Sustainability isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing process, and we take pride in having a team

that cares deeply about making a difference.