Which businesses should consider waste management and the Circular Economy in their materiality matrix?

Waste management and the circular economy are important aspects for a wide range of businesses to consider. Some examples include:

• Production industries: factories, food factories, chemical industries, etc.
• Construction services: construction companies, demolition companies, etc.
• Commerce: shops, supermarkets, etc.
• Transport services: cargo transport companies, public transport companies, etc.
• Tourism and accommodation services: hotels, resorts, theme parks, etc.
• These are just a few examples, but waste management and the circular economy are important to virtually every type of business, regardless of size or industry. It is important to keep in mind that waste management and the circular economy are important not only from an environmental point of view, but can also bring economic benefits to the companies that implement them.

Why should these businesses include waste management and the circular economy in their strategic plans?

Waste management and the circular economy should be considered in the strategic planning of a business for several reasons:

• Environmental responsibility: Proper waste management and the circular economy are important to protect the environment and minimize the negative impact of business activities.
• Compliance with regulations: Many companies are required to comply with environmental regulations that require proper waste management and implementation of circular economy practices.
• Cost reduction: Efficient waste management and the circular economy can help companies reduce waste production and disposal costs.
• Improved company image: Companies that care about the environment and implement sustainable practices can improve their image and attract customers and investors who share these values.
• Business opportunities: The circular economy can create new business opportunities, such as recycling materials and selling reused products.

What is the role of audits and certification to ensure proper waste management and circular economy practices?

Audits and certification can play an important role in ensuring proper waste management and implementation of circular economy practices. Some of the main benefits include:

• Independent verification: Audits and certification are carried out by independent third parties, which ensures that the company’s waste management and circular economy practices are objectively evaluated.
• Improving efficiency: Audits can help identify opportunities for improvement and increase efficiency in waste management and implementation of circular economy practices.
• Clear communication of sustainable practices: Certification can provide a clear and recognized way for companies to communicate their sustainable practices to customers, investors and other stakeholders.
• Compliance with regulations: Some regulations require certification of certain practices, such as waste management and the circular economy.

That is, waste management and the circular economy are important to protect the environment, comply with regulations, reduce costs, improve the company’s image and create business opportunities and should be considered in the strategic planning of any business.

In addition, audits and certification can help ensure that companies are properly and efficiently implementing waste management and circular economy practices, and can provide a way to communicate these practices to others.

Ambipar Certification is accredited as a Certification Body (OCP) by the General Coordination of Accreditation (CGRE) of Inmetro, being able to grant the Green Seal to companies from different segments. This seal attests that the institution has complied with the legislation — including the requirements of the National Policy on Solid Waste (PNRS) — and that it may have waste recovery and circular economy practices.