Broadband ISP and mobile operator Virgin Media O2 has this morning announced that, since 2021, they’ve managed to remove 65 tonnes of single-use plastic from its operations and products. The move forms part of the company’s sustainability strategy (Better Connections Plan) and its goal of achieving zero waste operations and products by the end of 2025.
The figure includes 18 tonnes of single use plastic that has been removed from the equipment and tools used by engineers (e.g. cables, batteries, splitters, and wall outlets), while working with Technetix. In addition, they’ve also cut 48 tonnes from the packing of products sent to customers (e.g. routers and TV set-top boxes), in partnership with GXO – that’s a reduction of 94%.
Virgin Media O2 and GXO have also reduced the amount of single-use plastic used in the delivery of TV and broadband products between distribution centres, and created plastic-free packaging for customers to return unwanted kit, with the latter preventing around 22 tonnes of single-use plastic each year.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“As a leading UK business, Virgin Media O2 is committed to minimising its impact on the planet.
That’s why we’re always looking at where we can remove waste and single-use plastic from our operations and products, and use materials which can be easily recycled.
It’s all part of our sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and our aim to become a zero-waste business by the end of 2025.”
All removed single-use plastic is recycled, reused or repurposed. The work is intended to complement their goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon (i.e. removing as many emissions as they produce) across their operations, products and supply chain by 2040.