Zero Waste Certified

Zero Waste Certified is a certification that recognises organisations which manage their waste responsibly, prioritising prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery to the point of diverting at least 90% of their waste from landfill and incineration. The "zero waste" idea has moved from being an environmental philosophy to an internationally certified business model, and a growing number of companies in Spain and Europe adopt it as a way to differentiate themselves and align with the circular economy.

What is Zero Waste Certified?

Zero Waste certification schemes assess an organisation's performance in waste management, verifying that:

• The waste hierarchy is applied, prioritising prevention, reduction, reuse and recycling.
• Disposal to landfill or incineration is minimised.
• The circularity of materials across the value chain is promoted.

Certification can be applied to industrial plants, offices and corporate buildings, logistics centres, and events or trade fairs.

Bodies that issue the certification

Several internationally recognised schemes exist:

1. UL Solutions (UL 2799): the UL 2799 "Zero Waste to Landfill" standard validates landfill diversion claims, with Silver (90-94%), Gold (95-99%) and Platinum (100%) designations. It is widely used by multinationals with factories in different countries.
2. TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency): administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the same body behind LEED. TRUE is based on the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) definition and requires an average diversion of at least 90% over 12 months.
3. Local schemes in Europe: some certification bodies, including AENOR in Spain, offer "zero waste" verification adapted to the European framework and to Spanish legislation such as Law 7/2022.

General requirements

To obtain Zero Waste certification, organisations generally must meet criteria including:

• A minimum 90% diversion of generated waste away from landfill and incineration.
• Implementation of a comprehensive waste management plan.
• Documentary evidence and traceability of waste outputs.
• External audits that verify the results.
• Employee training and awareness.
• Periodic review to maintain the certification.

Related regulations

Although Zero Waste certification is voluntary, it aligns with the main European and Spanish rules on waste:

• Directive 2008/98/EC (Waste Framework Directive), as amended (including by Directive (EU) 2018/851, which set recycling and landfill-reduction targets).
• Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated land for a circular economy.
• Royal Decree 1055/2022 on packaging and packaging waste.

This makes Zero Waste Certified a useful tool for demonstrating regulatory compliance and a voluntary commitment that goes beyond legal requirements.

Benefits for companies

Environmental

• A sharp reduction in waste sent to landfill.
• Savings of natural resources through recycling and reuse.
• A lower carbon footprint.

Economic

• Savings on waste disposal costs.
• Potential revenue from recovering by-products.
• Access to green finance and incentives.

Social and reputational

• An improved corporate image and consumer trust.
• Attraction and retention of talent.
• Positioning as a sustainability leader.

Challenges of certification

1. Traceability of secondary waste: ensuring the material does not ultimately end up in landfill.
2. Applicability in SMEs, where resources are limited.
3. International standardisation of criteria, which still varies by certifying body.
4. Risk of greenwashing if audits are not rigorous.

Relationship with the circular economy

Zero Waste Certified puts the principles of the circular economy into practice by demonstrating that a company minimises waste and reincorporates materials into productive cycles. It is also a verifiable indicator of commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in sectors that generate large volumes of waste such as food, logistics, automotive and textiles.

At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and prepare their sustainability reporting. Discover how Manglai can help you.