As a logistics service provider, BLG LOGISTICS generates waste through the transport and storage of goods. In order to reduce the associated environmental impacts, we are continually working on optimizing our waste management and, in particular, disposal processes by advancing the collection and control of waste quantities and recyclable materials. This approach, which is based, among other things, on the waste hierarchy laid down in the German Circular Economy Act (Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz, KrWG), is also part of our environmental and energy policy. This policy commits us to taking responsibility for using materials sustainably and sets clear, realistic targets, especially for the avoidance, reuse and recycling of when it comes to waste and recyclables. Our environmental management system has been certified under DIN EN ISO 14001 for more than ten years – now at all German car terminals and transport bases in the AUTOMOBILE Division, as well as at 13 CONTRACT logistics locations. This management system provides the framework for our processes, responsibilities and the implementation of requirements related to environmental protection, especially in the area of waste management.
Five levels of waste hierarchy according to the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act (KrWG)
Targeted collection, targeted improvement
Our sites are responsible for the separation, collection and disposal of recyclables and waste in accordance with the law. In doing so, they cooperate with largely certified waste management companies that specialize in recycling, energy recovery and waste disposal. A significant part of the waste produced is generated through business with our customers – if they deliver packaged goods to us, for example, the disposal of the packaging is our responsibility. However, at 20 percent of our 50 sites, waste disposal is entirely the responsibility of our customers: the disposal route is specified and organized by the customer.
We are responsible for recording and documenting all waste quantities and types centrally and according to uniform standards. Responsibility for waste management lies with the Integrated Management Systems department, supported by the Safety and Environmental Protection department. Work takes place in close collaboration with the sites and the Quality Management units of the AUTOMOBILE and CONTRACT Divisions. Specially trained environmental management coordinators are employed at the sites, who are not only responsible for keeping records, but they also act as points of contact for employees on site. In addition to the German Commercial Waste Ordinance (Gewerbeabfallverordnung, GewAbfV), we use a special management system module that is accessible to our employees at all times and provides clear information on processes and responsibilities.
The 2023 target of an annual separate waste collection rate of 90 percent or more continued to apply in the reporting year. In addition, we analyze waste-related transport with the aim of reducing it. At 85.3 percent, the target separate waste collection rate was not achieved in 2024. The reason for falling short of the target was, in particular, temporary, large-scale special operations, where the waste could not be sufficiently separated for technical and economic reasons. This target figure was integrated into quarterly reporting to the Board of Management and senior executives in the reporting year, for targeted management during the year. Thanks to the standardized procedure and associated documentation, we meet not only our own requirements in this area but also the growing requirements that customers and lenders place on us in this regard. In 2024, we expanded our waste data collection and included our sites in South Africa for the first time. The other consolidated sites abroad will also be included in our regular waste data collection in the future.
Overall, we were able to reduce our waste generation by around 5 percent compared to the previous year to 16,850 tons, with waste volumes in South Africa also being recorded for the first time. Volumes fell in the categories of paper, paperboard and cardboard, wood, bio-waste and textiles, in particular. The proportionally largest fractions remain unchanged: paper, paperboard and cardboard and wood.
Percentage breakdown of non-hazardous waste in 2024
Hazardous waste accounted for just under 4 percent of the total volume in 2024. Here, the absolute volume was once again just under 7 percent lower than in 2023. For the most part, our hazardous waste is machine, gear and lubricating oils, absorbent and filter materials, and batteries. The protection of people and the environment is paramount, especially when dealing with this waste.
Percentage breakdown of generated waste 2024
Individual solutions from recycling to reduction
At many of our sites, measures are already being taken to minimize waste or optimize its reuse and recovery. One example is the recycling of styrofoam packaging, which we receive as a protective material for products and components that we process for our customers. After unpacking, we do not dispose of the material, but compress it on site and remarket it. We also compress wood waste at various locations to reduce the number of trips to the disposal site and the resulting emissions.
Waste management was integrated into the planning of C3 Bremen from the outset, and it meets the requirements laid down in the WELL standard. Marked containers are provided where the waste is produced to facilitate waste separation for our employees. Wherever possible, we do not use plastic garbage bags. The disposal concept provides for separate collection of paper, paperboard and cardboard boxes, foil, mixed waste and wood in large color-coded containers. Separate bins are also available for paper towels in the washrooms, so that they can be recycled at our supplier’s plants.