Merelbeke, October 25, 2024 - Milgro, independent service provider for circular resource management and reducing the ecological impact of waste, today received the UNITAR SDG Pioneer certificate during the VOKA Sustainable Business Day.
This certificate is awarded to companies that have been actively implementing all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for at least three years. To qualify for this recognition, organizations must take concrete action on sustainability and demonstrate measurable progress on environmental, social responsibility and economic sustainability. After rigorous evaluation by an independent party, such as VOKA in Belgium, companies that meet the set criteria receive this prestigious award for their long-term commitment to a sustainable future.
"We are immensely proud to receive the UNITAR SDG Pioneer certification! At Milgro, preventing raw materials from becoming waste is at the heart of everything we do. We ensure that raw materials are reused for as long as possible, thus directly contributing to a circular economy," said Gijs Derks, director at Milgro. "The United Nations SDGs are a natural compass for us in our mission towards a waste-free world. This certificate confirms not only our sustainable actions, but also the huge impact we are making. It is a powerful recognition of our team's commitment to making the world truly waste-free."
Sustainable strategy and initiatives
Milgro is working determinedly on its mission to achieve a world without waste by 2040, using the SDGs to guide its own operations. By 2023, the company has undertaken 20 concrete actions focused on 8 different SDGs, actively contributing to a more sustainable future. For example, Milgro launched a Zero Waste Campaign, in line with SDG 12 - responsible consumption and production, to challenge both itself and its partners to make the workplace completely waste-free. In addition, in line with SDG 7 - affordable and sustainable energy, Milgro decided to scale back from three to two office buildings in the Netherlands to increase energy efficiency. Another example is the new mobility plan that was introduced, focusing on electrification of the fleet, leased bicycles and the promotion of public transport, as part of SDG 13 - climate action.
Look to the future
Although Milgro has already made significant strides along the way, sustainability is an ongoing process and the company remains committed to continually developing and implementing new initiatives. By 2024, for example, the company is committed to increasing the separation rate of waste streams at its relationships by 1%, which will significantly reduce residual waste, in line with SDG 12 - responsible consumption and production. In addition, in the context of SDG 13 - climate action, Milgro is then again aiming this year to reduce 8 Kton CO2 equivalent emissions through optimization of waste streams. Pilot projects are also underway under SDG 17 - partnerships, to support recycling partners in making their operations more sustainable. Through these ongoing efforts, Milgro will continue to make an active contribution to a greener and more responsible world tomorrow.
"This recognition not only confirms our commitment to sustainability, but also motivates us to continue to innovate and invest in sustainable solutions. Together with our partners, we continue to work towards a circular economy where waste no longer exists, but where every raw material retains its value," concludes Pascale Hendrickx, Managing Director of Milgro Belgium. "We see this certificate as an incentive to further increase our impact on a sustainable future."
