Highlighting Recycling Opportunities in Everyday Plant Operations
Project Profile
Client: Wienerberger/Pipelife Austria
Industry: Building materials industry
Location/Region: International pilot sites in Europe and North America
Timeframe: Project phase as part of the sustainability program through 2026
Services: Situation analysis, waste stream analysis, reporting standards, zero-waste training, development of measures
The Challenge: Preventing Waste, Closing Loops
Wienerberger sought to systematically reduce waste and return recyclable materials to the cycle across all sites. To achieve this, processes, data, and waste streams had to be made comparable. At the same time, employees were to be empowered to identify opportunities on their own in their day-to-day plant operations and to implement measures on a long-term basis.
The Solution: Smart Waste Management
Saubermacher developed a zero-waste concept based on a thorough analysis of the situation. This included a transparent overview of waste streams, a standardized reporting system, and a practical training program. Internal zero-waste ambassadors were trained to collect data, implement measures, and share knowledge.
The result: conserving resources, reducing costs
Concrete environmental and economic benefits became apparent as early as the pilot phase. A measure to separately collect internal plastic waste reduced the amount of waste generated at the Pipelife plant in Wiener Neudorf by approximately 40 metric tons per year. At the same time, this resulted in an annual savings potential of approximately 30,000 euros. Standardized reporting facilitates management across multiple locations. The planned global rollout presents enormous potential for economic savings.
International pilot sites
Tons less waste per year at the Wiener Neudorf plant
Cost savings in euros per year
Summary
Inconsistent data and waste streams made it difficult to manage waste efficiently across multiple locations.
Analysis, reporting standards, and training programs create a common foundation for effective measures.
Less waste, significantly lower costs, more efficient processes, and greater in-house expertise for sustainable circular economy practices in day-to-day plant operations.
Trust that makes a difference
Environmental and Waste Management Officer & Zero Waste Ambassador
Trust that makes a difference
»The project demonstrates the significant impact that can be achieved when waste management becomes part of everyday work. Clear data, trained employees, and simple collection systems help us identify opportunities more quickly, reduce costs, and return recyclable materials to the cycle in a more targeted manner. This makes improvements at the plant tangible.«
Ulrike Pichler-Knaus, Zero Waste Consultant
“Do you want to reduce waste, identify opportunities for circularity, and manage your locations in a way that allows for comparison? Talk to Saubermacher. We’d like to share our expertise in the field of waste management, building on the know-how that already exists within your company.”
