Zero waste: how to achieve zero waste in your company

Zero waste is a management strategy that aims to redesign processes to prevent waste generation at source and ensure that the materials that are generated are reused, recycled or recovered instead of ending up in landfill. It does not mean literally generating zero waste, but reducing it to a minimum and keeping it within the economic cycle for as long as possible.

In Spain, the certifiable reference is AENOR's Zero Waste (Residuo Cero) mark, which recognises organisations able to demonstrate that they recover a very high percentage of the waste they generate. Adopting this model reinforces operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and the company's reputation.

Below we explain what zero waste brings, which concrete actions make it possible and how it fits with the circular economy and Spanish waste rules.

What is AENOR's Zero Waste certification?

AENOR sets two levels of recognition within its zero waste economy scheme:

• Towards Zero Waste: for organisations that demonstrate they recover at least 60% of the waste they generate.
• Zero Waste: for organisations with a consolidated circular economy strategy that recover at least 90% of their waste, keeping it out of landfill.

The certification verifies the traceability of the waste and the existence of a management system that secures those recovery rates. It is an objective, audited way to back up a zero waste commitment with customers, investors and authorities. You can read more on the requirements in our guide on what Zero Waste certification is and why it matters.

What are the benefits of applying zero waste?

Adopting a zero waste model generates advantages on several fronts:

• Economic: it reduces waste management and transport costs and lowers the volume sent to landfill, which is also subject to the national tax on landfill disposal and incineration introduced by the Law 7/2022.
• Regulatory: it eases compliance with increasingly demanding legislation and the application of the waste hierarchy.
• Reputational: it reinforces the image of environmental commitment, which translates into greater customer loyalty and talent attraction, and aligns with systems such as ISO 14001 for environmental management.
• Financial: investors view these practices positively in their ESG criteria, which eases access to sustainable financing.

Main actions to achieve zero waste

The road to zero waste begins with a waste audit that lets you understand in detail what is generated, where and in what quantity. From that diagnosis you design reduction plans with clear, quantifiable objectives.

These are the most effective levers:

• Prevention at source: redesigning processes and products to generate less waste is always the priority of the waste hierarchy.
• Replace single-use materials with reusable, refillable or compostable alternatives.
• Reverse logistics: recover packaging, pallets and crates to reintroduce them into the circuit. See how reverse logistics works.
• Recovery of organic waste: turn biowaste into compost, biogas or biomass through composting or anaerobic digestion.
• Correct segregation in the plant: good separation prevents recoverable waste from being contaminated and ending up in landfill.
• Staff training in responsible consumption and waste separation, and collaboration with suppliers to reduce packaging.
• Digitalisation: e-invoicing and digital document management reduce paper use and improve traceability.

Finally, measuring progress with recovery indicators, the waste footprint and ESG reporting is the only way to check the real effectiveness of the plan.

Zero waste and the circular economy

The zero waste model is closely linked to the circular economy, since it does not just reduce waste but seeks to reintegrate it into the economic cycle as raw materials or energy resources.

Concepts such as upcycling, ecodesign, clean production or industrial symbiosis, in which some companies use the waste of others, are part of this philosophy. The legal concepts of the by-product and of end-of-waste status allow a material to stop being considered waste and return to the market.

If you want to take sustainability beyond waste reduction, see our article on 10 profitable and sustainable waste management strategies.

Zero waste: a strategic necessity beyond compliance

The zero waste approach is not a passing trend but a strategic decision. Companies that adopt it achieve operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, a stronger reputation and access to sustainable markets and financing. In an environment where sustainability becomes a competitive advantage, committing to zero waste marks the difference between adapting and leading.

Frequently asked questions about zero waste

Is it possible to reach 100% zero waste?

In practice it is very hard to eliminate waste completely. That is why AENOR's Zero Waste certification sets the bar at recovering at least 90% of the waste generated, and the prior Towards Zero Waste level at 60%.

What zero waste certification exists in Spain?

The main one is AENOR's Zero Waste mark, with its two levels (Towards Zero Waste and Zero Waste). It is common to combine it with ISO 14001 for environmental management.

Where do you start implementing the model?

With a waste audit that quantifies what is generated and where, followed by a prevention and recovery plan with measurable objectives and a traceability system that lets you demonstrate the results.

To measure and trace your waste flows and demonstrate your recovery rates, you can rely on Manglai's waste management platform.