Words: Todd Wingfield
Among their many responsibilities, facility managers and building service contractors (BSCs) are often tasked with selecting the consumables and disposables used throughout a facility. Traditionally, these selections have been based on brand loyalty, price and quality. However, today, cleaning and maintenance professionals increasingly make purchasing decisions with an eye toward the facility’s sustainability objectives.
This responsibility requires facility managers and BSCs to understand which product features best support environmental standards. The following four questions can guide them in making sustainable product selections.
1. What are the facility’s sustainability goals?
Facility managers and BSCs need a clear understanding of how their purchases align with a facility’s sustainability goals. They should also be aware of potentially competing goals and have insight into strategies that they can effectively monitor and manage. Recognising the positive impact of thoughtful purchasing can support sustainability efforts.
Products differ in their sustainability features: some conserve natural resources, others reduce waste and some aim to eliminate plastic use. Additionally, while certain products may be recyclable after use, they might also require more resources to produce. Familiarity with specific sustainability goals can help facility managers make informed decisions about these trade-offs.
2. What is the product made from?
Consumables and disposables are made from a wide range of materials, each offering different sustainability benefits. Consider whether items contain recycled content, meet Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) guidelines or incorporate sustainable materials like bamboo.
When purchasing items like hot cups or paper products (napkins, hand towels and toilet paper), check if they include recycled content and whether they exceed local recycled content standards. APCO provides guidelines for sustainable packaging and the responsible use of materials, so aiming to meet or exceed APCO recommendations can be beneficial.
For paper products, it’s advisable to confirm whether the raw materials are responsibly sourced and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), both widely recognised in Australia. This certification ensures that the fibre comes from managed forests, maintaining forest biodiversity.
When choosing disposable cutlery, consider products made from renewable resources like bamboo, which grows rapidly and is increasingly used in place of traditional plastics. Many Australian commercial composting operations accept bamboo items as compostable.
3. What happens to the product after it’s used?
Considering a product’s complete lifecycle is crucial for sustainability. Think about where the product will go after use. Will it end up in landfill, or can it be composted or recycled? For instance, compostable products, including cutlery, plates, bowls, and food containers, can break down over time but usually require access to a commercial composting facility. While some local councils in Australia offer composting services, facilities are not universally available, so it’s worth checking regional services.
When it comes to recyclable products, it’s not just about plastic bottles, glass and aluminium cans anymore. Manufacturers are innovating to offer more recyclable items, including cups and food containers. However, facilities that accept paper products with food residue are still limited, so it’s wise to check availability in your region.
4. How was the product designed and made?
Innovations in product and packaging design can significantly enhance sustainability, impacting not only disposal but also reducing material usage and waste.
Coreless toilet paper, for example, eliminates the need for a cardboard core, reducing waste that would otherwise go to landfill. Automated paper towel dispensers that control sheet length and dual-roll dispensers that require the first roll to be completely used before the second becomes available can further help reduce waste. Additionally, single-at-a-time cutlery dispensers may help limit overuse compared to open bins.
Consider, too, products like single-wall insulated paper cups, which reduce the need for double-cupping or sleeves for hot beverages. Less material means less truck space is required for transport, leading to fewer trucks on the road and reduced emissions.
Analyse the answers
With so many options available, decision-makers can easily feel overwhelmed. By asking these questions, facility managers and BSCs will be better equipped to make purchases that align with their facility’s sustainability goals.
About the author:
Todd Wingfield is the director of Environmental Stewardship at Georgia-Pacific, a leading manufacturer and marketer of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware and other consumable products.
A version of this article appeared on CMM Online.
Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.
