Client Overview

Our client is a large greenhouse-based agricultural operation in Canada specializing in the packing, distribution, and sale of fresh produce. With a workforce of over 600 employees across multiple business units, the organization plays a significant role in the regional food supply chain. As part of their desire to enhance operational sustainability, they engaged EnvironFocus to evaluate their current waste practices and uncover opportunities for meaningful improvement.

Challenge

Before engaging EnvironFocus, the client had established limited waste diversion practices—primarily the separation of cardboard and organic material within their production area. However, most other waste streams, including those generated in office spaces, were disposed of as general waste headed to landfill.

Key challenges identified included:

  1. Heavy reliance on landfill disposal for the majority of non-organic waste
  2. Minimal waste separation systems beyond cardboard and organics
  3. No structured employee awareness or training programs
  4. Limited engagement with suppliers or customers regarding waste practices
  5. Approximate general waste volume of several hundred tonnes annually, largely composed of packaging materials and single-use protective equipment
  6. No environmental impact assessment or established sustainability targets
  7. Logistical constraints related to space for additional collection bins
  8. No recent or upcoming waste management improvement initiatives

The client sought a clearer understanding of their waste footprint and actionable steps to support a transition toward more responsible materials management.

Our Approach

EnvironFocus conducted a preliminary waste audit to assess the client’s waste streams, operational practices, and improvement potential. The process included:

  1. Reviewing waste handling processes across production, logistics, and office areas
  2. Examining available waste records and historical documentation
  3. Consulting with operational staff to understand current challenges
  4. Observing material flows and waste collection points
  5. Assessing opportunities for expanding diversion programs
  6. Identifying practical limitations, including spatial constraints

Key Findings

The audit confirmed significant opportunities for improvement:

1. High Proportion of Recoverable Material in General Waste

The majority of the general waste stream consisted of materials that could be diverted through recycling or recovery programs.

2. Limited Diversion Beyond Cardboard and Organics

While existing programs were functioning well, they covered only a small portion of total waste.

3. Employee Awareness Gap

There was no ongoing communication, training, or visibility around waste management responsibilities.

4. Absence of Sustainability Commitments

The client had no defined waste reduction targets, impact assessments, or long-term environmental goals.

5. Operational Constraints

Certain facility areas had limited room for additional bins, complicating improvements without process adjustments.

Recommendations

EnvironFocus delivered a tailored improvement plan that included:

  1. Expanding diversion programs to include additional recyclable materials
  2. Introducing a simplified bin system designed to work within available space
  3. Launching internal awareness and training campaigns to engage staff
  4. Setting waste reduction and diversion targets aligned with the client’s operations
  5. Collaborating with suppliers to optimize packaging and reduce inbound waste
  6. Enhancing waste tracking and reporting to support continuous improvement
  7. Implementing a phased improvement roadmap to allow manageable transitions

Client Commitment & Early Impact

Following the audit, the client committed to implementing several enhancement measures, including:

  1. Broadening waste separation across more material types
  2. Introducing internal sustainability targets
  3. Improving employee awareness and participation
  4. Monitoring progress through standardized reporting

This proactive commitment places the organization on a path toward stronger environmental performance and more efficient materials management.

Looking Ahead

EnvironFocus will continue supporting this agricultural producer in its transition toward more sustainable waste practices. Future efforts will focus on refining targets, strengthening supplier collaboration, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

This case demonstrates how practical, data-driven waste assessments can empower agricultural operations to reduce waste, lower costs, and improve environmental stewardship.