Mass media company Virgin Media O2 has successfully removed 65 tonnes (t) of single-use plastic from its operations and products since 2021.
This achievement aligns with the company’s ‘Better Connections Plan’, which aims for zero waste in operations and products by the end of 2025.
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The initiative is a response to the growing concern over plastic waste, with the UK generating more than 2.5 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste in 2021.
Virgin Media O2 has collaborated with manufacturers and suppliers to reduce waste and single-use plastic across all stages, from design to shipping.
In partnership with Technetix, the company removed nearly 18t of single-use plastic used by engineers, including in cables and tools.
This includes replacing plastic packaging with more sustainable options and using paper ties instead of plastic ones.
In addition, the company partnered with GXO to cut single-use plastic from packaging for cable products such as set-top boxes and routers by 94% since 2021, amounting to approximately 48t.
Furthermore, it has innovated plastic-free packaging solutions for customer returns, preventing an estimated 22t of single-use plastic annually.
All single-use plastic removed from Virgin Media O2’s operations is reportedly responsibly recycled, reused, or repurposed.
Virgin Media O2 CSO Dana Haidan said: “As a leading UK business, Virgin Media O2 is committed to minimising its impact on the planet.
“That’s why we’re always looking at where we can remove waste and single-use plastic from our operations and products, and use materials which can be easily recycled.
“It’s all part of our sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and our aim to become a zero-waste business by the end of 2025.”
