Reducing Packaging Waste at our Plant Centres
In line with our ED2 commitments for zero waste to landfill by 2028 (excluding compliance waste) and 30% reduction in waste overall, we have been working with our supply chain to reduce single use plastic packaging and promote circular economy principles. This topic is discussed at contract review meetings and has resulted in a number of innovations to reduce waste.
The latest project, launched in February 2025, aimed to reduce plastic packaging on ring main units which are stored at our two plant centres. The ring main units (RMUs) are a type of switchgear that are supplied in a protective plastic bag, which is needed to keep components dry. This results in the handling of approximately 700 large single use plastic bags a year from this equipment type within ED.
Working with our supplier Schneider Electric and their sustainability team, we have trialled a reusable protection solution to replace the plastic bags. This involved the development of a bespoke waterproof shield designed to cover the areas of the equipment that need waterproof protection. As many of the units are stored outside, testing the waterproof protection provided by the new shield was an important part of the trials. The shields can be removed when the ring main units are deployed and are returned to the supplier for reuse in future deliveries.
In addition to reducing waste and lowering disposal costs, this approach also reduces the handling time involved in collecting and bailing packaging waste before removal offsite.
Having successfully completed its trials, the initiative will be fully deployed across both plant centres in 2026, further driving waste reduction and circularity in our operations.
