International Day of Zero Waste

On 30 March 2024, the second observance of the UN’s International Day of Zero Waste is taking place. The International Day of Zero Waste highlights both the critical need to bolster waste management globally and the importance of sustainable production and consumption practices.

The International Day of Zero Waste celebrates zero-waste initiatives at all levels, which contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

There has been a significant shift in consumer values and preference for consuming sustainable products that have less impact on the environment. Consumers are interested in knowing where their products come from and how they were produced, how product packaging can be recycled, and what environmental footprint the product has overall. 

GS1 standards enable data relevant to product identity, provenance and movement to be easily shared across any value chain. 

GS1 is working with members, solution providers and stakeholders globally to ensure that our suite of standards and services can support industry’s sustainability needs. 

GS1 standards support sustainability: GS1 standards enable organisations to identify, capture and share information about products.

The use of GS1 standards enables interoperability between information systems, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly - between trading partners and to the consumer – providing supply chain visibility and transparency to consumers.Visibility and transparency are vital to minimise waste and foster circularity. 

💚#ZeroWasteDay is emphasising the urgent need for global change.  

Did you know that approximately one-third of the food produced globally for human consumption is lost or wasted each year?  At the same time, more than 2 billion people are not able to access safe and nutritious food regularly. In other words, they are facing food insecurity. 

GS1 is committed to making a difference and calling on everyone to fight food waste. GS1 #standards can help: https://www.gs1.org/insights-events/case-studies/woolworths-australia-seeing-multiple-benefits-2d-barcodes

🚮 #ZeroWasteDay is demanding urgent attention to the waste crisis!  

Did you know that humanity produces a staggering 430 million tons of plastic each year?  

Uncover the reality: an estimated 2.24 billion metric tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated globally each year out of which only 13% is recovered.  

#QRcode powered by GS1 facilitates the precise sorting, recycling and traceability of packaging materials. This can bring efficient management practices that contribute to a circular economy. Information on how to recycle or reuse materials can support reducing economic cost and the overall impact of product waste. 

Learn more about 2D barcodes: https://www.gs1.org/industries/retail/2D-barcodes

🌍 On #ZeroWasteDay, let’s take a moment to reflect on the urgency of reducing waste and promoting sustainable production.  

Did you know the consumption of clothing and footwear is expected to increase by 63% by 2030, from 62 million tonnes now to 102 million tonnes in 2030? 

Where does GS1 fit in for apparel and textile? GS1 is an instrumental partner to facilitating data transparency and interoperability.  

Learn more about the EU sustainability textile strategy.

Contact your local GS1 Member Organisation to get started! 

Together, let's shape a more sustainable future, powered by global #standards. Every action counts! 💪 ♻️ #BeatWastePollution #SDG