Vitrex Medical

A flexible and user-friendly waste solution to optimise waste sorting

For the past 50 years, Vitrex Medical has specialised in developing capillary tubes for transporting liquids in the medical industry and is now a world leader in the field. Vitrex employs around 70 people and exports its products to 90 countries worldwide.

At the factory in Herlev, they needed to optimise their waste solution for sorting household-like waste. Vitrex already had strong control over their production-related waste, but with the new waste legislation, their focus shifted and intensified around the 10 new waste fractions.

The Challenge

Many questions needed answers before choosing a waste solution

Vitrex joined a pilot project initiated by Herlev Municipality, where – together with a consultancy specialising in waste sorting – they mapped waste volumes, waste types, emptying frequency, work environment factors and more to arrive at an effective, flexible and long-term solution for the expanded waste sorting requirements.

Like many other companies, Vitrex had several unanswered questions regarding household-like waste: Where should sorting take place? How many waste types must be sorted? How many bins are needed? How should the waste be handled? Additionally, Vitrex’s workforce consists of several nationalities, making communication essential to create a shared understanding of sorting practices.

Elegant and efficient waste sorting for different waste types

Vitrex has, among other things, placed a Bica Model 950 with 4 fractions near their canteen. With clear pictograms, glass, food waste, residual waste and plastic/metal/food & beverage cartons are sorted into separate fractions.

The Solution

Flexible waste systems placed in central areas of the company to increase recycling

After thoroughly mapping waste volumes and needs within the company, Vitrex chose various Bica models placed in key locations: by the canteen, changing rooms, kitchenettes and coffee stations. Vitrex made an extra effort to present the new solutions at staff meetings, and overall the new waste systems were very well received. The clear pictograms on the front of the bins also help visualise the different waste types.

From waste to resources

"The waste solution was carefully selected to cover our different waste types while ensuring easy handling for the cleaning staff, helping them avoid heavy lifting."

Klaus Steen Hansen, Environmental Specialist, Vitrex Medical

The Result

Increased focus delivered results: 25% less residual waste in 2023

Vitrex is a company highly committed to ensuring that as much waste as possible is sent for recycling rather than incineration. This requires continuous effort and ongoing evaluation. Vitrex’s goal for 2023 was to reduce residual waste by 5%. They succeeded in reducing it by 25%, and a total of 3 tons of waste were sent for recycling.

In total, they generated 13 tons of household-like waste in 2023, of which residual waste accounted for 80%. Their efforts resulted in less waste and supported their journey toward becoming a more environmentally responsible organisation—something that will also positively influence their upcoming climate accounts.

From waste to resources

"In 2023, we managed to reduce the amount of residual waste by 25%, and 3 tons of waste were sent for recycling instead of incineration."

Klaus Steen Hansen, Environmental Specialist, Vitrex Medical

Future Expectations

Bica waste solutions will play a central role in further reducing waste volumes

The company is preparing to open new changing facilities for employees, where waste sorting will naturally also be available. The advantage of Bica waste sorting is that the solution can be scaled up or down as needed. Additionally, the waste systems are easy to move thanks to the wheels mounted behind the base. The steel surfaces also make it possible to attach sorting guidelines with magnets and easily remove them again.

Vitrex’s ambition is to reduce the total amount of waste in the company over the coming years. Data from the first four months of 2024 shows that, compared to the same period in 2023, their total waste volume has decreased by 4 tons and residual waste by 0.5 tons. Over the past few years, they have gained valuable experience in sorting and handling the “new” waste fractions. This is only possible because they work systematically and continuously make adjustments and evaluate waste volumes.

From waste to resources

"We continuously share small updates with colleagues to remind them that resources should be sorted and not thrown out as residual waste. We believe this has a positive effect."

Klaus Steen Hansen, Environmental Specialist, Vitrex Medical

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