Another step towards sustainability: since the start of the year, ISS Switzerland has been using bin liners made from recycled plastic, manufactured in northern Italy, wherever possible.
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ISS is fully committed to helping its customers achieve their sustainability goals. One key focus area of the “ISS Sustainability Agenda” is environmentally friendly supplies and materials. ISS continuously strives to identify and use new consumables produced in a resource-efficient manner. In the most recent example, the idea came from a major client - and this coincided with ISS’s ongoing search for a resource-efficient replacement for the company’s most widely used consumable: the plastic trash bag.
Number of trash bags made from recycled plastic in circulation in 2021: 2 million
Up to 90% recycled plastic: Manufactured in Northern Italy instead of Asia
However, the first models tested performed poorly. “The garbage bag made of sturdy paper let liquid seep through, and the one made of cornstarch was also too permeable and, on top of that, tricky to store,” recalls Florian Badrutt, Senior Procurement Manager at ISS Switzerland.
The third model, however, withstood everything: liquids, impacts, and pulling. It thus met the quality standards that characterize conventional plastic bags, but surpassed them in terms of environmental sustainability: The new bag is made from up to 90 percent recycled plastic - and it’s manufactured in nearby Northern Italy rather than in distant Asia.
Quality: The Real-World Test
It remained to be seen how well this eco-conscious all-rounder would perform in the day-to-day routine of “Daily Office Cleaning.” For several months, the new 35-, 60-, and 110-liter bags were put through their paces at the Cube, the headquarters of ISS Switzerland. Pilot projects followed at the company that initiated the program, and later at other clients. The feedback from ISS employees on the front lines was encouraging; they praised the quality and ease of use.
In use in two-thirds of the buildings we manage
Improved environmental footprint
The switch had no impact on customers’ daily lives. But it made a significant difference to the environmental footprint. Because the new trash bag is made primarily from recycled plastic rather than virgin plastic derived from fossil fuels, it conserves resources. In addition, its production consumes half as much energy as conventional plastic models, resulting in a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions overall. The significantly shorter transport distance also has a positive impact.
By the end of 2021, we had already introduced recycling plastic trash bags at all ISS branches and in two-thirds of the buildings we manage. As soon as supply allows, more will follow on an ongoing basis. Thanks to such eco-friendly work materials, ISS can provide its services in an increasingly sustainable manner and offer its customers added value, particularly in terms of climate goals. In addition, ISS Switzerland is thereby supporting the ISS Group’s net-zero emissions strategy.
“We are pleased that, together with ISS, we are moving toward a climate-friendly future. The trash bags made from recycled plastic conserve resources and have proven themselves in the rigors of daily business.”
Vera Heinzer, Methods and Processes Specialist, SBB Real Estate – Facility Management
The trash bag made from recycled plastic reduces CO₂ emissions by 30 percent compared to the previous standard trash bag.