GXO Logistics has announced that its industry-leading solutions have helped its long-term partner, Virgin Media O2, to significantly reduce plastic waste in its logistics operations. GXO has worked with the telecomms company to cut its consumption of single use plastics (SUP) from products sent to cable customers by almost 48 tonnes since 2021, further advancing both companies’ ESG achievements.

“GXO and Virgin Media O2 are working together to create a supply chain that is as environmentally responsible as it is efficient and reliable.” said Meagan Fitzsimmons, GXO’s Chief Compliance and ESG Officer.

“Companies have to reduce single use plastics from their supply chain to meet regulatory requirements and environmental goals. These results show what’s possible with a best in class partnership. Through great collaboration, open thinking, and innovation, we can help to significantly reduce and remove single use plastics from the supply chain. We’re really proud of our partnership with Virgin Media 02 and the work we have done to continuously remove plastic waste from our operation.”

Plastic from packaging is one of the largest contributors to plastic waste, with government figures revealing the UK produced over 2.5 million tonnes of such waste in 2021.1 As part of its sustainability strategy, Virgin Media O2 is committing to achieve zero waste operations and products by the end of 2025, while one of GXO’s ESG goals includes an 80% global landfill diversion rate by 2025.

GXO enabled Virgin Media O2 to reduce SUP consumption by 94%, from 50.7 tonnes p/a in 2021 to 2.9 tonnes p/a in 2023 through collaboration and implementing various initiatives, including:

  • Designing a plastic-free packaging solution for Virgin Media O2 cable customers returning equipment, resulting in a reduction of 22 tonnes of SUP p/a.
  • Implementing a closed-loop process with the company’s repair operation, shipping returned products using pallet lids rather than pallet wraps.
  • Introducing reusable pallet collars to replace shrink wrap to enable safe transportation.
  • Replacing packaging materials with sustainable alternatives, such as substituting bubbled envelopes with reusable Jiffy Green bags and replacing parcel tape with a gummed paper solution.
  • The removal of all SUP associated with TV and broadband products before they reach customers to eliminate general waste in customer homes. All removed SUP is recycled, reused or repurposed.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“As a leading UK business, we’re committed to minimising our impact on the planet.

“Through our partnership with GXO, we are removing waste and single use plastic from products that are sent to customers and are using materials which can be easily recycled.

“It forms part of our sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, where we’re working to become a zero waste business by the end of 2025.”

With a partnership spanning over two decades, GXO began managing Virgin Media O2’s end-to-end logistics operation in the U.K. and Ireland in 2009. GXO supports the company’s B2B operations, distributing equipment for Virgin Media O2’s engineers and technicians to a network of more than 50 regional distribution centres. In addition, GXO manages the company’s B2C operations, dispatching TV and broadband equipment, as well as handling reverse logistics, including returns and recycling.

Latest News

  • Visitor Registration opens early for Multimodal 2025
    Information
    06 December 2024

    Visitor Registration opens early for Multimodal 2025

    Visitor registration has opened for the 2025 Multimodal Exhibition already promising to be bigger and better than the hugely successful 2024 event at...
  • Knowles introduces two new bonded facilities
    Information
    06 December 2024

    Knowles introduces two new bonded facilities

    Knowles Logistics has further expanded its offering with investment in two bonded warehouse facilities at its sites in Wimblington and Cromwell Road,...