Key Concepts
What is waste reduction and which materials does it especially aim to avoid?
It refers to strategies that minimize waste, especially non-biodegradable or non-recyclable materials.
Name one direct environmental benefit of waste reduction.
Less waste and reduced pollution.
How does designing durable and reusable products help reduce waste?
Longer lifespan, less disposal.
Define the strategy of source reduction in a business.
Reduce materials in products.
What kind of company is Airline EcoMeals and what does it provide?
A company providing packaged meals for airlines in Asia and Europe.
Mention two expected learning goals of this session.
Identify waste reduction practices and analyze the process of a product to reduce waste generation and its benefits.
How does waste reduction impact production costs?
Lowers material use and costs.
What materials can be reintroduced into production through recycling?
Paper, plastics, metals.
What does material reuse mean and how does it benefit companies?
Reuse materials; saves costs and waste.
What materials does EcoMeals currently use for packaging?
Plastic and aluminum.
Why is it important for a company to implement waste reduction practices?
To reduce pollution, optimize resources, lower costs, and build an environmentally responsible image.
How does waste reduction influence a company’s brand reputation?
Builds sustainable reputation.
Explain the importance of reducing packaging and give one example.
Less waste and costs; e.g., cardboard instead of plastic.
Differentiate between recycling and composting.
Recycling = recover materials; composting = organic fertilizer.
What reputation problems has the company faced due to its packaging?
Negative feedback about the large amount of waste generated.
What competencies and sub-competencies were worked on during the session?
Communication (effective English use) and Analysis of business fundamentals (application of basic marketing principles).
What is the relationship between waste reduction and regulatory compliance?
Meets regulations, prepares for stricter policies.
What is composting and in which industry is it most applied?
Turning organics into fertilizer; mainly food industry.
How can incorporating sustainable materials apply even to small businesses?
Biodegradable packaging, recycled paper, reusable containers.
Propose one alternative material to replace plastic in cutlery or packaging.
Biodegradable cutlery (e.g., bamboo or cornstarch-based).
Explain how waste reduction connects with the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion).
It influences product design, lowers costs, affects packaging/distribution, and enhances brand promotion with sustainability.
Explain how waste reduction contributes to biodiversity preservation and long-term sustainability.
Protects ecosystems, supports sustainability.
Mention and explain two common waste reduction practices and their environmental impact.
Less packaging (less plastic); recycling (less raw use).
Give an example of a waste reduction strategy for a local small business.
A restaurant could use biodegradable containers and offer discounts for customers who bring reusable cups.
Propose an integral solution to reduce waste in all four tray elements (main dish, sides/dessert, cutlery, beverages).
Compostable trays, recyclable paper, bamboo cutlery, recyclable cans.