An initiative in which businesses traced their waste flows using the geoFluxus Waste Profile Platform has boosted the circular economy in the Port of Rotterdam region.
The project, funded by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, assisted businesses in optimising their waste handling.
The port noted that corporate waste is often not processed to the greatest standards. For example, they end up in a garbage incinerator when they might be recycled.
GeoFluxus, a TU Delft company, developed the ‘Waste Profile Platform’ to promote sustainability in waste processing.
Four companies with considerable residual flows and waste processing parties in the Rotterdam port region took part in a pilot study utilising this technique.
Through the Waste Profile Platform, companies gain insight into their waste flows based on data from the National Waste Notification Bureau (LMA), without having to supply data themselves.
The platform discovers possibilities to improve the handling of low-quality waste flows.
The system evaluates processing processes based on cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and CO2 emissions.
These are useful insights for businesses aiming to accomplish their circular aims and save processing expenses.
These new digital technologies will also have a significant impact on the port’s future performance. The utilisation of data is critical to reaching full circularity by 2050.
Waste processing company A&M Recycling was one of the participants in the pilot.
Barend Ubbink, Sustainable Consultant, Port of Rotterdam said: “For companies dealing with waste flows that require reporting and want to become more sustainable, this is an excellent tool that provides immediate insight into potential improvements.
“The platform becomes even more powerful when companies add their own data. This will provide a complete picture of all waste flows, including those going abroad or to processors not subject to reporting requirements.”
Recently, the stakeholders of the Port of Rotterdam signed a declaration of intent to collaborate on sector-wide negotiations for container transport by road.