Virgin Media O2 says it has removed 65 tonnes of single-use plastic from its operations and products since 2021 – the equivalent weight of five double decker buses.
The move forms part of the company’s sustainability strategy, its Better Connections Plan, which outlines its goal to achieve zero waste operations and products by the end of 2025.
Since 2021, Virgin Media O2 – in partnership with Technetix – says it has removed almost 18 tonnes of single-use plastic from the equipment and tools used by engineers; including cables, batteries, splitters, and wall outlets.
This includes removing plastic bags, foam or blister packs from packaging sent with parts, as well as plastic straps from shipping cartons. It also includes replacing plastic ties with paper ties on cables.
In addition, working with GXO, the company says it has cut around 48 tonnes of single-use plastic from its packaging since 2021 – a reduction of 94%, which has largely been cut from products sent to cable customers such as set-top boxes and routers.
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Virgin Media O2 and GXO have also reduced the amount of single-use plastic used in deliveries of TV and broadband products between distribution centres. The pair have also created plastic-free packaging for customers to return unwanted kit, with the latter preventing around 22 tonnes of single-use plastic each year.
All removed single-use plastic is recycled, reused or repurposed.
Dana Haidan, Chief sustainability officer, Virgin Media O2, said: “As a leading UK business, Virgin Media O2 is committed to minimising its impact on the planet.
“That’s why we’re always looking at where we can remove waste and single-use plastic from our operations and products, and use materials which can be easily recycled.
“It’s all part of our sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, and our aim to become a zero-waste business by the end of 2025.”
Last month, Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity Hubbub announced they were giving hundreds of used and preloved smartphone and tablet devices to charities, as the next phase of their Tech Lending Scheme kicked off.
