Virgin Media O2 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 is part of the company’s Better Connections Plan, which includes a reduction in the amount of waste and single-use plastic sent to customers.
Dana Haidan, chief sustainability officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “As a leading UK business, Virgin Media O2 is committed to minimising its impact on the planet.”
Since 2021, Virgin Media O2 and technology partner Technetix have 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, and plastic straps from shipping cartons, and replacing plastic ties with paper ties on cables.
“At Technetix, we prioritise circularity and waste reduction in our products and packaging. While many operators are addressing plastic packaging on customer equipment, there is also a vast array of equipment in the network that requires attention,” said Anna Burns, Group Operational Excellence Director at Technetix.
In addition, working with GXO, Virgin Media O2 has cut around 48 tonnes of single-use plastic since 2021 – a reduction of 94%, from packaging containing products sent to cable customers such as set-top boxes and routers.
Virgin Media O2 and GXO have also reduced the amount of single-use plastic used in delivery of TV and broadband products between distribution centres, and 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.
