Mexico. ABB has received Zero Waste to Landfill Validation because its ABB Electrical Control Systems plant in Nogales, Sonora, has achieved a 95% waste diversion rate, of which 6% is destined for thermal processing with energy recovery.
This UL2799 certification, granted by UL Solutions, validates ABB's environmental claims and highlights the innovative methods the company employs to minimize its environmental impact.
In line with the Global Sustainability Strategy 2030, ABB's goal is to send zero waste from its own operations to landfills by 2030, while building capacity to prevent waste generation.
Global solid waste generation is expected to increase by nearly 70% to reach 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050 and, with less than 20% of waste being properly disposed of or recycled, interest in zero waste strategies and validation continues to grow, according to figures from Statista. Waste generation and mitigation have become key issues in the transition to a circular economy.
"We know that building a product, whatever it is, generates waste and consumes raw materials that we must recover. Seeking this certification is our way of reducing that impact, both in the generation of raw materials and in the disposal of waste associated with the construction and maintenance of our products," said Héctor Cepeda, manufacturing site director of ABB Nogales, Mexico.
In addition to this achievement, the Sonora plant was positioned as the first in Latin America to be part of ABB's "Mission to Zero" initiative. This global program seeks to achieve carbon-neutral operations through advanced technological solutions and the optimization of the use of energy and resources.
The generation and mitigation of waste have become key factors in moving towards a circular economy. Global projections indicate that solid waste could increase by 70% by 2050, reaching 3.4 billion metric tons. Currently, less than 20% of this waste is properly managed through recycling or responsible disposal, highlighting the importance of strategies such as zero-waste validations. These types of certifications not only recognize responsible environmental practices, but also benefit local economies and the global environment.
The environmental validation conducted by UL Solutions included a detailed analysis of available documents, products, and materials, ensuring the veracity of ABB's claims. Importantly, any changes to electrical, mechanical, material, manufacturing processes, or purchasing policies could require a re-evaluation of validated claims.
