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From audit to action
March 03, 2025
Sustainability
4 min read
KMD Brands has set bold 2030 targets: cutting operational waste to landfill by 90% and reducing Scope 3 emissions by 28%. To achieve these goals, we need to understand our waste footprint.
Digging into the data
To chart our course towards a more circular future, we have partnered with resource recovery experts at Reground to audit waste across key sites in Australia.
Reground’s audit spanned six locations, including distribution centres, offices, and retail stores across the KMD Brands portfolio. By classifying and measuring over 30 material categories, we uncovered clear opportunities to boost recycling rates, streamline waste separation and reduce unnecessary disposal.
The findings?
Our distribution centres are achieving 84–87% recycling rates. Retail stores face greater challenges, with customer waste – such as food packaging and tissues – driving up landfill volumes and reducing our recycling rates to 67-69%.
From rubbish to resource
“When it comes to waste, the best strategy is to create less of it in the first place,” says Shasta O’Loughlin, KMD Brands’ Head of ESG. With a clear picture of where waste is coming from, we’re rolling out targeted initiatives to drive change:
- Smarter sorting: Standardised bin signage and colour coding across distribution centres to reduce contamination and improve recycling rates.
- Enhanced packaging: Exploring alternatives to pallet wrapping and cutting unnecessary plastic in product packaging.
- Recycling innovation: Installing cardboard balers in distribution centres to divert more materials from landfill.
- Education and engagement: Working with customers and employees to improve recycling behaviours through education programs.
Towards a circular future
Since hearing these audit findings the team has already begun implementing changes, as every small step contributes to systemic change. KMD Brands is on our way to embedding circular business practices, Shasta says.
“By taking a data-driven approach, we aren’t just reducing our waste. We are rethinking waste as a resource.”
