Biffa’s Guide Shows Procurement How to Unlock Waste Value

Managing waste effectively has long been a priority for manufacturers, but as supply chains grow more complex and sustainability takes centre stage, procurement teams have an even greater role to play in waste management.

Rising costs, regulatory pressures and the drive for circular economies mean that waste is no longer just a by-product — it’s a resource that, if managed strategically, can generate real value.

Sustainable waste management company Biffa has released a comprehensive guide, 'What if you could unlock value from manufacturing waste?,' to help procurement and manufacturing teams identify opportunities to cut waste, improve efficiency and drive financial and environmental gains.

Procurement’s role in navigating waste challenges

Procurement teams are facing a rapidly shifting landscape where waste management is not just about disposal but about compliance, efficiency and cost savings. Legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) now requires businesses to take financial responsibility for the disposal of their packaging, increasing both costs and operational burdens.

At the same time, manufacturers are dealing with rising raw material prices, supply chain disruptions and skills shortages, all of which impact production efficiency and increase waste. Certain industries, especially those handling hazardous or hard-to-recycle materials, feel these pressures more acutely.

A recent survey by Biffa and YouGov highlights how manufacturers are prioritising their resources. It found that 67% of businesses are focused on revenue generation, while 65% are aiming for cost efficiencies. This suggests that sustainability often takes a back seat, despite the long-term financial advantages it can offer.

Gavin Williams, Managing Director of Specialist Services at Biffa, points out that businesses don’t have to choose between sustainability and profitability. “Manufacturers play a vital role in the UK supply chain and economy at large but, as our studies show, they’re caught in a bind protecting the bottom line over sustainability even though the two aren’t mutually exclusive,” he says.

Procurement teams have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap by integrating waste management into supplier negotiations, sourcing decisions and production planning. Simple strategies such as improved waste segregation can reduce the volume of general waste, lower collection costs and even generate revenue through recyclables.

Manufacturing waste solutions: A strategic approach

To support manufacturers in optimising waste management, Biffa has introduced its Manufacturing Waste Solutions service. This initiative connects businesses with sector experts who analyse manufacturing processes, assess waste streams and identify inefficiencies that drive up costs.

Before implementing any changes, Biffa carries out a detailed audit, using data to map out opportunities for waste reduction and resource optimisation. This results in a customer improvement plan designed to deliver measurable savings and value within the first two years.

For procurement teams, this structured approach helps ensure that waste management strategies align with broader commercial goals. By embedding sustainability into procurement processes, businesses can reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.

Unlocking long-term value through procurement

Waste management is no longer just a back-end process—it’s a strategic function that sits at the heart of cost control and sustainability. Procurement professionals are uniquely positioned to drive this shift by choosing suppliers that prioritise circularity, negotiating contracts that incentivise waste reduction and implementing data-driven strategies to optimise resource use.

Gavin emphasises the importance of expertise in this transition. “Manufacturers can rely on our data and specialist expertise, scale and facilities to simplify not just the end-to-end waste management process but also unlock value," he says. "We’re dedicated to supporting the sector’s continuous improvement and long-term success.”

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