APM Terminals Poti bans single-use plastics, promotes sustainable solutions at workplace

Global plastic production has risen steadily globally. As a result, over five trillion pieces of plastic are estimated to now litter all major ocean basins. AP Moller – Maersk group (including APM Terminals) has a strategy to avoid unnecessary plastic in our operations.

In response to the challenge, APM Terminals Poti is taking proactive steps to address plastic waste and promote corporate sustainability. In 2022, the company purchased 1,132,000 pcs of disposable cups +29,100 pcs of plastic bottles. With this high and increasing usage of single-use plastic water bottles and cups, an immediate response team has been formed to analyze and solve the challenge..

As a result, the first action was to replace single-use plastic water bottles and cups with re-usable metal bottles that have been purchased for each employee. The bottles have been personalised with the employee’s name and an inspirational quote to become part of the global solution. These bottles will permit us to significantly reduce the use of single-use plastic within the company, primarily through the process of reduction rather than recycling. This approach is aimed at preventing plastic waste from being generated in the first place, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste management.

,,APM Terminals Poti's focus on climate change and plastic management aligns with our broader corporate sustainability strategy. By addressing these issues, the company contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce plastic pollution. Our efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability not only have immediate positive effects but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious and responsible corporate culture. The combination of waste reduction, employee engagement, and awareness-raising activities makes this initiative a noteworthy example of corporate social responsibility.”- states Julián Fernández, Managing Director of APM Terminals Poti.

In parallel, the team has been actively engaged in raising awareness among company employees though social media channels and in-person communication, conducting in person meetings while distributing bottles, explaining the purpose and terms of use.

,,By distributing these reusable bottles, the company not only demonstrated its dedication to reducing plastic waste but also encouraged a tangible change in behaviour. Employees now have a practical alternative to single-use plastic bottles, which, in turn, reinforces the message of reducing plastic consumption on a daily basis.”- says Iain Rawlinson, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Poti.

The implementation of the initiative advances sustainable procurement. As part of the initiative, a decision has been made not to purchase plastic cups for company events, meetings and other activities. This approach serves as a direct response to the environmental concerns associated with single-use plastics and contributes to reducing the overall plastic footprint of our organization.