Many companies throughout the UK understand the real business benefits that can be gained by reducing waste and maximising their recycling efforts. Here are just two:

• Abbott Laboratories Ltd has been manufacturing pharmaceutical and healthcare products at its Queenborough site for more than 30 years. Although it has operated cost saving and process optimization programmes for over 20 years, the company has had no formal waste minimisation programme. Through a local Waste Minimisation Club, the company developed a structured framework for its waste minimisation activities.

The results: The company has successfully developed a waste minimisation culture which has delivered savings of £175,000 a year. Management have also identified further potential savings of £280,000 a year. In addition, the company's annual water consumption has been reduced by 15%.

• R Mathieson & Sons Ltd produces a wide range of catering and retail products at its bakery in Falkirk. Since 2001, the company has responded to pressures from increased waste costs by implementing a structured and progressive waste minimisation programme designed to reduce costs associated with waste, effluent, fuel and energy.

The results: Mathiesons has achieved significant savings in a relatively short period of time. Waste disposal costs have fallen by 66%, saving £12,000 a year. Reduced wastage of bakery products and frying oil has provided further savings of £3,700 a year. Total waste going to landfill has fallen by over 21%, or 31 tonnes per year, while other benefits include reduced raw material consumption, lower energy and water consumption, reduced effluent disposal costs, and increased staff awareness and involvement.

• 350 businesses in Northern Ireland had their environmental activities and procedures assessed by Business in the Community's ARENA network in 2003. As a result one company saved £5 million and another reduced waste by 75%. Source: Business in the Community
• 86% of UK adults believe the environment is the most important issue for companies to focus on. Source: MORI Annual CSR Study, 2001
• 44% of European consumers surveyed are willing to pay more for environmentally and socially responsible products. Source: MORI/CSR Europe, 2000
• Practical trials show that companies can reduce their annual energy and waste costs by 10% without capital investment. Source: Envirowise
• 75% of SMEs have made no effort to reduce their impact on the environment. Source: Environment Agency 2003