Alival: a new way of understanding sustainability in the dairy industry

Since its foundation in 1981, Alival S.A.. has established itself as a benchmark in the dairy sector in Colombia, has made significant progress in its sustainability trajectory, integrating into its corporate strategy responsible practices that range from efficient management of materials and waste, to the conscious use of water and energy, and constant support for local farmers.

This commitment has made Alival the first company in the dairy sector to achieve Gold certification in the International Standard Zero Waste Management Systems by 2025, awarded by Icontec and with the support of Global Zero Waste.

More than a recognition, this achievement reflects the constant work of an organization that has transformed its way of producing, consuming and relating to the environment, it is also the result of a clear and shared purpose: to demonstrate that a cleaner, more efficient and conscious industry is possible.

A path of real transformation

Adopting the Zero Waste Model has not simply meant implementing new practices; for the company it has meant redesigning its processes from the ground up, involving all its employees in a culture of change, and forging key alliances with experts in environmental management. This evolution stems from a firm conviction to minimize as much as possible the sending of waste to landfills or incineration, and on the contrary, to turn them into valuable opportunities for use.

The strategy is based on four pillars:

• Source reduction: preventing waste generation from the beginning.
• Reuse and reuse: extending the useful life of materials within your processes.
• Advanced recycling: ensuring efficient separation and responsible processing.
• Composting: valorizing organic waste to give it a new life.

Thanks to this comprehensive approach, Alival has achieved an actual recycling rate of 92%. A figure that not only speaks of technical efficiency, but also of a profound cultural change within the organization, where sustainability is not just an objective, it is part of the company's DNA.

Among its main strategies, Alival has developed a robust project bank that includes more than 200 initiatives aligned with the "9Rs" approach, manages close to 20 different types of waste, and applies strict controls to reject raw materials that do not meet quality standards. In addition, it has implemented circular sourcing models, promotes the reuse of supplies in partnership with local farmers, and has successfully recovered, repaired or washed 87% of its baskets, pallets, drums, folding boxes and other operating materials.

Sustainability that drives the future

The Zero Waste Gold certification does not mark an end point, but rather redefines its processes towards innovation, continuous improvement and adoption of the circular economy in its operation.

A fundamental part of this achievement has been the strategic direction and the work of an interdisciplinary team that has made it possible to achieve these objectives. For this reason, we would like to highlight the leadership of José Alejandro OrdóñezGeneral Manager, Néstor RuedaThe company's HSE Manager, as well as the commitment and dedication of its collaborators. Because behind this achievement there is a team convinced that change is possible, and that quality and sustainability can - and must - go hand in hand.

Thank you for believing, for acting and for demonstrating that a new way of doing business is possible.