Falabella de Colombia reaches Gold category Zero Waste certification: a firm step towards corporate sustainability

On 16 May 2025, Falabella de Colombia set a new milestone in its environmental commitment by receiving certification in the Zero Waste Management System (SGZW) in the Gold category, awarded by ICONTEC. This achievement represents not only important progress in waste management but also the consolidation of a responsible, conscious business model aligned with the principles of the circular economy.

What does this certification mean?

Gold category certification of the SGZW represents one of the highest levels of compliance in implementing strategies geared towards reducing, reusing, recovering and integrally managing the solid waste generated in its operations. In this case, the recognition covered 28 facilities nationwide, including stores in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena and more.

What took Falabella to this certification?

The main achievements behind this distinction include:

• Recovery rate of 82.7% of the solid waste generated across all the facilities assessed during 2025, far exceeding the required minimum of 34% under version 4.0 of the International Standard for Zero Waste Management Systems
• The implementation of a solid waste traceability system, with calibrated instruments and centralised data, allowing precise and effective measurement of the impact of its actions.
• Direct commitment from senior management, with budget allocation, active leadership and a clear integration of the SGZW into its sustainability and circular economy strategy.
• Strengthening of the environmental culture, with constant training, scheduled activities and participation in circular economy events by the responsible team.
• Design and implementation of the Integral Solid Waste Management Plan (PGIRS), including clear criteria for the separation, storage, transport and final disposal of waste.

Recognition of a committed team

The presentation ceremony was attended by Diego Romero, Technical Director, and David Pinto, Director of the Zero Waste Events Recognition Programme and Project Engineer at Global Zero Waste, who accompanied Falabella at this emblematic moment.

We congratulate in particular those who have led this transformation, including:

• Rodrigo Fajardo Zilleruelo, Country Manager of Empresas Falabella Colombia and President of Falabella

• Cristina Botero, strategic lead in Corporate Affairs

• Silvia María Caicedo Villate, Head of Environment

• And the whole interdisciplinary team that has worked with dedication, vision and commitment.

A shared vision

At Global Zero Waste, we reaffirm our commitment to going on accompanying the organisations that believe in a regenerative development model. Achievements of this kind not only reduce the pressure on ecosystems, they also inspire other companies to join the change with purpose.

Together we keep transforming organisations towards a Zero Waste model!