The most sustainable ice cream is also the most delicious

Helados Colombina and its road to Gold Zero Waste certification

Sustainability has stopped being a trend and become a key competitiveness strategy. In line with that vision, Colombina S.A., one of the best-known food companies nationally and internationally, has consolidated a responsible production model at each of its plants, with its ice cream factories in Bogotá and Itagüí, Colombia, standing out through the implementation of the Zero Waste Management System (SGZW).

These plants have been certified in the Gold Category under version 5 of the Zero Waste Management System (SGZW), awarded by ICONTEC and Global Zero Waste, reaching an outstanding score of 97/100 points in their specialist assessment.

A benchmark in production and sustainability

Colombina is today one of the 10 most sustainable food companies in the world according to S&P Global, and that is because for more than 15 years it has had a robust sustainability strategy built around 6 management pillars. Ecological balance is one of them, covering relevant issues such as energy efficiency, water saving, carbon footprint and waste management; that is why Zero Waste certification is an important milestone for the Company and reflects the commitment the organisation has to caring for the planet.

Structural strategies for a Zero Waste plant

The certification obtained is the result of a rigorous process of planning, execution and continuous improvement. The most relevant aspects include:

• The integration of the SGZW with the corporate sustainability master plan, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• The development and updating of strategic tools such as the Environmental SWOT Matrix, stakeholder analysis and the determination of specific risks and opportunities for solid waste management.
• The incorporation of ecodesign strategies into containers and packaging, in collaboration with universities and research centres, prioritising reduction, reuse and recycling (3R) and progressively extending to the 9R strategies.
• The implementation of circular practices in workwear, applying design, remanufacturing and recycling, within the framework of the projects run by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ); the reuse of crates, reverse logistics, composting and waste valorisation mechanisms.

Governance and knowledge management

The Company has a Sustainability committee led by its president, who has shown active commitment to the Zero Waste model. Within the plants there is also a management committee that keeps the system under permanent review, along with other activities such as:

• Periodic assessments of environmental indicators.
• The inclusion of Zero Waste criteria in staff training, through inductions, re-inductions, specific training and the use of the Corporate University platform.
• Strengthening the organisational culture through internal communication strategies, themed fairs, digital campaigns and constant awareness-raising.

According to internal surveys, the plants' staff know and understand the general guidelines of the SGZW, which has helped proper implementation in the field, especially in separation at source and traceability processes.

Efficiency indicators and continuous improvement

The main quantitative achievements include:

• In 2024 we closed with a real recycling indicator of 96.25% and a general one of 97.08%, a reflection of consolidated management.
• Waste measurement and traceability with calibrated tools, covering common, hazardous and recoverable waste.

The documented information system has also been key to guaranteeing traceability and process control, supported by management matrices, contingency plans, indicator sheets and digital libraries.

Reflections that inspire the future

The case of the Colombina ice cream plants shows how an integral approach to sustainability, tied into environmental management systems and circular economy strategies, can translate into measurable results, institutional recognition and value creation across the whole organisation.

At Global Zero Waste, we recognise this progress as a milestone in the transformation of Colombia's food sector and reaffirm our commitment to accompanying companies that bet on responsible, innovative and regenerative production models.