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

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

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

That commitment has made Alival the first company in the dairy sector to achieve Gold certification under the International Standard for Zero Waste Management Systems in 2025, awarded by Icontec and backed by Global Zero Waste.

More than a recognition, this achievement reflects the constant work of an organisation that has transformed the way it produces, consumes and relates to its surroundings; it is also the result of a clear, shared purpose: to show that a cleaner, more efficient and more conscious industry really is possible.

A road 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 root, involving all its staff in a culture of change and weaving key partnerships with environmental management experts. That evolution comes from a firm conviction to minimise as far as possible the amount of waste sent to landfill or incineration and, on the contrary, to turn it into valuable recovery opportunities.

The strategy has rested on four pillars:

• Reduction at source: preventing waste generation from the outset.
• Reuse: extending the useful life of materials within its processes.
• Advanced recycling: guaranteeing efficient separation and responsible processing.
• Composting: adding value to organic waste to give it a new life.

Thanks to this integral approach, Alival has reached a real recycling rate of 92%. A figure that speaks not only of technical efficiency but of a deep cultural change within the organisation, 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 "9R" approach, manages around 20 different types of waste and applies strict controls to reject raw material that does not meet quality standards. It has also implemented circular sourcing models, encourages the reuse of workwear in partnership with local farmers, and has managed to recover, repair or wash 87% of its crates, pallets, drums, folding boxes and other operational materials.

Sustainability that drives the future

Gold Zero Waste certification is not a finishing line; it redefines the company's processes towards innovation, continuous improvement and the 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 made these objectives real. We therefore highlight the leadership of José Alejandro Ordóñez, General Manager, and Néstor Rueda, Head of HSE, as well as the commitment and dedication of their staff. 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 showing that a new way of doing industry really is possible.