The path to a zero-waste world requires more than technical processes; it needs stories that inspire and actions that transform. With this premise, Sandra Pinzón, CEO and Founder of Global Zero Waste, kicked off «CIRCULAR», a video podcast designed to highlight stories surrounding the circular economy, sustainability, and the people making a waste-free world possible.
Our first guest, Andrea Cheer, Corporate Affairs Director at Terpel, shared how the organization has made sustainability a cornerstone of its operations. For Andrea, communication is the key tool for this change: «Communication and journalism made me understand that it wasn't just about informing... but about connecting, inspiring, and above all... transforming realities.».
A measurable and collective commitment
Talking about Terpel in 2026 means referring to a benchmark of proven excellence. Recently, the company was included, for the ninth consecutive year, in the prestigious Sustainability Yearbook by S&P Global, consolidating itself as one of the 22 Colombian companies with the best environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices in the world.
Terpel not only maintained its position but was also distinguished with the «Industry Mover» recognition. This title is awarded by S&P Global exclusively to companies that achieve an outstanding improvement in their sustainability score (more than 5%) within their industry. Regarding this achievement, Daniel Perea, vice president of Corporate Affairs at Terpel, has been emphatic:
“Being included in the Sustainability Yearbook and being an Industry Mover is the result of discipline, strategic decision-making, consistency between words and actions, and a permanent commitment to operating responsibly.”.
Success Stories: When Waste Becomes Hope
On the stage of CIRCULAR, the conversation materializes through objects with history. One of the most emotional points of the episode was the analysis of the circular economy applied to the fight against hunger. Through the technology of EatCloud, Terpel has managed food surpluses in its «Altoque» convenience stores, preventing waste and feeding vulnerable communities.
«Besides preventing a product from becoming waste, we are fighting hunger. Therefore, it is a circular economy with social impact.», explained Andrea as they discussed the impact of a simple «chicken pot pie» that, instead of going to waste, ends up on a table where it's needed.
Likewise, the history of Pencil cases made from old uniforms, a project by upcycling which not only reduces the environmental impact, but also supports the education of children in the company's areas of influence. On this, Andrea emphasized the long-term vision they share with the Zero Waste Management System:
«When we talk about a Zero Waste management system, it's not just a snapshot in time... it's about the present and what will happen as a result of social transformation.
A commitment that «is reborn»
At the end of the meeting, Sandra Pinzón challenged Andrea to define circularity in a single word. The answer was conclusive: «Rebirth». For Terpel, being a «National Ally» means precisely that: allowing materials, stories, and communities to have a second chance through innovation and consistency.
This first episode of CIRCULAR It is an invitation to look beyond sustainability reports and discover the heart of organizations that, like Terpel and Global Zero Waste, are determined to change the future of the planet, one waste at a time.
Do you want to know all the details of this conversation? Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel and join the circular economy revolution.
