Recently, the group set itself more ambitious environmental efficiency targets and, by working with DHL's environmental service offering Envirosolutions, recognised an opportunity to further utilise the existing logistics infrastructure for environmental benefit. This involved implementing a project to organise its collective recycling programmes across the numerous franchises.
The programme, which was first implemented in May 2010 and is currently being rolled out across all of Nisa-Today's franchises, provides recyclable waste collection – namely cardboard and shrink wrap – from individual outlets on return journeys. DHL then recycles the waste appropriately on the company's behalf.
Thus, rather than returning to base empty following a delivery, DHL's trucks are loaded with recyclable cardboard and plastic, which is then returned to Nisa-Today's distribution centres throughout the UK, baled and sent for recycling. The service negates the need for a separate recyclables collection and disposal at store level. Adopting a project of this scale across a franchised organisation not only made sense from a corporate level, but individual businesses across the network also recognised the benefits of the reverse-network, making buy-in simple and increasing the effectiveness of the programme.