Project to reduce plastic waste through sustainable waste management.
Bathrooms specialist Kaldewei has joined forces with the WWF’s marine conservation programme in Southeast Asia, with the aim of improving waste management in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
Announcing the drive, the company cited forecasts that by 2050 the oceans will contain as much plastic waste as fish. The first indications are already visible today: animals are perishing after ingesting plastic; microplastic is being found in many species of fish.
Furthermore, studies show that organised waste management is not practised in Southeast Asia and uncontrolled dumping of residual waste is a common occurrence. Owing to regular flooding in river basins, large quantities of this waste is swept into the oceans.
“Sustainability is enshrined in the Kaldewei corporate philosophy,” said Kaldewei Managing Director Franz Kaldewei. “We are happy to support the WWF’s important work to prevent plastic waste in the oceans, and we are confident that with our commitment we will be making a valuable contribution to marine conservation and the preservation of natural living environments.”
Keeping plastic out of the oceans
Working together, Kaldewei and the WWF are aiming to combat not only the impacts, but also the causes of environmental pollution. The aim of the project in the Mekong Delta is to quickly reduce the volume of waste by up to 80 per cent by means of separation and recycling, to shut down dumps over the long term and to clear disposal sites.
The partners hope that these measures will prevent large quantities of plastic from entering the ocean via the rivers and canals on the Mekong Delta every year, as is currently the case.
In manufacturing its shower surfaces, bathtubs and washbasins made of steel enamel – a composite of steel and glass – Kaldewei says it has always used natural raw materials that are 100% recyclable.
“For us, this partnership with the WWF is a logical step in our constant endeavours for a clean environment,” Kaldewei added.
