Topics
OneZero
Comprehensive platform brings cleaning materials into a circular model
BOMA is one of the largest independent players in the development, logistics and sales of cleaning materials in a B2B environment. This gives us great leverage to get things moving.
With the OneZero project, we want to create an umbrella logistics platform for planning and managing material flows from our own and external products to the customer and back. For example, we want to take back residual materials from our own products, but also office waste (paper, cardboard, other specific waste flows). This two-way traffic avoids empty delivery vans and optimises our logistics.
In addition, we are committed to the R of rethink. For example, we have changed the raw material of microfibre cloths for optimal recycling.
We are also exploring the possibilities of an as-a-service model where customers purchase the use of certain products, while the packaging and containers remain our property.
Finally, we are working closely with our SME customers to make collection and sorting as feasible as possible.
BOMA n.v.
Partners EDMIRE bvba
Sectors
Website
MOST IMPORTANT
RESULTS
- We have designed an as-a-service model and are currently discussing it with test customers. The first formulas for providing products and materials as a service instead of selling them by subscription are ready.
- Together with our partner EDMIRE, we investigated the design of a circular cleaning trolley that is better suited to refurbishment and the as-a-service model. On the basis of an existing trolley, we worked out different variants.
- Our chain partner Greenspeed launched a new microfibre cloth made of 100% recycled PET, which is also fully recyclable. The Re-belle is the first microfibre cloth that consists of mono-flow plastic.
- We conducted several logistics tests with the delivery of products in a plastic container. These provided us with many insights into the logistics chain and the return of materials.
MOST IMPORTANT
LESSONS LEARNED
- 'Always expect the unexpected'. Nobody, including us, had seen the corona crisis coming. Yet we did not let the OneZero project grind to a halt. On the contrary, the crisis gave us the opportunity to recalibrate, to redefine BOMA's mission and vision.
- Communication is the key to success. Even though the project became part of BOMA's (future) vision, we learned that targeted and consistent communication about all project developments remains important.
- It is important to provide sufficient time and capacity for new developments and test runs. This helps us to respond flexibly and innovatively to new market developments. Good cooperation with chain partners is also essential.
- We learned that the scope and complexity of a project can evolve rapidly. This sometimes makes it difficult to make progress. A short sprints approach helped to obtain concrete results in the short term.
WHAT DOES
THE FUTURE HOLD?
The objectives of the OneZero project were incorporated into BOMA's corporate philosophy. Work is currently underway to implement them in the facilities chain. We have already learned that the return of materials requires further exploration and is not easy to apply in an existing model.
The as-a-service model is being discussed and tested with the first customers and will be developed further step by step. We are also in talks with various chain partners to transform waste bags, bins and other materials into circular concepts. Soon, we also want to provide our products with a sustainability score. In this way, we are phasing out harmful cleaning agents permanently.
In addition, we will continue to invest in research into sustainable storage and distribution, and we will actively participate in test projects for specific city hub developments.
Finally, in cooperation with EY and Centexbel, we also participate in the learning network sustainable business model to further disseminate the results and findings of the OneZero project.
