Industrial waste management and zero waste strategies

Industrial waste management is defined as a holistic process involving the collection of waste generated by businesses' production processes, transportation to temporary storage areas, subjecting them to various volume reduction practices, and then directing them to recycling facilities. This research addresses sustainable management approaches that aim to minimize the environmental impacts of industrial activities and, in particular, examines the applicability of the zero waste concept in the industrial sector. Within the framework of a qualitative research design, national and international reports, policy documents, corporate sustainability reports, and academic publications for the period 2020-2025 were evaluated through document review, and the obtained data were structured thematically using descriptive analysis. The research aims to provide guidance to both practitioners and academics. A comparison of the practices of companies such as ECOS, Dell Technologies, LG Electronics, and ERMETAL highlights the common aspects of their zero waste strategies: preventing waste generation at the source, strengthening recycling and reuse processes, using renewable energy, and developing supply chain models focused on a circular economy. This approach has reduced environmental impacts, increased resource efficiency, and achieved cost advantages. These companies also prioritized social responsibility, supporting local communities, creating green jobs, and undertaking initiatives to raise environmental awareness. The findings reveal that industrial waste management requires a holistic approach to sustainability that extends beyond disposal processes, from production and the supply chain to energy consumption and product design. In this context, waste management has become a strategic element that not only fulfills environmental obligations but also provides businesses with a competitive advantage and strengthens brand value. Furthermore, companies are increasingly turning to technology and innovative solutions to integrate them into their waste management systems.