The film industry faces significant challenges in terms of waste disposal and requirements can differ significantly between studios. Food packaging is a major issue, and the often, transient nature of production means that waste requirements may differ drastically from month to month.

Faced with large waste disposal costs and difficulties with mixed recycling, Sky Studios Elstree reached out to Cawleys at the beginning of 2024 to support them to achieve their ambitious targets.

At the start of the contract Sky Studios Elstree set a recycling target of achieving 50% recycling rate in the first twelve months and 65% by year three and in just three months, Cawleys exceeded these, reaching 79% recycling across all waste.

Cawleys also ensured that any remaining waste went to a ‘Energy from Waste’ facility meaning there is zero waste going to landfill from Sky Studios Elstree.

Phil Gudgeon, Managing Director, Cawleys said “With our Luton MRF capable of secondary sorting all mixed wastes, Cawleys are confident we can continue to maintain and improve on this recycling rate, to drive this up over the coming years whilst supporting Sky Studios Elstree to improve their environmental credentials and enhance their reputation as a global sustainability leader in the film and TV industry.”

During the partnership, Cawleys placed a dedicated and highly experienced waste champion on-site for 3 days a week to provide training to staff and reinforce best practice. Over the next five years Sky Studios Elstree will continue to benefit from a dedicated account manager who will meet with them monthly providing management reports and recycling rates, and where required an on-site resource to ensure standards are maintained.

The partnership has enabled Sky Studios Elstree to achieve their sustainability goals and ensure the flagship studio becomes a world leader in sustainability practices. To find out more about the services we can provide to the film industry contact Dan Tebay.