Greenzone, on Brunel Drive, Newark, faces the issues of modern slavery head on by supporting anti-slavery week

A Newark waste company is facing the issues of modern slavery head on by supporting anti-slavery week.

Waste companies in the UK have previously found themselves at the heart of controversy, being the unwitting victims of traffickers, who have exploited waste supply chains for their own profit.

Greenzone, on Brunel Drive, said they had a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery of any kind.

Hope for Justice have defined modern slavery as one person controlling another by exploiting a vulnerability. It has often been linked with human trafficking, where a person is forced into a service against their will.

Greenzone CEO Louise Taggart said: “Modern slavery is completely unacceptable, and it’s up to us as a reputable service provider to remain vigilant on this issue.

"We already have very strict procurement and auditing procedures in place to identify risks in our supply chain as well as the risks to our customers, but we can always do more.

"I see staff and supplier education as key to raising awareness. Greenzone’s membership to the Slave Free Alliance will support us in our commitment to help end modern slavery in the waste sector.”

In support of anti-slavery week, which runs until Sunday, October 24, Greenzone will raise awareness internally and externally.

"As new members of the Slave Free Alliance, there are a few things we’re doing to encourage debate and raise awareness internally and externally," said Louise.

"Internally we have formed a CSR working group, comprised of our supply chain, marketing, compliance and HR departments.

"We will be meeting quarterly to look at all our CSR initiatives that focus on our three pillars, comprised of our clients, people and community.

"Externally, our social media channels are a great way for our clients to see what we’re up to.

"Outside of this, we’ve created bespoke branded marketing materials that can be used across the business sectors we work in to promote the importance of anti-slavery week."