In a global context increasingly centred on sustainability and environmental responsibility, environmental certifications stand out as fundamental tools for companies to align their economic activities with the ecological and social challenges of this century.
For R3 Natura, a leader in waste management in Portugal, these certifications are much more than a mere regulatory requirement: they are the basis for an ethical commitment to society and the planet and a strong contribution to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Importance of Environmental Certifications
Environmental certifications are instruments that ensure the application of good environmental practices in organisations. Regulated by national and international standards, these certifications promote continuous improvement in environmental management processes, helping to reduce negative environmental impacts.
Benefits for Companies and the Environment
- Legal Compliance: certifications help companies to ensure regulatory compliance with Portuguese environmental legislation, such as Decree-Law 102-D/2020, which regulates waste management, while also aligning themselves with European guidelines.
- Cost reduction: They induce the application of procedures and behaviours aimed at optimising resources and preventing fines for non-compliance with current legislation.
- Increases Market Confidence: Certified companies demonstrate responsibility, which attracts investors and builds customer loyalty.
- Continuous Improvement: The adoption of environmental management systems promotes a constant cycle of improvements, which has a positive impact on both the environment and operational efficiency.
- Sustainable Competitiveness: Certified companies have a competitive advantage because they demonstrate a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, which are essential for conquering new markets.
Our certifications
Committed to offering integrated and sustainable solutions for waste management, R3 Natura continually invests in obtaining and maintaining certifications that ensure the excellence of its processes. Among the most notable certifications are:
- Waste Management Operator Licence: All entities that carry out waste storage, sorting, treatment, recovery and disposal operations must be licensed as waste management operators.
- End of Waste Certificate (FER)CERTIF: a document issued by CERTIF - Associação para a Certificação, which certifies that a given material or product is no longer considered waste and can be used as a raw material or marketable product. This certificate is granted after a rigorous assessment which verifies that the material fulfils the legal and technical criteria established for it to no longer be classified as waste. Obtaining this certificate is fundamental to promoting the circular economy, allowing recovered materials to be safely and sustainably reintegrated into the production cycle.
- Responsible Industry System (SIR) no. 1001001696: is the legal regime that regulates the exercise of industrial activity in Portugal, establishing the necessary procedures for licensing industrial establishments and Responsible Business Zones (ZER). This system aims to simplify and speed up the industrial licensing process, promoting environmental responsibility and safety in the sector.
- Recycling Process Certificate (Recyclass): equivalent to EuCertPlast, recognises Plastics Recycling Processes for pre-consumer and post-consumer waste operating on a Site in accordance with the requirements set out in the Recycling Process Conformity Assessment Scheme. The requirements of the Audit Scheme are aligned with those of EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095:2020.
- NP EN ISO 9001:2015: is an international standard that defines the requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS). It is widely used in organisations of different sectors and sizes to ensure that products and services consistently meet customer needs and are in line with applicable regulatory requirements.
The road to quality
R3 Natura's operational excellence is based on solid pillars that include advanced technology, constant training and strategic partnerships. These factors ensure that we offer sustainable solutions that comply with the most demanding regulations.
- Investment in technology
R3 Natura is committed to innovative technologies to ensure efficient waste management. This includes modern equipment for recycling, treating hazardous waste and monitoring atmospheric emissions. These technologies help reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.
- Continuous training
The company promotes training programmes for its employees, ensuring that they are up to date on the best environmental practices and regulatory requirements. This creates an organisational culture focused on sustainability and excellence.
- Strategic Partnerships
R3 Natura works in collaboration with other organisations and regulatory institutions, expanding its capacity to meet legal requirements and implement sustainable solutions. These partnerships strengthen its position as a leader in the waste management sector.
- Transparency and accountability
At the centre of its operations, R3 Natura values transparency. Regular reports and communication initiatives with stakeholders ensure that the company acts ethically and in line with its values. The publication of environmental data is an example of how R3 Natura promotes trust with society.
- Circular Economy
The implementation of practices that promote the circular economy, such as waste recovery, is an important differentiator for R3 Natura. This means transforming waste into new resources, reducing the need to extract raw materials and minimising environmental impacts.
Environmental certifications play a crucial role in setting standards for responsible business practices. For R3 Natura, certifications are not just a technical requirement, but a fundamental strategy for guaranteeing the quality and sustainability of the services we provide. By investing in standards such as NP EN ISO 9001:2015, R3 Natura reaffirms its commitment to leading with innovation and environmental responsibility. Each certification we achieve represents a step towards building a more efficient, transparent operation that is aligned with the principles of sustainability.
We integrate certifications at all levels of operation, ensuring that every process, from waste collection to treatment and recovery, is carried out with excellence. This holistic approach not only improves environmental performance, but also creates value for customers, employees and communities. Together we will increase the circularity of plastics!