In a world where surplus often equals waste, Axil is rewriting the narrative. Together with leading manufacturers, we’re turning excess into opportunity—preventing waste, supporting communities, and improving lives.
Our pioneering partnership with our network of re-use charities and social enterprises is rooted in zero waste principles, ensuring that surplus manufactured products are redistributed, not discarded. Since 2023, over 60,000 products have been diverted from disposal and redistributed to more than 1100 charities across the UK—transforming potential waste into vital resources.
Real Impact, Real Stories
Through collaboration with our client CMD, we facilitated the redistribution of 400 brand new USB car chargers through our charitable networks. At Beko’s Peterborough site, 24,000 in date hygiene face masks were diverted from incineration and donated to ‘Peterborough Care’, a local care home network. These are just two examples of how surplus items are being repurposed to serve those who need them most.
Beverley from Peterborough Care shared:
“We have 5 care homes in the group and are very grateful for the extra masks. Despite our efforts to keep infections low, they can spread quickly, so this kind gesture is truly appreciated – thank you from everyone at Peterborough Care”
Another great example of re-use was the 9 bikes left by employees at another customers site that were put to good use by Cycle Saviours –[GD1] one of Milton Keynes Christian Foundation’s social enterprises staffed by young people not in education, training or employment who gain essential work experience and qualifications as they help make cycling accessible to all in the region.
A donation such as this not only provides a much needed form of transport for somebody, but also opens up:
- Potential opportunity for transport to a place of employment
- A means of day-to-day transportation that lowers travel-related emissions
- An improvement in overall health and wellbeing
- Learning and skills opportunities
Why It Matters
Previously, tens of thousands of products were destined for disposal—increasing carbon emissions, and leading to lost value. Axil’s intervention offers a circular solution, ensuring these items are kept in use as long as possible, not wasted. According to ‘Circularity Gap World’, the first Circularity Gap Report examining the material flows of the UK economy “Only 7.5% of materials are currently recirculated back into the UK economy after use”. This means over 90% of the UK’s material use comes from virgin sources, relying on energy intensive extraction processes.
CGR UK – reference.
A Better Way Forward
Surplus arises from many sources: failed deliveries, branding changes, misprints, seasonal campaigns, and short shelf lives. But instead of disposal, Axil champions redistribution and reuse, aligning with the waste hierarchy and prioritising prevention.
The Benefits of Zero Waste Redistribution
- 100% reuse: No waste, just impact.
- Cost savings: Overall costs significantly reduced.
- Carbon reduction: Less disposal means fewer emissions.
- Community support: Essential goods reach those in need.
- ESG alignment: Clients receive robust sustainability data and inspiring case studies.
- Waste hierarchy in action: Prevention, reuse, and redistribution at scale.
Making an Impact
Our networks support over 521,000 people every week, ensuring access to products many take for granted. It’s a powerful example of how businesses can lead with purpose and sustainability.
Gina Rudkin, Axil’s Head of Sustainability and Zero Waste, shares:
“These collaborations are a fantastic example of our commitment to our mission and goals set out in our Sustainability and Social Value Charter[GD1] . By working closely with our clients, we’re avoiding waste, increasing reuse, reducing disposal costs and emissions, and creating meaningful social value. Charities supporting marginalised groups across the UK are benefiting from surplus products that would otherwise be lost and our collaborations are bringing about opportunities for skills and development for those that need it.”