Meiyume and Hills Waste collaboration helps drive forward sustainability and net zero ambitions.
Central to Meiyume’s waste management strategy is the journey to Net Zero, with a strong focus on cutting emissions, reducing waste, and embedding circular economy principles. To deliver on this, they looked for a long-term partner who could provide flexible, tailored waste management services and who would able to collaborate closely on sustainability goals—making Hills Waste Solutions the right fit.
Meiyume had specific requirements, and Hills designed a contract tailored to encourage collaboration and delivery of improvements to efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability performance. 
Moving fast
Within the first six months, significant changes were already making a positive impact in recycling rates and operational efficiencies.
Changing production processes
Working together, Meiyume and Hills made improvements to the effluent treatment plant that enabled more effective management of organic waste in the DAF waste tank allowing the operations team to make a significant reduction in their carbon footprint.
Operational investment
Another challenge involved the sensitive disposal of branded goods that did not meet Meiyume’s high quality standards. A more efficient approach was adopted by bringing part of the disposal process in-house. With the backing of Martin Vellenoweth, Environment Health and Safety Manager at Meiyume, investment was secured, and the new equipment is now fully operational and fully integrated into the manufacturing process.
Lift management and scheduling
By analysing the frequency and volume of their current services, Hills helped Meiyume to reduce the number of vehicle movements while maximising container volume. This improved efficiency and provided further savings.
Helping to train staff
Simple, dual-language signage was introduced to support staff in better segregating waste, keeping Net Zero goals front of mind and ensuring consistent standards across the workforce.
Canteen food recycling
The first waste audit we conducted uncovered an additional waste stream in the canteen. Hills were asked to support them with their segregation, and provided Meiyume with bespoke containers. This resulted in 1.3 tonnes of waste diverted from general waste within the first 6 months.
Online Access to Reporting
One of the important activities that manufacturing businesses must undertake is reporting, to meet regulatory requirements under Extended Producer Liability (EPR). By using Hills Online Portal Meiyume have been able to access all the relevant documentation they need containing weights by waste type, collection and disposal information as well as all their invoices and scheduling of collections, historical and future collections. Stephen at Meiyume commented that “it’s made my working day so much less complicated by having online access, with everything at my fingertips”.
Results
Through this collaborative approach, Hills has helped Meiyume support their sustainability and Net Zero ambitions, achieving 100% diversion of their landfill waste, a significant achievement.
Auditing and added value from good relations
Part of the contract stipulates that Meiyume conduct audits on the Hills operational aspects of the relationship, and Hills have encouraged this practice to help give confidence and understanding to the Meiyume team. In addition, Hills felt it was important that Meiyume had a good appreciation of the processes in dealing with the waste and have ensured that Meiyume visits include Energy from Waste (EfW) plants and Mechanical Recycling Facilities (MRF).
What Meiyume wanted to say about Hills
Stephen Hamilton EHA Senior Officer commented: “Hills have been absolutely brilliant! The presence of Hills has given us so much confidence in their abilities to manage the whole waste management process with us. By bringing Hills on board we have been able to step away from much of the day-to-day activities to focus on other areas of business performance.”
Martin added: “Hills have supported us with our recycling activities and this has helped to achieve ISO 14001 certification, which joins our other ISO certification of 45001, 9001, 27001 and 22716.”
About Meiyume
Meiyume is a global partner to the beauty and personal care industry, providing services from product formulation and packaging to sourcing and supply chain support. With worldwide operations, they work across categories such as skincare, haircare, cosmetics, and fragrance, combining innovation with sustainable practices to deliver high-quality solutions.
