itelbpo Raises the Bar in BPO Sector with Plastic-Free Campaign

Jamaica Observer | August 2, 2018

  JAMAICAN business process outsourcing (BPO) firm itelbpo is leading the charge for environmental protection with its 'Plastic Free' campaign. The campaign, under the theme 'No Plastic is Fantastic', comes amidst a call internationally for the reduction of single-use plastic, which has proven detrimental to natural and marine environments around the world. Itelbpo, however, is setting the bar high in answer to this charge. In June, the company launched a campaign that includes recycling plastic bottles and reducing the use of plastic. Most importantly, they have committed to the gradual phase out and eventual elimination of single-use plastics at all its locations in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Mexico, and the USA. The campaign is broken down into three phases: Recycle (Phase 1), Reduce & Reuse (Phase 2), and Refuse (Phase 3). Phase 1 will involve the launch of a recycling programme for plastic bottles, educating staff about the importance of reducing plastic use, as well as prohibiting the use of plastic water bottles. itelbpo will provide staff members with alternative reusable options and install water coolers throughout the offices. To engage staff and nurture a culture of recycling, itelbpo's People Success Department is executing fun and creative activities such as a 'Plastic Art Competition'. During the competition, staff members were challenged to find novel ways of recycling plastic products incorporating both form and function to create unique items ranging from art to fashion. Now in Phase 2, which will end October, itelbpo offices will encourage reuse of safer BPA free containers, as well as exploring viable alternatives to the many plastic products frequently used personally by staff on site. This includes items offered in the cafeterias. The successful completion of this step will prepare the company for its final objective — a completely plastic -free working environment. Commenting on the company's visionary programme, itelbpo co-founder and conceptualiser of the plastic free campaign, Lisa Lake, stated, “Internationally, there is an increased awareness about the harmful nature of plastic use. Countries within the Caribbean and worldwide are beginning to take real action towards environmental protection, and itelbpo felt it fitting that we lead the charge within corporate Jamaica; not just through our words, but also with our actions. We've built a state-of-the-art headquarters on the waterfront in Montego Bay, and it is disturbing to see the volume of plastic that washes up on our shores each day; it hits home, literally. With this campaign, we hope to change the habits of our team both at work and home, as well as to inspire individuals and local companies to follow suit.” Formed in 2012, itelbpo is now the region's largest home-grown outsourcer, with operations in Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica and Freeport, The Bahamas. They also have a growing presence in Mexico & the USA with its newly acquired work-from-home division. The company has more than 1,500 employees and provides voice, non-voice and digital marketing services to leading brands across eight vertical markets.