Banksia Sustainability Award winners named

(Source: Bigstock)

Australian companies have been recognised for their sustainability efforts at the 33rd annual Banksia National Sustainability Awards in Melbourne.

The award acknowledges individuals, communities, businesses and governments for their innovation and excellence in environmental and social stewardship.

Across 15 categories, Planet Protector Packaging bagged the Gold Banksia Award and Agriculture and Regional Development Award for developing a sustainable packaging alternative that does not harm the planet. 

The company’s Woolpack is proving to reduce polystyrene derivatives and wool waste from landfills and can be used for temperature-sensitive foods, seafood, wine and pharmaceuticals. 

Officeworks won the Large Business Transformation Award for its actions in reducing carbon emissions and waste generation across its entire supply chain. Since 2015, the company has reduced its carbon emissions by 32 per cent, diverting 1474 tonnes of unwanted products from landfills, recycling 91 per cent of its operational waste and launching its Greener Choices range to help customers shop more sustainably.

The Ignite Award was given to Samsara Eco, an enviro-tech company that has developed an enzyme-based technology that can infinitely recycle plastic waste.

The Ethical Sourcing Award was won by Zenna Latex Mattress for providing sleep products in a sustainable and alternative way. 

The event was attended by 350 guests and Australia’s chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley shared her insights on the scope for sustainable development in Australia.

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