Planet Ark’s 100% Australian Recycled Paper, produced in partnership with Australian Paper, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2017 Banksia Sustainability Awards in the category of Leadership in the Circular Economy.
Planet Ark is one of 39 finalists, alongside AccorHotels Australia, Country Road, LUSH Cosmetics and the ABC TV series War On Waste (KEO Films Australia).
The Banksia Leadership in the Circular Economy Award recognises initiatives that allow the Australian economy to develop within natural limits; preserving and enhancing natural capital, optimising resource yields and eliminating waste.
Planet Ark 100% Australian Recycled Paper is made using 100% Australian waste paper and is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, carbon neutral and Australian made. Since it was launched in October 2016, more than 350,000 reams have been purchased, saving 2,496 tonnes of carbon emissions and 1,033 tonnes of waste from landfill.
“We’re really delighted to receive this nomination,” says Planet Ark’s paper programs manager, Sam Carey. “As our waste levels continue to rise, it’s important for us to raise awareness about products that are being made from our recycling. These products close the recycling loop by keeping important materials, like paper, in circulation and out of landfill. The Banksia Sustainability Awards celebrate the best advances in this field, so it’s fantastic to have this recognition for our product.”
In Australia, office paper has a recycling rate of 68%, yet less than 18% of new paper sold includes high-recycled content. Currently most recycled paper is imported into Australia, creating higher carbon emissions through transport.
The winners of the Banksia Sustainability Awards will be announced on Wednesday 1 November.
The Make It Australian Recycled campaign is a joint initiative between Planet Ark and Australian Paper, which aims to increase recycling of office paper, reduce the amount of waste paper going to landfill and increase the use of locally made, high-recycled content paper by businesses, households and governments.