Banksia sustainability award winners herald a bright future for Australia

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Image Credit: banksiafdn.com
Media Release by Banksia Foundation

An organisation on a mission to eliminate polystyrene from the world’s supply chains has won gold at Australia’s longest running and most prestigious sustainability awards.

Planet Protector Packaging, which is developing sustainable packaging alternatives that do not harm the planet, took out the Gold Banksia Award at the 33rd annual Banksia National Sustainability Awards tonight (31 March).

Planet Protector Packaging received both the Agriculture and Regional Development Award, and the Gold Banksia Award, for its unique product WOOLPACK. WOOLPACK is already being used for temperature-sensitive foods, seafood, wine and pharmaceuticals. The product is successfully removing polystyrene products from the market, while also diverting wool waste from landfill.

Other award winners include:

  • a marine research institute which is creating living seawalls using 3D printing technology to revive marine life
  • an island eco-resort which offers sustainable tourism through unique nature-based experiences while protecting and enhancing the surrounding environment
  • a reality TV show that celebrates and fosters sustainable design
  • a government initiative which uses recycled glass, asphalt and brick to build major road infrastructure.

There are fifteen categories in the awards.

The winners of the 33rd Banksia National Sustainability Awards were announced at a gala event attended by more than 350 guests, finalists and winners at the Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre.

Guest speaker Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley shared her insights into the opportunities for sustainable development in Australia.

Established more than 30 years ago, the Banksia National Sustainability Awards recognise individuals, communities, businesses and government for innovation and excellence in environmental and social stewardship.

A full list of the winners and their projects is below.

Category
Winner
About
Communications for Impact Award
The Blue Tribe Company
Blue Tribe is using the power of reality TV to celebrate and foster sustainable design
Clean Technology Award
Degnan Constructions
Degnan Constructions delivers challenging and unique infrastructure through creative innovation
Biodiversity Award
Sydney Institute for Marine Science
Sydney Institute for Marine Science uses living seawalls bring marine developments back to life
Sustainable Tourism Award
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
The Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort achieves a goal of 100% renewable energy
Future Cities Award
ACT Government
ACT Government provides zero interest loans for households to install sustainable products
Health and Wellbeing Award
Primary and Community Care Services
Primary and Community Care Services pioneers social prescribing for health and wellbeing
Ethical Sourcing Award
Zenna Latex Mattress
Zenna provides mattresses and sleep products – a natural, sustainable alternative for a night’s sleep
Agriculture and Regional Development Award
Planet Protector Packaging
Goodbye polystyrene. Planet Protector Packaging is in the race to become the market leader in sustainable thermal packaging that doesn’t harm the planet
Circular Transition Award
Ecologiq
Ecologiq rethinks waste to build purposely greener transport infrastructure for Victoria
Diversity Award
L’Oreal Australia
L’Oréal Australia is driving equal access, opportunities and rewards in the workplace
Net Zero Action Award
Hesperia
Hesperia is delivering Life Cycle Net Zero projects that reduce environmental impacts while contributing to growth, the economy, and the community
Lion Pty Limited.
Lion’s net-zero journey is a comprehensive program of activity that integrates sustainability into the heart of their business
Youth as our Changemakers Award
Sascha Rust
Sascha Rust is building innovating with partnerships for the Australian food system
Small to Medium Enterprise Transformation Award
Enable Social Enterprises Limited
Enable Social Enterprises Limited is on a mission to tackle disadvantage and break unemployment cycles
Large Business Transformation Award
Officeworks
Officeworks strives to inspire positive change with commitments to support team, community, and the environment
Ignite Award
Samsara
Samsara has developed a revolutionary enzyme-based technology that can infinitely recycle plastic waste
Gold Award
Planet Protector Packaging
Goodbye polystyrene. Planet Protector Packaging is in the race to become the market leader in sustainable thermal packaging that doesn’t harm the planet