Federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley has announced three jointly funded plastics projects in Tasmania that will reprocess 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year.
Part of a $20.3 million co-investment through the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF), the projects will turn plastic waste into wood plastic composites used in home timber decking; fully recyclable framing for transporting goods as well as products for the aquaculture, agriculture and construction industries.
Minister Ley said the projects would help protect the environment, boost the economy and create new jobs.
“It is exciting to see innovation at the centre of these projects. Not only will they turn a waste product into something of value, but they will do so while creating more than 50 jobs for local business – it is good for the economy, good for jobs and good for the environment,” Ms Ley said.
Tasmanian Minister for Environment Roger Jaensch said the RMF funding would help Tasmanian businesses to invest in new ideas and technologies that will turn waste into new resources and products.
“Today’s investment, together with our commitment to introduce a state-wide waste levy and Container Refund Scheme, industrial composting and with other innovative resource recovery initiatives, means that we are better placed than ever before to meet our future waste challenges, and turn them into opportunities,” he continued.
“This is great news for Tasmania and we are excited to see the innovative approaches to waste management, resource recovery and remanufacturing that these companies have proposed and will deliver through these projects.”
