Automotive & Manufacturing
The Circular Economy in Action: an Australian Case Study
INTRODUCTION
Wastech Engineering prides itself on being an advocate for the circular economy. With due consideration to the entire product lifespan, we believe Australian can radically reduce its reliance on new materials, allowing us to maintain our world-leading quality of life without harming the planet.
We’re not alone in this pursuit. Many other Australian companies have recognised the value that a circular economy can offer the country. In this article, we’d like to share a few notes on one of the more prominent examples of a company actively moving towards a circular economy. Read on and be inspired with Wastech Engineering.
Embracing the Circular Economy in Multiple Ways
One of Australia’s largest and most successful organisations is also one of its most committed to the circular economy. A large Australian retailer which can be found in every state and territory in the country, giving them a national reach and an international presence.
A footprint that large requires a sophisticated logistical operation, with millions of tonnes of goods being moved by the chain around the country every year. With up to 40 per cent of all food grown and manufactured in Australia through to be wasted, this retailer was in a powerful position to make a real change.
As a result, the company has pursued multiple initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced by its operations. Key strategies include the implementation of a food waste landfill diversion program at every one of the more than 1000 locations in the country. Through these programs, surplus food is rescued and distributed to charity partners, provided as stock feed to farmers and turn int commercial organic compost to help grow the next season’s harvest.
Additionally, the company has also pursued several other more targeted initiatives aimed at reducing food waste in specific areas. These include a partnership with Tribe Breweries that uses left over bread to create a circular economy beer – Loafer. For every six-pack of Loafer bought, one meal is delivered through Feed Appeal to vulnerable Australians, creating a positive impact at several steps in the manufacturing and supply process.
Dedicated to A More Sustainable Australia
At Wastech Engineering, the initiatives taken by this large retailer and other Australian companies excite us. As a progressive waste management company, we’re always looking for opportunities to help Australian industry make better use of its resources. Whether we’re providing precision-designed waste solutions to individual operators or sharing the decades of experience held by our staff as part of delivering an end-to-end project, our goals is the same – working towards a circular economy in which waste is minimised and quality of life maximised.