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Beverage giant Lion has created a recycled bar at the Melbourne Cup Carnival to launch its Quincy sparkling alcoholic seltzer.

Made of 98 per cent recycled plastic, and featuring furniture created from post-industrial and post-consumer plastic such as car bumpers and plastic bags, the Round II bar is an Australian first and will be used at many of the company’s key sponsorship events, says Libby Davidson, head of sustainability at Lion.

“The impact of single-use plastics on the environment is a key concern at Lion so we are always looking for new, innovative ways to repurpose this resource and promote the circular economy.

“The concept was developed by a group of our own people from different teams across the business during a lunchtime sustainability hackathon. Not only does this reinforce the power of diversity, it’s also a great example of what a company can achieve if you empower your people to share ideas and really make a difference beyond the bottom line,” she said.

The initiative is part of a celebration of Lion’s partnership with soft plastic recycling organisation REDcycle and its manufacturer Replas, announced in September. REDcycle collects and reuses soft plastics that cannot be collected at kerbside, and Replas turns it into a range of recycled plastic products such as street signage and park furniture.

Food & Drink Business

George Weston Foods has completed a $130 million redevelopment of its Tip Top Bakeries facility in Canning Vale, Western Australia. The upgrade follows a fire in October last year, which led to a temporary bread shortage across the state.

End Food Waste Australia CEO, Tristan Butt, has stepped down after less than a year in the role, to pursue other professional opportunities. The Board has appointed current director policy, communications & strategic engagement, Wendy Hughes, as acting CEO.

We heard the buzz, busy bees, and have extended the deadline for entries to the 2026 Hive Awards until NEXT THURSDAY – the closing date is now 19 March! Head to thehiveawards.com.au for more information and to enter.