Today is Global Recycling Day, a day when cities and organisations the world over take part in initiatives to raise awareness about the many ways to turn waste into a valuable resource. The day, organised by the Global Recycling Foundation, is in its third year in 2020.
This year’s theme is #RecyclingHeroes, recognising the unsung heroes in the recycling industry, and the children, schools, teachers, professionals, businesses, and communities that champion recycling around the world.
Ranjit Baxi, president of the Global Recycling Foundation said even in these uncertain times, recycling and the climate emergency remain among the most pressing issues.
“We must work to unite the world to think, ‘resource, not waste’, and protect the future of our planet,” Baxi said.
“We know that from tiny acorns mighty oaks grow, which is why our #RecyclingHeroes campaign focuses on the unsung heroes, those people, businesses, and communities amongst us all, that put sustainability and environmental good practice at the heart of all we do.”
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) had an event planned at Parliament House to mark Global Recycling Day, but it was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. In past years, APCO has hosted a morning tea and a networking lunch to mark the day.
In a podcast episode produced by O-I called “Every Day is Recycle Day”, the company’s vice-president of sustainability, Jim Nordmeyer, said recycling of all types is important. “We’ve only got one Earth and we’ve got to take care of it,” he said.
“It’s important that we look at ourselves and we look at what we do every day and the things that we can individually do to increase the longevity of our planet.”
On the occasion of Global Recycling Day, Robert Lockyer, CEO and founder of luxury packaging company Delta Global, said brands stuck between the rock of climate catastrophe and the hard place of reputational risk should embrace innovation to put recycling at the heart of their model.
“We’ve all seen the staggering reports about plastic pollution of the oceans, with the latest estimates suggesting as many as 12.7m tonnes are added annually to our seas,” he said.
Lockyer asked what kind of things could your business be doing to make a substantive difference?
“That’s the subject of ongoing discussion here at Delta Global. The truth is there are several things you can do but often they rest on your ability to apply a bit of creative thinking,” he said.
“We came up with a good initiative recently, when we partnered with MATCHESFASHION to overhaul its signature marble box completely and produce its Eco Luxe box which is now 100% recyclable. We developed a bespoke solution which used perforation points in the box to enable customers to remove the magnetic closures when they eventually decide to get rid of the box.
“The new model is made from FSC-certified materials with a water-based finish and detachable magnets. That means the boxes are 100% recyclable and reusable.”
