Brownes Dairy has launched new yoghurt tubs made from ocean bound plastic, partnering with collection and recycling company Heng Hiap Industries and local packaging manufacturer PakPot.
In addition to using ocean bound plastic -- defined as plastic that’s found within 50kms of Australia’s coastline -- the new yoghurt tubs will also be fully recyclable by kerbside waste management operators, according to Brownes.
Brownes Dairy says the initiative is an important step in preventing ocean waste, with projections that by 2050 the world’s oceans will carry more plastic than fish (by weight).
Both of Brownes' partners on the project, Heng Hiap Industries and PakPot, are certified by Zero Plastic Oceans, which is an NGO dedicated to addressing plastic pollution.
“Brownes Dairy is showing our commitment to sustainability through action. We were the first to introduce Australia’s most sustainable milk cartons, and we wanted to push the envelope again by using recyclable ocean bound plastic in our yoghurt tubs,” said Natalie Sarich-Dayton, CEO of Brownes Dairy.
“Working with certified partners not only prevents plastic waste from ending up in the ocean, it also creates employment opportunities for underprivileged coastal communities.”
By switching to ocean bound plastic yoghurt tubs, about 2.7 million virgin plastic tubs per year will no longer be created.
In addition to the sustainable yoghurt tubs, Brownes is also transitioning the CHILL 750ml flavoured milk bottle range to 100 per cent recycled plastic.
“Brownes Dairy wants to ensure that the next generation of Australian families not only get to enjoy the goodness and freshness of our products, but they can do so knowing we use the most sustainable yoghurt tubs available,” added Sarich-Dayton.
As part of its sustainability focus, Brownes has also partnered with Trillion Trees, an environmental replenishment not-for-profit organisation, to contribute to the Trillion Trees Challenge.
Trillion Trees has been active since 1979 in Western Australia and has planted close to 15 million native trees.
