Planet Protector Packaging took top honours at the 33rd annual Banksia National Sustainability Awards, winning Gold for its Woolpack packaging solution, which is a sustainable alternative to polystyrene.
Lars Ljung, sustainability manager and Peter Hofbauer, chairman & board member.
Made from waste wool unsuitable for the textile industry, Planet Protector has diverted this wool from landfill, monetised it and created a range of insulated packaging solutions that are now transforming supply chains across Oceania.
Woolpack, which is already being used for temperature-sensitive foods, seafood, wine and pharmaceuticals, also received an award in Banksia's Agriculture and Regional Development category.
This award-winning solution for shipping temperature-sensitive products is made from 100 per cent sheep wool enclosed within a recyclable or compostable food grade wrap, and has been recognised with several other awards, such as the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) and the World Star Packaging Awards.
Joanne Howarth, founder and CEO, Planet Protector Packaging said, "Our solution is inspired by nature which invariably has solved some of the world’s most pressing global challenges. We are a social enterprise on a mission to leave the planet better than we found it. And you know, when you look at why we're doing it, to save the fragments of polystyrene from destroying our oceans, it's a no brainer."
Planet Protector Packaging won a $4.8 million federal Modernising Manufacturing government grant in November 2021. This is being used to establish a $9.6 million state of the art wool processing facility to vertically integrate the production of its disruptive Woolpack products.
Howarth says that the company is setting its sights on Geelong as a good location for the new manufacturing facility, where one of only two wool scours in the country is located. She believes that one of the benefits of partnering with the Geelong wool scouring operation will enable wool to be washed locally and not sent to China.
from landfill.
"Thanks to the Government's foresight in giving us this grant, the new facility will benefit Australia as it will generate new revenue for sheep farmers, create jobs, support rural communities, and increase Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability," she said. "What we're really excited about too is that it will enable us to receive and process circular textiles."
“Planet Protector Packaging has the definite X-factor in linking new revenue for sheep farmers with a more sustainable solution to packaging. It is a smart initiative that helps to solve numerous known problems. They have a bold view of the challenges of disrupting a long-established supply chain,” said Graz Van Egmond, CEO of Banksia Foundation.
Banksia National Sustainability Award
Winners of the 33rd Banksia National Sustainability Awards, which recognise individuals, communities, businesses and government for innovation and excellence in environmental and social stewardship, were announced at a gala event on 31 March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, attended by approximately 350 people.
Enviro-tech company Samsara scooped the Ignite Award for its enzyme-based technology that can infinitely recycle plastic waste, and other winners included:
recycle plastic waste.
- The Blue Tribe Company (Communications for Impact Award)
- Degnan Constructions (Clean Technology Award)
- Sydney Institute for Marine Science (Biodiversity Award)
- Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort (Sustainable Tourism Award)
- ACT Government (Future Cities Award)
- Primary and Community Care Services (Health and Wellbeing Award)
- Zenna Latex Mattress (Ethical Sourcing Award)
- L’Oreal Australia (Diversity Award)
- Hesperia (Net Zero Action Award)
- Lion Pty Ltd (Net Zero Action Award)
- Sascha Rust (Youth as our Changemakers Award)
- Enable Social Enterprises Limited (Small to Medium Enterprise Transformation Award)
- Officeworks (Large Business Transformation Award)
Not-for-profit organisation Banksia Foundation supports the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) that encourage positive initiatives, connections, and partnerships with sustainable leaders across Australia.
