Rhima Australia has partnered with Rethink Recycling, a not-for-profit cooperative in Victoria, to support its mission of reducing plastic waste through education, community engagement and practical recycling solutions.
As part of its “Rethink. Reuse. Rhima.” sustainability program, the company has donated a refurbished GS-40 commercial dishwasher to Rethink Recycling’s Springvale site. The machine is now used to sanitise thousands of plastic bottle caps collected from the public, ensuring they are ready for processing into new products.
Once cleaned, the caps are sorted by colour and resin code before being repurposed. Founder Mat Card and the team at Rethink Recycling’s Maker Space then transform the lids into new items, ranging from school supplies to unique art pieces, using injection moulding and extrusion as well as other techniques.
The initiative is designed not only to recycle but also to reframe how people perceive plastic, encouraging them to see it as a valuable resource rather than disposable waste.
Measurable impact
According to Rethink Recycling co-founder Kym O'Shannassy, the organisation has collected more than 600 kilograms of plastic caps in the past year alone, with one instance of 150 kilograms on a single day. By diverting this material from landfill, the cooperative demonstrates how small individual actions can add up to a significant environmental impact when channelled through community-led initiatives.
Education at the core
Beyond recycling, Rethink Recycling places strong emphasis on education, running workshops in schools and community groups across Melbourne and surrounding areas. These interactive sessions aim to build long-term awareness of sustainability and inspire behavioural change in the next generation.
Shared vision
For Rhima, supporting Rethink Recycling is about more than providing equipment. It reflects a broader commitment to sustainable practices and community partnerships. By aligning with Rethink Recycling's work, Rhima is strengthening its position as an advocate for circular economy solutions in Australia’s packaging and manufacturing sectors.
