Blog

As published in Produce Plus by Fruit Net on 8 June 2020

BioPak's chief executive Gary Smith shares how a willingness to consider broader costs can support innovation in fresh produce packaging.

There have been incredibly rapid changes in patterns of consumption and behaviour but what are the environmental costs of the pandemic? How can we take steps to ensure the environment itself does not become another casualty of this crisis?

In recent weeks the largest cities in the world have marvelled at the clear, blue skies precipitated by the arrival of the virus – and it’s a great time for some blue-sky thinking about our management of waste and our environmental footprint.

Packaging certifications by independent third-parties allow organisations and individuals to assess whether the products they purchase meet the specific requirements by verifying claims made and to avoid greenwashing.

The Australian businesses leading the way in sustainable packaging design and innovation were recognised last night at the annual Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Awards in Melbourne and we are one of them!

The Hon Trevor Evans, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, joined more than 180 guests to celebrate the achievements of the 18 award-winning organisations, representing a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, transport, technology, hospitality and pharmaceuticals.

Last night, BioPak was awarded the prestigious Woolworths Sustainability Supplier of the Year in recognition of our ongoing efforts to reduce packaging and we couldn't be more excited.

“It is an honour to be acknowledged by Woolworths as a business showcasing excellence in sustainability. Their commitment to engage us to innovate sustainable solutions was the catalyst to making real change! Woolworths leads an industry waiting for change to “just happen”, they took on the responsibility to force a change in habits that have a real environmental impact`` said Gary Smith, CEO BioPak.

Many forward-thinking brands have gotten the message — they’re taking the future of our planet into their own hands through partnerships with environmental nonprofits and sustainable business practices. There is a need to step up, shine a spotlight on the issue and inject a sense of urgency that up till now seems to have been lacking.

This is why BioPak is officially declaring a climate emergency and pledging to take immediate action on climate change.

Press release seen on City of Sydney News on May 28, 2019 and commentary added by Richard Fine, founder and sustainability director of BioPak.

City of Sydney has launched a new business pledge that will dramatically reduce single-use plastics.

Sustainable business growth is among the top objectives for leaders, and it’s hard to do it alone.

Building a talented team is one of the crucial elements to maintaining a competitive advantage and successfully scaling a business, but top talent know how in-demand they are, and if employers don’t position themselves well they might lose star employees.