The earth’s capacity to sustain the activity of people is shrinking fast. In 2008, the human population consumed 25 per cent more than what the earth's long-term biocapacity can give.
By 2030, this figure will reach 50 per cent. Waste is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Global waste in the food industry, incorporating excess packaging and wasted finished goods is estimated to be as high as 20 per cent.
This equates to a reduction in GHG emissions of about 4-5b litres of fuel and as many as 5m tonnes of emissions annually.
Impelled by the prospect of a new legislative framework, the National Greenhouse & Energy Reporting (NGER) Act 2007, our largest polluters, will soon be reporting their emissions.
The process is forcing businesses to look at better ways to rationalise and create more efficiency across their supply chains.
For many companies, which in the past have had an exclusive focus on providing economic value for shareholders, consumer demands for green products are driving new business strategies and changing relationships among chain partners.
Australia’s National Packaging Covenant signatories are way ahead of the crowd. They are Australian brand owners who’ve been fast-tracking the process by agreeing to review their packaging to achieve certain environmental outcomes that stop packaging waste ending up in landfill.
And for the past three years Covenant signatories have been celebrating their successes in packaging sustainability through the Evolution Awards.
Proudly sponsored by Colorpak and Sidel, the Evolution Awards is an initiative of Packaging Magazine through publisher Reed Business Information.
It is a unique rewards program for companies who have modified their packaging so it is sustainable. The Evolution Awards is the only packaging industry awards program that specifically rewards companies for innovative self regulation in regard to waste management according to National Packaging Covenant guidelines.
A valued sponsor from inception, Colorpak managing director Alex Commins says the company chooses to support the Evolution Awards because it’s is a great initiative to raise the profile of important issues around sustainability and corporate responsibility.
“By being a sponsor we will hopefully encourage other companies within our industry to spend more time thinking about how best we can all promote a sustainable future,” he says.
Environmental stewardship will be key throughout 2009, as Australia faces up to the issues that affect it. The Packaging Evolution Awards also provides an incentive to recognise the hard work your team has put in over the year to address this complex area of business.
Coverage will appear in each issue including announcements of finalists and winners and their innovative projects, both in the magazine and online.
Entering the Awards program is a great way to stand up and be recognised within the packaging industry, and will result in a high profile for selected companies.
Entrants join a prestigious group of leading professionals working to win in an ever-competitive global market. Past Evolution Awards winners include Campbell Arnott’s, Kimberly Clark Australia, Visy, Blackmores, Hewlett Packard and ALDI stores among many others, small and large.
Once entries are in, a panel of eminent industry judges will decide on the winners. Winners will be presented with their awards at a Gala presentation in the second half of the year.
There’s a huge opportunity for Australia to use its wealth and technology to restructure our economy with a view to staying prosperous while using energy more cleverly and reducing waste to landfill.
Deadline for entries: Friday 8 May 2009
Download an entry kit or contact Anna Game-Lopata 02 9422 2645 email: anna.game-lopata@reedbusiness.com.au
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