Lakewood is always actively looking for different ways to reduce it’s carbon footprint and reduce waste going to landfill. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the overall massive scope of the issue that is waste. Everywhere you look there is information about reducing, reusing and recycling.
There are great initiatives that we can all do as our contribution. But what about us as a business?
The nursery industry uses a lot of plastic. There is no denying it. Plants are grown and sold in plastic tubes, potted into all kinds of plastic. Packed into plastic trays, labelled with plastic. It is all around us.
I have investigated the eco alternatives available and trialled cell trays, natural fibres, coco plugs and while there were some successes with different varieties, the quality end product is the driving force. Our current propagation techniques are tried and tested.
WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE???
Years ago, Lakewood would allow it’s customers to return their used tubes to us for emptying, washing and re-use. We designed a purpose built machine to allow us to do that in large numbers. However, bio security guidelines and a number of risk assessments later, we had to stop. This left our customers out of options. We didn’t know the answer either….until now.
Astron Sustainability is a national company that allows businesses to return plastic to them for shredding and processing. They then sell it back to injection moulding companies. We investigated this further. The system is in place and works well, however, after speaking to Tarryn at their Brisbane office, she explained that they aren’t receiving enough plastic pots to sustain the demand for the recycled product.
Injection Moulding Australia Pty Ltd at Kunda Park in Qld is our tube supplier. They are a great local company that buys the recycled product from Astron to produce our tubes.
Astron Sustainability is very keen to receive all your used tubes and trays that you have after buying plants from Lakewood. What are you doing with your used tubes and trays? We don’t want them to end up in landfill and encourage you to get in contact with Tarryn at Astron. They are a nationwide company and they are open to all options such as setting up cages or bins at your nursery. If they aren’t currently servicing your area and if we can drum up sufficient demand, they may consider a combined pick up.
It is important to me to continue using Anthony and his local family business to buy our tubes from, and it is equally important to me to buy a recycled product. Recycle your tubes and trays!! Does your injection moulding supplier use recycled plastic to make your tubes?
Contact Tarryn at Astron Sustainability by phoning 07-3248 5600 or email her at [email protected] to organise the recycling of your tubes and pots.
Use a supplier that sells you recycled plastic tubes, trays and pots. Phone Anthony or Josh at Injection Moulding Australia Pty Ltd 07-5456 4277.
Kind regards
Simon