Planet Protector Packaging is among 12 international finalists in the inaugural Ocean Impact Pitchfest 2020, which aims to support projects positively impacting the ocean.
The Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) is an Australian organisation led by Nick Chiarelli and Tim Silverwood, who expect the sustainable ocean economy to be worth $100 billion to the Australian economy by 2025.
“We knew there were many start-ups and businesses out there working to create a positive impact on the ocean but to receive almost 200 applications to our first major project is such an incredible result,” Chiarelli said.
“The results of Pitchfest 2020 and revealing these 12 finalists is fantastic validation for Ocean Impact Organisation,” Silverwood said.
“With almost 50 per cent of applications coming from Australia we now know there are a multitude of brilliant businesses and entrepreneurs out there crying out for support to help them make their biggest impact in Australia and beyond.”
Planet Protector Packaging is one of three Australian finalists, alongside PumpFree Energy and WaveSwell Energy.
Plant Protector Packaging founder Joanne Howarth told PKN that the team was excited to submit its pitch to the programme, as it was the first real opportunity they have seen that is specifically geared towards protecting the oceans, which was fundamental.
“We have been, for four years now, trying to educate our customers and the greater public surrounding the devastating impacts polystyrene has on our oceans. Being recognised as one of the 12 finalists from 38 countries is a great validation for us that what we are doing can make a significant impact in restoring our oceans to their flourishing state,” Howarth said.
The Planet Protector packaging pitch highlights the statistics around the amount of polystyrene packaging entering the waterways and oceans every year, and how its Woolpack solutions, can help to solve that problem by replacing polystyrene in supply chains.
“We firmly believe that we need to halt the production of this problematic plastic and replace it with better solutions to truly make a difference,” Howarth said.
“Our thinking was confirmed by the Breaking the Plastic Wave report which came from The Pew Charitable Trust this year, imploring that we search for ways to reduce the production of plastics at the source. They believe, as do we, that recycling is now not enough.”
“This initiative by OIO is so helpful in getting the word out to organisations, governments and businesses that the health of our oceans is a major concern which must be addressed now. We cannot get back that which we have lost, and sadly more ocean species are being threatened or going extinct every day.
“We must do something fast, and we are grateful that the team at Ocean Impact Organisation recognises that and is working to find innovative solutions.”
The winner of Pitchfest 2020 will be announced on 4 November 2020, as the finalists, runners up and winner share in over $175,000 of cash and support, including a $15,000 cash prize from Pitchfest Partner Bank Australia going to the winner.
See Planet Protector Packaging’s pitch video below:
