At the Australian Freight Industry Awards held late last week, Melbourne-based recycling business Australian Paper Recovery (APR) won the inaugural Waste & Recycling Business of the Year award.
APR is a recycling business dedicated to enhancing waste management and resource recovery across paper and plastic waste streams. The company was nominated for the implementation of strategic programs and initiatives, through which it has achieved measurable success in improving waste diversion rates and resource recovery outcomes.
APR topped a competitive category, with TOMRA Cleanaway, Repurpose It, Bingo Industries and Alex Fraser Recycling also finalists in the running.
APR managing director, Darren Thorpe, reflected on the achievement, saying, “It is a tremendous honour for our family to receive the inaugural Waste & Recycling Business of the Year award. But this recognition doesn’t come without the passion and dedication of our 85-strong team. Every day, our team is working hard to push the boundaries of what’s possible in recycling. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on our mission to continue improving recycling processes, building stronger partnerships, and contributing to a more sustainable planet.”
APR has implemented several groundbreaking initiatives designed to tackle the challenges of waste management and resource recovery. Its newest innovation involved bringing technology to Australia designed to recycle soft plastics that have been previously difficult to recover, running as a pilot project initially with plans for scale-up imminent. APR says this program will divert significant quantities of soft plastics from landfill, transforming the material into a valuable resource that can be reintroduced into the production cycle.
The company was also recognised for its focus on resource efficiency, which has not only reduced waste but also conserved natural resources. By turning waste into valuable commodities, APR says it has lessened the demand for virgin materials, and contributed to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, as more resources are diverted from landfills and recycled.
Also commended was APR’s industry leadership and collaboration. The company maintains its success is built on strong partnerships and collaboration within the industry. It says it works closely with local governments, businesses, and community organisations to promote best practices in waste management and to develop innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by different sectors.
APR says, “Our leadership extends beyond our operations, as we actively advocate for policy changes and industry standards that support sustainable waste management and resource recovery.”
