Australia’s first national composting network is launching this month, an online platform that connects foodservice businesses with industrial composters nationwide. Developed by BioPak and backed by Neil Perry, the network aims to reduce the one million tonnes of organic waste created by Australia’s foodservice industry every year, which is the weight of nearly 19 Sydney Harbour Bridges.
Perry, who will be using the service for his new sustainably focused restaurant, Margaret, opening in Double Bay this June, has grave concerns for the future of Australia and is calling for others in the hospitality sector to take accountability for the waste they bring into the world.
Perry explains, “I’m scared for what the world might look like for my children and children’s children. If we don’t act now, we’re going to end up in a really awful situation. Sadly, it’s unsurprising that the foodservice industry creates so much waste, however, we still have the opportunity to change this if we make transformations now.”
“As a country, we need to re-think our processes and start thinking of the bigger picture. We need to work together to address the problem, reduce organic waste and contribute to achieving a better society for future generations. This initiative is going to change how the foodservice industry operates for the greater good of our country.”
Global bar consultant and bartender, Matt Whiley, is also joining the movement through his new South Eveleigh venue and the world’s first permanent no-waste bar, Re. Whiley adds, “It’s never been more important to recognise that we all have a responsibility to make changes now that are desperately needed to shape our future for the better. We’ve developed Re with an overriding commitment to sustainability with a minimal-waste mentality and so this new composting network, is going to help us maintain this ethos by diverting any waste created from landfill to compost.”
Officially launching this month, the network already services over 2,200 postcodes, with the aim to increase to over 4,000 postcodes. Through its trials, Compost Connect has already diverted more than 4,500 tonnes of organics and packaging from landfill, processing into nutrient-rich composts in less than 12 weeks, an amount that is set to significantly increase in the next few years.
Compost Connect board member and BioPak CEO, Gary Smith explains, “With Australia’s goal to halve its food waste by 2030, we need to instigate widespread change throughout the foodservice industry. It’s time that businesses collaborate together to overcome the challenges to create a circular and sustainable economy and we believe that this network can help achieve this vision.”
For more information on Compost Connect please visit: www.compostconnect