BioPak’s Stewardship Initiative Compost Connect an Honouree in the Circular Design Category at the 2023 Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Compost Connect has received an honourable mention in the Circular Design category of the Fast Company 2023 Innovation by Design Awards. This nomination underscores our commitment to sustainability, circular economy and resource efficiency. This category specifically highlights innovations that aim to eliminate waste and promote the responsible use of resources, which are essential goals for addressing environmental challenges and advancing a more sustainable future. Compost Connect's recognition in this category is a testament to our efforts in contributing to a circular economy by reducing food waste through the use of compostable packaging.
What is Fast Company and Innovation by Design Awards
Fast Company is a media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business.
The Innovation by Design Awards, which can be found in the September 2023 issue of Fast Company, honor the designers and businesses solving the most crucial problems of today and anticipating the pressing issues of tomorrow. The competition, now in its 12th year, features a range of blue-chip companies, emerging startups, and hungry young talents.
“So much innovation news these days is focused on AI,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “This year’s Innovation by Design honorees are a reminder that it’s human ingenuity that drives invention.”
The judges include renowned designers from a variety of disciplines, business leaders from some of the most innovative companies in the world, and Fast Company’s own writers and editors. Entries are judged on the key ingredients of innovation: functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact, and business impact.
Winners, finalists, and honorable mentions are featured online, and winners and finalists are featured in the issue of Fast Company magazine, on newsstands August 29, 2023.
To see the complete list, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list.
Compost Connect
Compost Connect is a brand agnostic initiative with a clear focus on sustainability and circular economy principles. By providing businesses with access to resources and composters to participate in organic waste recycling and composting, they are making significant strides in reducing food waste and environmental impact in the foodservice and hospitality sector.
Here are some key points highlighting the impact and potential of Compost Connect:
- Waste Diversion: Compost Connect has already facilitated the diversion of a 4,002 tonnes of organic waste from landfill, which is a significant environmental achievement.
- Compost Creation: Through our partnership with 30 compost partners, the initiative's efforts have resulted in the creation of 2,801 tonnes of compost, which can be used to enrich soil and support sustainable agriculture.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction: By diverting organic waste and creating compost, Compost Connect has also contributed to the avoidance and sequestration of 2041 tonnes of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Education and Awareness: The platform's educational resources and support are valuable in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices among food businesses and consumers.
- Not-for-Profit Model: Being a not-for-profit, independent platform demonstrates a commitment to the broader mission of sustainability and waste reduction rather than profit.
Compost Connect serves as an excellent example of how innovative and collaborative efforts can drive positive change in waste management and sustainability.
Other winners include:
- Sustainable Packaging Excellence Award – Kellogg Australia
- Our Packaging Future Award for end-market leadership – Nestlé Australia
- Our Packaging Future Award for Packaging Sustainability Education – Industry Education – Coles
- Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership – CHEP Australia
- Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Packaging Outcomes – Austcor
- Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Packaging Operations – Beacon Lighting
- High Performing New Member Award - Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co
