Mushroom packaging takes out 20th Premier’s Sustainability Awards

Packaging made from mushrooms has received a top accolade at the 20th Premier’s Sustainability Awards held in Melbourne on 20 September.

Fungi Solutions won the Circular Economy Innovation Community Champion category and was awarded the Premier’s Recognition Award for its innovation in creating a material that can be used as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.

The Premier’s Regional Recognition Award went to Euroa Arboretum for its long-term efforts to restore native grasslands and educate the community about environmental sustainability. It also won the Thriving Environment Community Champion category.

The 12 Victorian winners showcase what can be achieved when innovation, passion, commitment and leadership combine.

This year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards were delivered collaboratively by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government, along with the Banksia Foundation and Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria.

Sustainability Victoria interim CEO Matt Genever says this year’s entries demonstrates the sheer breadth of work being done in sustainability and congratulated all winners for their tremendous achievements.

“It’s so positive and uplifting to see how this awards program has gone from strength-to-strength over the past 20 years,” he said.

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards are Victoria’s most highly recognised annual sustainability awards program celebrating the businesses, government and community leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices.

There are two winners for each of the six categories, which were refreshed in 2021 to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The Community Champion Award recognises individuals and small organisations, and the Industry Leader Award celebrates medium and large organisations driving a sustainable future.