Brunswick’s Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective was recognised as the Community Champion winner in the Circular Economy Innovation category at the 2023 Premier’s Sustainability Awards on 23 November.
Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective minimises food waste by eliminating packaging using durable and reusable containers from the paddock to the plate. Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective has been able to purchase a suite of reusable stainless-steel containers, crates and sturdy polycarbonate tubs to fulfill their customers’ orders of fresh wholefoods from suppliers.
By removing the dependence on energy-intensive, unnecessary packaging, this bold circular economy solution has not only diverted more than 15 tonnes of non-organic waste from landfill, but also influenced both food providers and customers to think differently about the impact of packaging waste on the environment.
Announcing the winners of the 21st Premier’s Sustainability Awards, Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said he was proud of the journey Victorians are taking to make our state more sustainable and acknowledged the work of the leaders and change makers to reduce waste, boost recycling and use our precious resources carefully.
Sustainability Victoria’s interim CEO Matt Genever says he applauded Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective for taking action to bring about positive change.
“Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective has challenged the status quo and shown true leadership in Circular Economy Innovation. I feel inspired to hear their story and learn about the difference they’re making.”
The Premier’s Sustainability Awards is Victoria’s most prestigious 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.
Circular economy innovation
Community Champion Winner: Wholefoods Unwrapped Collective
Industry Leader Winner: ecologiQ
Future energy
Community Champion Winner: Bunyip Renewables Action Group
Industry Leader Winner: Kinetic Melbourne
Health and fair society
Community Champion Winner: Assembled Threads
Industry Leader Winner: Geelong Sustainability
Sustainable places
Community Champion Winner: Brimbank City Council
Industry Leader Winner: Nightingale Housing
Thriving environment
Community Champion Winner: My Smart Garden
Industry Leader Winner: Cassinia Environmental
Waste and recycling solutions
Community Champion Winner: Porous Lane
Industry Leader Winner: UPPAREL
Premier’s Recognition Award
Winner: Assembled Threads
Premier’s Regional Recognition Award
Winner: Geelong Sustainability.