JMR with Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor
The Morrison Government is investing $4.8 million through the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) for eco-packaging company Planet Protector Packaging to manufacture eco-friendly packaging for transportation of food, wine and pharmaceuticals from Geelong.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the Morrison Government is investing in companies to reduce emissions and protect the environment.
“The Morrison Government is securing Australia’s economic recovery by backing manufacturers to grow and scale their businesses while protecting the environment with more than $44 million in funding in this round of MMI funding,” Senator Henderson said.
“This grant will see Planet Protector Packaging uses sheep waste wool to manufacture Woolpack, a sustainable alternative to EPS (polystyrene) for use in supply chains for the transportation of temperature-controlled food, seafood and pharmaceuticals.
“Woolpack, set to be manufactured right here in Geelong, borrows from nature: just as wool keeps sheep warm in winter and cool in summer, so does Woolpack technology for the contents of its boxes and pouches,” Senator Henderson said.
“The project will vertically integrate PPP into Woolpack Australia’s operations, constructing a state-of-the-art wool manufacturing, processing and R&D facility to service emerging domestic and international opportunities.
“The project will also enable Woolpack Australia to expand into high-value vertical products such as building insulation and cool room panelling where EPS is used,” Senator Henderson said.
The specifically chosen fibres absorb moisture from the air (hygroscopic), minimising humidity and condensation to maintain stable temperatures.
The recyclable or compostable liner which encloses the wool is micro-perforated to allow the wool fibres to breathe and create the natural cooling system.
Woolpack solutions have been tested and proven to outperform both polystyrene and alternative packaging.
The grant comes under the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) – to be shared by six Australian companies to invest in world leading recycling technology, creating more than 900 jobs and diverting around 125,000 tonnes of plastic waste from landfill per year.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said this funding for the Recycling and Clean Energy National Manufacturing Priority will help spur opportunities for our manufacturers to grow here at home and into other export markets.
“The Government is taking action to reduce Australia’s emissions and secure our economic future, and our investments will help our manufacturers be part of the solution,” Minister Taylor said.
“This funding will help some of our most innovative businesses unlock private investment, drive more opportunities in manufacturing as well as create new local jobs.
“While helping our businesses embrace new technology and scale up their production, this funding will also help to turn more of our waste into valuable products.”
The MMI is the centrepiece of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy, designed to position Australia as a globally recognised, high-quality and sustainable manufacturing nation.
To learn more about the Strategy and the MMI13 visit www.industry.gov.au/manufacturing
ENDS
Minister Taylor’s office: Annabel Clunies-Ross 0428 295 517
Senator Sarah Henderson: Anna Hindson 0490 441 554
19 November 2021