Partnership Delivers for Environment and Business

March 17, 2009

Developing environmental solutions and ensuring business sustainability are at the forefront of an ongoing sustainability partnership between the Victorian Government and the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA).

EPA Victoria chairman Mick Bourke said today the partnership was about industry and Government working together to ensure the sustainability and liveability of Victoria.

“PACIA represents an industry whose products and services touch the lives of most Victorians. This partnership with the plastics and chemicals sector is critical in helping the Government drive the shift toward sustainable business growth,” Mr Bourke said.

“The first Sustainability Covenant between EPA and PACIA saw the development of the Sustainability Leadership Framework for the sector – an industry-lead program helping companies integrate sustainability into their core business practices. The Framework provides the foundation for this second Sustainability Covenant.

“Additionally some landmark projects with PACIA member companies, under the first Covenant, resulted in significant water, trade waste and hazardous waste savings.

“The second Covenant will focus on achieving further tangible, on-the-ground outcomes.

“This second Covenant is being launched during tightened financial circumstances. These circumstances demand determined action. It is exactly the right time for the Victorian Government to support business innovation – to help PACIA companies to identify cost savings and open up new revenue streams through more sustainable practices,” Mr Bourke said.

The Government is providing $3 million through EPA to fund the second Sustainability Covenant over the next three years. The Covenant will continue to support the development and implementation of programs that will help grow the plastics and chemical industries by integrating resource efficiency and contributing to a more sustainable Victoria.

PACIA President and Chief Executive Officer of Qenos, Ross McCann, said companies who integrate sustainability into core business practices are positioning their businesses and the industry for the future.

“Qenos, for example, has successfully created a commercial product out a wax by-product at its Altona plant and now diverts more than 600 tonnes of hazardous waste from landfill each year.

“PACIA was pleased to see the first Covenant deliver reductions in hazardous waste, water and trade waste and we are confident that under the second Covenant we can further build on this success into the future,” Mr McCann said.

PACIA is the peak national body representing Australia’s fourth largest manufacturing sector. The plastics and chemicals industries have an annual turnover of $32.5 billion and provide for 85,000 jobs nationally.

Media enquiries:

John Osborn, Manager Strategic Communications, (03) 9426 3809.