Reusing Australian Waste Plastics
Grape Cover Reuse Program
Our grape cover reuse program links the collection and reuse of grape covers by IR at Mildura with the sale of new vine covers from Integrated Packaging (IP).
The disused grape cover collection and processing fee charged by IR will be fully rebatable with the purchase of new grape covers from IP. An offer too good to refuse!
We continue to invest in groundbreaking pursuits and to develop high performing materials which maximise the repurposing of Australian waste plastics and minimises waste sent to landfill.
A Quality Resource
IR recovers and repurposes waste plastics at our manufacturing facility in Mildura. It is close to where plastics are first used for local agricultural, industrial and consumer applications.
What was once considered unavoidable waste, is now viewed as a quality resource for the circular economy.
The plastics IR typically reuses include:
→ Agricultural films: Vine covers, cotton wrap, grain bags, silage films
→ Polystyrene sourced from: Local industry, retailers, building & construction, and growers
→ Rigid & other plastics: Agricultural pipes, drums and tanks
Win / Win / Win
The collection of discarded vine covers is a win / win / win. It’s a win for the growers who have their bulk waste plastic removed. A win for Integrated Recycling who collect a quality resource. And importantly, it’s a win for the environment with waste plastic not sent to landfill or disposed of in other environmentally damaging ways.
A Simple Idea
Fifteen years ago, the concept of repurposing grape vine covers into vine posts seeded the roots of Integrated Recycling. The fledgling IR entered into agreements with a handful of local farmers to collect their discarded vine covers. The number of farms that utilise IR’s free service has grown every year since the program’s inception.
Thriving in the Circular Economy
The circular economic system tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, pollution and the decline in our finite resources by minimising waste and by maximising the efficient use of resources. IR utilises waste plastics as a resource which has both market and environmental advantages.
$2Trillion Circular Economy Boost
By Noel Towell, The Age March 23, 2021
The Australian economy could enjoy a boost worth nearly $2 trillion in the next 20 years if the nation abandons its “take, make, use, waste” approach to resources >> Read More
National Waste Policy Action Plan
Minister tours Mildura factory
Whether Australia stands knee deep in waste plastic in 2030 will be determined by the success of the National Waste Policy Action Plan >> Read More