25 June 2021
Published 12 November 2020
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and it’s a philosophy Moreton Bay Region businesses are embracing in an effort to reduce their waste costs and operate more sustainably.
Council has subscribed to a new online platform called ASPIRE Circular Economy Program, which allows B2B exchange of old goods.
“Think of it like an online marketplace where businesses can exchange and repurpose waste items that would normally end up in landfill,” Mayor Flannery said.
“A circular economy treats waste as a resource, instead of the old school of thought where you toss something out once it’s served a purpose.
“A great example is Eckersley Print Group in Narangba who’ve turned their old paper waste into a new revenue stream by using a recycling service to turn it into toilet paper rolls.
“In addition to the revenue, they’ve been able to cut down on waste disposal costs and also reduce their C02 emissions in the process.
“Moreton Bay Regional Council is always looking at ways to help local business in an increasingly competitive market and this is just another initiative that will provide a leg up.
“The new program will benefit businesses in the region that employ up to 100 staff, which means this program is free for 27,000 businesses across our region.
“Council will pay $35,000 for a four-year subscription to the platform, which has been developed by the CSIRO in response to requests from small manufacturers.
“This additional support for business is all part of our new 20-year Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS), designed to strengthen, diversify and develop the Moreton Bay Region economy.
“This is the first of many initiatives to be rolled out as part of the new REDS being launched early 2021.”
You can read more about the ASPIRE circular economy program here https://aspiresme.com/ with the Moreton Bay platform going live in December.