10 Australian recycling businesses transforming materials into eco-friendly solutions

One of the core principles of the circular economy is eliminating waste from the equation and providing solutions for the end-of-life care of the products we consume. In a circular economy, resources are kept in use for as long as possible, maximising their value while minimising environmental impact. By prioritising waste elimination, we not only conserve natural resources but also reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal. 

However, this transformation is often easier said than done, and it requires companies to provide innovative solutions to give old products or their raw materials a new use, in a way that is financially sustainable. Here, we have compiled a list of 10 businesses in Sydney and the New South Wales area that are making this shift toward a circular economy by adopting creative strategies to manage waste problems.

• FABTEC: FABTEC is a champion for textile upcycling. They receive old uniforms from schools and companies and turn them into a ground-breaking robust, art-like composite material stronger than plastics (CSIRO tested) and 100% recyclable. This material is then used to produce furniture.
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• Blocktexx: This company is pioneering new technology to divert textile waste from the landfills and have ambitious goals to address this issue in Australia. They have developed a chemical separation technology called S.O.F.T. (separation of fibre technology) to turn textiles into PET (Polyethylene terephthalate pellet) and cellulose clay (from cotton garments) that retain all the properties and characteristics of the virgin material. Learn more about Blocktexx’s insights in our exclusive interview with co-founder Adrian Jones here.
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• Noveco Surfaces: Noveco knows how to turn waste into beaty! They produce stunning tiles and benchtops that are up to 80% recycled and 100% recyclable. Noveco’s product range is entirely crystalline silica free. Read our interview with Noveco Surfaces founder Andrew Douglas here.
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• UNSW SMart Centre: The SMaRT Centre at UNSW is revolutionising recycling and manufacturing with innovative technologies like MICROfactories and Green Steel. By transforming waste materials into valuable products, they are pioneering circular solutions that benefit both communities and the planet. Learn more about their groundbreaking work in our exclusive interview with Professor Veena Sahajwalla and Anirban Ghose here. 
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• Samsara Eco: Samsara Eco is an infinite recycling lab! They study biological and chemical degradation processes of enzymes that break down plastics and execute them at a commercial speed. With their technology, they have produced the first recycled nylon 6,6 in the world!
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• Huskee: Huskee has a very unique idea: they turn coffee waste husk into a biopolymer that is then used to produce reusable cups, which can be used to enjoy your daily coffee or tea. Their products are available for purchase online and they also work with multiple businesses across Australia, including Sydney, and abroad.
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• Replated: If you got your reusable cup, you can’t forget to get a takeaway container as well! Replated makes very convenient meal boxes from Certified Ocean Bound single-use plastic, available for individual purchase and also to support the transition away from disposable containers in local businesses.
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• Upcycled glassware: This company is actively working on upcycling glass in very creative ways. They turn old glass into new products, such as glasses and jars. Their products are the perfect combination of sustainable and captivating for their unique design.
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• Always carbon: This company receives waste plant biomass and turns it into new biochar that can be used again in the soil. They have a great emphasis on eliminating tons of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere.
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• Round 2 Timbers: This company takes reclaimed and recycled timber and gives it a new life by turning it into other products such as furniture, benchtops, or even flooring. Their designs are very unique and customisable to your needs.