OUR IMPACT

CLOSED LOOP RECYCLING

2.65 million boxes have been recycled and returned for re-use to Planet Protector since inception. For the ones in perfect condition, they go back into circulation after undergoing a rigorous QA process. For the not so perfect ones, Planet Protector ensures they find a home that is good for our environment.

Planet Protector’s wool felts can be reused as long as they come back without any stains or imperfections. Many clients who manage their own deliveries also manage their own closed loop recycling system, ensuring our wool lives its fullest life before returning to the soil.

SUPPORTING FARMERS

We have purchased 6.5 million dollars of waste wool since inception. Planet Protector needs the hygroscopic wool that is considered ‘non-textile grade’, commonly sourced from the belly of the sheep or from sheep breeds raised for their meat. That means increased revenue to local, drought-stricken farmers for something that was once considered a low worth by-product. Planet Protector values our farming community and strives to contribute to the local economy in a way that is measurable, beneficial and from the heart.

REPLACING EPS BOXES

6.7 million units of Woolpack cartons and pouches have been sold since inception. That is 6.7 million choices to not use polystyrene, 6.7 million commitments to our Earth and 6.7 million decisions to choose a better way.

We estimate that 97,000 metres cubed of polystyrene have been replaced through the purchase of our products.

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN

Planet Protector is dedicated to ensuring that our clients’ supply chains are as sustainable as possible, diverting approximately 40 Olympic sized swimming pools of polystyrene since inception.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

All of Planet Protector’s products are designed with a sustainability focus. Minimising materials, designing for end of life and reusing product where possible are all ways we try to minimise our effect on the environment.

The cleaning of our wool is done with soap and hot water, preventing any toxic chemical runoff or waste. Encouraging consumers, businesses and industries to recycle and reduce waste is key to building a sustainable future in which all aspects of the environment are in harmony. We do this through consultation and education in a variety of mediums.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Planet Protector is committed to helping established businesses retrofit their existing facilities to use our products efficiently. We know that polystyrene has been the industry standard for a long time, so we’ve designed our cartons to easily integrate into existing production lines and carton chutes. Our clients also find that with our flat packed delivery and storage they are paying less in transportation, less in warehouse space and less in landfill disposal costs.

The wool in Planet Protector’s Woolpack solutions is what is considered ‘non-textile’ grade wool. Instead of being discarded it makes its way to us, where we give it a new life in our liners. This means more income for sheep farmers, better resource efficiency overall and less carbon footprint in comparison to polystyrene.

LIFE BELOW WATER

The UN has statistics on ocean pollution that would make even the least sustainably minded person worried: “Marine pollution, an overwhelming majority of which comes from land-based sources, is reaching alarming levels, with an average of 13,000 pieces of plastic litter to be found on every square kilometre of the ocean.” Researchers at England’s Newcastle University recently discovered a new species of amphipod, 7kms under water, that had microplastic in its stomach.

Polystyrene is particularly invasive to marine life because it breaks into easily digestible microplastics. It is lightweight and buoyant, which means seabirds are also prone to eating it after mistaking it for fish. When ingested, polystyrene can cause digestive blockages and has been found to reduce fertility, inhibit juvenile development and lower energy in invertebrates.

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Purchasing a wool by-product not commonly valourised not only helps farmers but also the scourers and processors who depend on this work for their livelihood. By enhancing the economic and environmental links between urban and rural spheres, we help to develop both places and ensure that the Australian and New Zealand quality of life is upheld.