Sustainable Plastic Solutions (SPS) of Hamilton has won a state award for its leadership and innovation in the plastics recycling industry.
Business owners Elisha and Matthew Nettleton were announced winners of the Regional Development Victoria (RDV) Leadership and Innovation category at the recent 7News 2023 Community Achievement Awards.
SPS is the only remote, regional recycling company in Victoria that pelletises and compounds materials. After just nine months of operation at Hensley Park SPS has already processed 3,000 tonnes of plastic into high-quality resin.
Mrs Nettleton said the SPS team was thrilled to be recognised for its recycling efforts in such a short space of time, especially given the quality of the other category finalists.
"We were very excited to use the awards as a platform to show how a business like ours can successfully partner with the community - as investors, customers and employees - along with the Southern Grampians Shire Council to reduce the volume of plastics going to landfill," said Mrs Nettleton.
"We feel like we have a huge team of Western District cheerleaders behind us. We can't wait to expand on the types of agricultural plastic waste we can recycle over the next year and to continue growing the business."
Council's Sustainability Lead Juan Donis said it was exciting to see the hard work and innovation by SPS recognised at a state level and their story would undoubtedly inspire other communities around the world.
"I would like to congratulate SPS on the well-deserved award," said Mr Donis. "Council will continue to support and work with SPS and the broader community to grow and strengthen the role we all must play to protect our environment from plastic pollution."
Mr Donis said commencing January 2024, council would organise another monthly free drop-off of bailing twine at Hamilton transfer station, which would again be sent to SPS for processing. A free quarterly bailing twice drop-off would also be introduced at Dunkeld, Coleraine and Cavendish transfer stations.
The 7News Community Achievement Awards encourage, acknowledge, and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities, and businesses make throughout Victoria and recognise their success and achievements.
