Papyrus Australia makes finals of the Banksia Environmental Awards

Papyrus Australia, the developer of a technology that converts the waste trunk of the banana palm into alternatives to forest wood products, has been announced as a finalist in the 2010 Banksia Awards. The 22-year-old awards are Australia’s most prestigious environmental awards series recognising leading environmental and sustainable initiatives across business, government and community organisations.

Papyrus Australia has been nominated as a finalist in the Clean Technology award category for its world-first technology, as well as for the People’s Choice Award.

The public is now invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award through www.peopleschoice.com.au, where background information on finalists is available for review.

Chairman of Papyrus Australia Ted Byrt commented, “This nomination reinforces our commercialisation strategy and our commitment to developing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the fibre industry. The Papyrus technology is well placed to provide both the furniture and construction industries with a new, innovative, low-cost and environmentally sustainable solution.”

Graz van Egmond, Executive Director of the Banksia Environmental Foundation, said, “The Banksia Awards receive hundreds of award submissions every year, so our finalists represent the very best sustainable practice in the country - it’s a great achievement.”

The Banksia Award winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held on 15 October 2010 at Sydney Town Hall.