Samoa's Trash is Australia's Recycling Treasure

On Tuesday, 20th June 2006, the Minister for Minister for Manufacturing and Export, Andre Haermeyer, will launch the first joint recycling program between two Victorian companies and the nation of Samoa.

The project diverts post consumer/industrial waste plastic from Samoa landfill, ships it to Australia where the granules are remanufactured into sustainable products (such as outdoor seating and signage) and is exported back to Samoa.

The first shipment of 30 tonnes of waste will be officially received by Haermeyer at Corporate Recycling on the 20th June.

"This represents a big step for the future economic and environmental sustainability of Samoa and the rest of the South Pacific," Kan Ito, Managing Director of Australian Arrow said.

This joint program takes Samoa's plastic waste, processes it for manufacturing of sustainable, lifestyle enhancing products and returns it to Samoa.

Ito said that Australian Arrow, a large car parts manufacturer located in Frankston City, has for many years been proactive in addressing its waste issues and through its association with Corporate Recycling and has developed an expertise in the recycling of post industrial plastic.

Australian Arrow's Japanese parent company, Yazaki, asked them to identify ways for the company to manage its waste issues at Yazaki's Samoan factory, which makes wiring looms for cars.

Ito said that following a visit by Australian Arrow and Corporate Recycling to Samoa in March 2006, the companies developed a proposal whereby Samoa's post-consumer and post-industrial waste plastic can be collected, sorted, brought back to Australia and processed into products such as outdoor furniture that can be used in Samoa.

"If we can create employment for the Samoan people, make their businesses environmentally sustainable and minimise the impact on the environment through the removal of waste plastic, then we will have made a major contribution to a more sustainable environment," Ito said.

Frankston City Mayor Vicki McClelland said that the greater Frankston area was at the forefront of world's best practice in environmental sustainability.

"Frankston City Council is proud to have industry in the area leading Australia in environmental best-practice and good corporate citizenship and taking leading edge recycling methodology to developing nations and supporting their efforts to improve their environment," she said.