Victoria Unboxed

We calculated that by replacing single-use packaging with reusable crates, we could remove five tons of waste from our supply chain. Thanks to generous funding by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy Communities Fund, we were able to buy reusable crates and test the theory.

Now at the halfway point, we check in with some of the small-scale growers and busy Melbourne restaurants who are working by our side on this project.

Do you want to be involved and help make a difference? Shoot us a message, now is the time for action.

*Stats for 2020-2021 from the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

COLLECTING DATA

Sustain is a “think and do” network, based in Melbourne, specialising in designing and building sustainable, healthy food systems. On joining forces, we began speaking with the chefs and growers in our community about reusable pick-up and drop-off methods. We wanted to know if they use them, why they use them and what challenges they currently face.

We then looked internally at how much waste we generate through our supply chains and deliveries and set goals for action. As of May 2023, we projected that we will waste 14.4 ton through single-use cardboard, waxed cardboard and polystyrene boxes. Having experimented with reusable crates in the past, we identified these as a potential alternative.

‘Northside Fruit & Veg started using black bulb crates in 2018 when I noticed a surplus in the wholesale market’s waste area. These crates were built well, reusable and were great for when we picked up freshly washed produce from the farms. We then started to use these crates for our customers' deliveries, which came with great feedback.’

Through the on-going implementation of reusable crates we aim to reduce our packaging waste by 5 tons per year. We recognise that, in the grand scheme of packaging waste, this is small fry. However, a successful trial could prompt a wider spread, more systemic change across the industry.

TAKING ACTION

Although folding crates were a great option in theory, we had struggled to find one that was suitable. Sustain were able to source crates for us while securing incredibly generous backing from Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy Communities Fund. In April, we were able to flood our local food system with a thousand reusable crates.

We immediately began trialling the switch with small-scale growers, large market wholesalers and busy Melbourne restaurants. Today, we have five chef customers and four growers working by our side.

A huge shout out to the chefs at Florian, Stokehouse, Smith & Daughters, Clover and La Madonna at the Next Hotel. Also to the growers - Helen and Chris at Timbarra, Paul at Day’s Walk Farm, Sandi at Lonsdale Tomato Farm and Maurie, Maria and Brian and Cafresco Organics.

NEXT STEPS

Looking forward, we aim to reduce our waste every week, month and year on year. We also look to help other growers, suppliers and businesses to get involved — implementing a tried and tested system to reduce their packaging waste. The next step for us is to work with chefs and growers to look at reusable and environmentally friendly, yet practical options for punnets, bunches and bags.

If you're at all interested in this project, we'd love to hear from you.