The new satchels are made from certified potential* Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) rescued from coastal communities in Southeast Asia and recycled into fit for purpose mailers for their customers – now available in three sizes on Australia Post’s Online Shop and in Post Offices.
“We are so thrilled to provide a product in the POLLAST!C range to Australia Post” says Rebecca Percasky, co-founder of Better Packaging Co. “Since 2021, we’ve rescued over one million kilograms of plastic waste and recycled it into functional packaging solutions for global brands.”
Richard Pittard, Australia Post Chief Sustainability Officer said: “Providing our customers with access to POLLAST!C is part of Australia Post’s efforts to deliver a more sustainable future. Small changes in packaging can lead to big impacts in reducing plastic waste.”
A recent report by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) found that by 2040, global plastic pollution could be reduced by a whopping 80% if companies implement a series of practical and affordable changes like increasing reuse of virgin plastics.
“POLLAST!C is just one way that we can tackle the global plastic problem whilst providing employment for local communities,” says Rebecca. Better Packaging Co. focuses its collection efforts in Indonesia and other equatorial regions that are subject to monsoonal rains. These places are home to the world’s most polluting river systems, termed ‘plastic superhighways’ for their ability to transfer waste into the ocean quickly and easily.
Rebecca says that mailing satchels are an ideal application for high Post Consumer Recycled content as they do not have to be food grade or perfectly clear, and that all recycled material inputs are traceable under the product’s two key certifications; Global Recycled Standard and Ocean Bound Plastic Certification.
The new POLLAST!C satchels contain at least 90% recycled potential Ocean Bound Plastic, which far exceeds the APCO's National Packaging Targets of 50% recycled content in packaging by 2025.
“This is an exciting step towards a more circular economy from one of Australia’s largest companies,” says Rebecca. “By using an Australia Post POLLAST!C satchel, you’re helping to reduce virgin plastic consumption. With so many mailers shipped nationwide per year, we’re creating a strong impact on the global plastic problem.”
