In yet another coup for the multiple award-winning Australian-owned Planet Protector Packaging, the company’s flagship Woolpack product has achieved top honours in the WEConnect International Rise to the Challenge awards. And as its star continues to rise, Planet Protector has just added nine new companies to its fast growing client list.
WEConnect International's Rise to the Challenge Awards awards focused on innovative women-owned businesses in STEM that overcame barriers to accessing global value chains during COVID. WEConnect International recognised one global award winner and eight sector award winners.
Planet Protector Packaging’s Woolpack, a high performing, sustainable thermal packaging solution, won in the Sustainability & Energy sector, and also took the top prize of US$5000. As part of the award, it will be featured in a WEConnect International advertising campaign.
“We are thrilled that our global winner is a model for sustainable solutions that everybody can rally behind,” said Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO & co-founder of WEConnect International. “Planet Protector Packaging and its CEO Joanne Howarth represent the type of leadership that inspires our member buyers and women-owned business, and we are proud to have her as a certified 51 per cent woman-owned, -managed and -controlled business in our WEConnect International network and community.”
Howath told PKN the company is thrilled with the award. “Our vision is to eliminate polystyrene from supply chains and be a leader in sustainable thermal packaging that does not harm the planet. It is gratifying that global industry sees value in the products we supply to some of the largest global brands in the world,” she said.
You can view Planet Protector’s winning video here and read more about its facility here.
Since it started four years ago, Planet Protector has won a spate of awards for its innovative products, both in the local and global arena, with the latest announced on 14 June when the company won the 2021 Aus and NZ Circle Award for Material and Processes.
Not surprisingly, the company has experienced a spike in its client base as companies are increasingly seeking sustainable packaging solutions. Howarth said there is a noticeable shift businesses packaging sourcing policy, as they look for green solutions for their product transport.
“This move has started before the ban on single use plastic was announced, and we expect it to continue. Responsible companies want to be part of the move to a greener world and we know that investors and customers will continue to demand that companies make more sustainable decisions,” adds Howarth.
Planet Protector has recently added nine companies to its growing 'flock' using the Woolpack solution for transporting products. The new clients are Kanimbla Valley Truffles, Gourmet Dinner Services, Keto Chef NZ, Be Inspired, Hagens Organics, This little Harvest, Onyx Park Native Angus, Ellis Creek Farm NZ, and Logan City Pharmacy.
Howarth said: “We use waste wool that is destined for landfills and we create environmentally responsible packaging that replaces expanded polystyrene in the packaging supply chains. It gives sheep farmers another income stream, stops filling our landfills, and saves our oceans. For our clients, it’s another way they can tick the environmentally responsible box and this is what all businesses are looking to achieve as the world transitions to a circular economy.”
Planet Protector Packaging has replaced over 7.5 million polystyrene boxes and its clients include many iconic brands the likes of Blackmores, Baxters, The Dinner Ladies, and more.
In early June, Planet Protector Packaging announced its crowdfunding campaign. With annual revenues close to $5 million, the company is poised to scale and will invest the money into expanding its operations. It will build a wool manufacturing facility in Geelong, VIC, Australia’s wool capital, bringing this step of the processing back onshore. This will create jobs, support regional communities and farmers, and create a 100 per cent sustainable alternative to EPS.
