Our policy for minimising waste is very simple: reduce, reuse and recycle. At KE-ZU we are extremely conscious of our environmental footprint and are working hard to minimise waste by frequently reviewing our current practices and implementing new strategies. We have recently become a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), which is charged with meeting the government’s target that 100 per cent of Australian packaging be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Launched in 2018, APCO will deliver a sustainable pathway for packaging and develop a systemic model to successfully transition to a circular economy for packaging. APCO represents 1500 member companies, covering the entire product life cycle and supply chain, and it has helped us develop an action plan to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets. We undertake a product stewardship program whereby all products manufactured by KE-ZU Pty Ltd can be returned through the selected distributor for recycling at the end of its life cycle. Taking responsibility for these products, we refurbish, dispose of or recycle the components, which may include powder coated frames, recycled and recyclable polymers, biodegradable adhesives, non-chromed steel and aluminium parts, in an environmentally responsible manner so that they do not end up in landfill or incineration. Above: M114's Green Color Wood chair (left) and Green stool (right) We work with brands who are as environmentally conscious as we are and use recycled and recyclable materials to produce sustainable furniture. Vondom’s new Ibiza collection is made with plastic salvaged from the ocean; M114’s Green Chair is manufactured from 100 per cent recycled polypropylene derived from industrial waste; and axona AICHI’s Tipo chair is produced with waste containers, car parts and PET bottles. These products, along with nearly 300 others from brands such as Andreu World, Enea, Proyec and Sancal, are certified by GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia). They have been rigorously assessed and their impact over their life cycle has been deemed safe for both the environment and people’s health. Above: Vondom's Ibiza chair (left) and axona AICHI'S Tipo chair (right) We also recycle off-cuts from upholstery, stitching the left-over fabric into reusable bags for our clients. By repurposing this waste, not only do we save it from landfill, but our clients love their new good-looking, long-lasting bags. (Have you got yours yet?) As suppliers of imported products, we know that transportation logistics – receiving products and delivering to clients – has an impact on the environment in both energy use and packaging materials. To reduce this waste and improve energy efficiency, our suppliers ship their products flat packed (when possible) and we assemble them at the warehouse to reduce the amount of packaging needed to transport them safely. We reuse timber pallets when transporting products to clients and use recyclable cardboard pallets wherever possible. We also wrap them in reusable blankets instead of plastic bubble wrap. Small changes in the KE-ZU office, warehouse and showroom add up too, so we send e-invoices and e-brochures to minimise paper waste; recycle plastic, cardboard, paper, coffee pods and printer and copier toner cartridges; and use software programs such as Google Docs and Dropbox that allow us to collaborate and share files online, rather than printing them. KE-ZU is proud to help Australia work towards the momentous target of reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025. It will be an exciting milestone and we are inspired to consider new strategies of how we can reduce waste to achieve the national goal. For more information please contact us.