Recipe for eco-success

Southeast Queensland business Perfect Potion cuts waste with recycling thanks to support from Brisbane City Council’s Business Recycling program

Perfect Potion owner Salvatore Battaglia with Brisbane City Council's Regan McHugh

Southeast Queensland business Perfect Potion cuts waste with recycling thanks to support from Brisbane City Council’s Business Recycling program

PERFECT Potion has always had an eco-friendly ethos, but the southeast Queensland business is applying it to every aspect of its operations.

“We knew we wanted to do better for the environment as it is such a big part of our ethos,” general manager of finance and operations Janet Shackleton said.“To reduce waste and pollution, we have adopted recyclable packaging and are continuously rolling out refill services for our products.

“Our products are designed, manufactured and distributed under one, solar-powered roof at our purpose-built facility in Banyo.”To help adopt further recycling initiatives within the business, they engaged the Brisbane City Council’s Business Recycling program.“Reaching out to Brisbane City Council helped greatly for assisting in reducing our waste on site,” Ms Shackleton said.“Once we commenced and staff joined the journey to reduce as much waste as possible, it was easier to continuously make improvements.”

And the wholesale change across the business has not just been good for the environment, it’s also helped to save money and resources.“We have made a lot of changes, which includes the construction of our new, purpose-built facility and the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and water-saving toilets and showers,” Ms Shackleton said.

“We are also transitioning to glass, aluminium and recycled cardboard packaging for our products.“In two years, we reduced our energy consumption by 53.2 per cent, water consumption by 74.89 per cent, and waste to landfill by 65.6 per cent.” Ms Shackleton said customers had been supportive of the transitioning to more recyclable and reusable packaging.“We have had to increase our retail price,” she said.

“Many (of our customers) can appreciate and accept the need for us to do so with the bigger picture in mind.

“As people become more aware of the harmful effects of single-use plastic on the environment, there is a greater demand for these kinds of services.“We also installed a cardboard crimper to crimp leftover cardboard, which we use for shopping instead of bubble wrap.

“This single action has significantly reduced our waste costs.“With the support of Brisbane City Council, segregated waste stations throughout the office were installed.

“Our office now has three separate bins, general waste, recycling, and compost.

“We are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful bushland, which is nourished using food waste.”

 Recycling for a better business community

PERFECT Potion is encouraging other small and medium businesses in Brisbane to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint through the Brisbane City Council Business Recycling program. Council has worked with more than 450 businesses across the city to provide waste consultation, audits and presentations to staff.

“Not only do the measures we’ve made as a business protect the environment and reduce landfill, they are also one of the major reasons behind our customers’ loyalty and support,” general manager of finance and operations Janet Shackleton said.“Don’t be overwhelmed by the task of reducing your footprint. Reach out for assistance to get started - it is easier than you think.”Brisbane City Council's free Business Recycling program includes:- Expert tailored recycling advice and waste assessments- Education sessions for staff- Assistance running waste audits focusing on contamination.- - - - -

Energy consumption DOWN 53.2 per cent

Water consumption DOWN 74.89 per cent

Waste to landfill DOWN 65.6 per cent

FREE SERVICE

Download free resources designed for Brisbane small and medium businesses to help reduce waste and increase resource recovery. Visit brisbane.qld.gov.au