ASB MAGAZINE: Reducing waste, repurposing goods and closing loops have emerged as themes among the 33 finalists in Australia’s longest running and most prestigious sustainability awards, amongst them, heritage surfwear brand Piping Hot has emerged as a finalist in the small business category. In 2018, Piping Hot debuted a range of sustainable swimwear made from recycled materials including recycled plastic bottles in partnership with Repreve.
Piping Hot is determined to make sustainable fashion affordable and to protect our oceans from waste. The Piping Hot team has taken steps towards low impact materials. In 2021 every Piping Hot product will be made from verified sustainable materials while maintaining a commitment to keeping fashion affordable for Australian families.
The Banksia Foundation announced the shortlist for the awards, which spans 10 categories and celebrates sustainable development by businesses, communities, individuals and governments.
“After what has been an extremely challenging year, we are keen to celebrate those who are striving to make positive change,” says Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond.
“Our judges were blown away by the quality of the entries. In spite of COVID-19, change-makers across Australia are innovating and collaborating to do their bit to improve life on the planet.”
Piping Hot is a finalist in the small business category. Other finalists include.
- An online marketplace that reduces food waste by enabling food suppliers to sell their quality surplus products at a discount to the food service industry.
- Technology to trap restaurants’ grease waste and sell it for biofuel.
- Australia’s first Circular Economy Precinct that renews, repairs and repurposes goods.
- A program to change the way the water industry views its ‘wastes’ by thinking of them as resources instead.
- A buy back and re-sell service from a national furniture company.
The impressive crop of finalists also includes projects to restore natural environments, increase renewable energy, build more resilient communities, and more.
The winners in each category, including the overall Gold Award and a special Minister for the Environment Award, will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on March 24.
The Banksia Sustainability Awards are the longest-running sustainability awards in Australia. They are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all – something that is more important than ever as businesses, communities and governments continue to respond to the pandemic.
Established more than 30 years ago, the Banksia Sustainability Awards recognize individuals, communities, businesses and government for innovation and excellence in environmental and social stewardship.
ABOUT
According to Wikipedia, Piping Hot was established in 1975 by Fred Pyke and Rod Brooks. The company sold surfboards and wetsuits out of their small Torquay factory, under the name Dive and Surf, established in 1967. In 1975 the company introduced the brand Piping Hot and began trading under that name. For over 20 years, Piping Hot has enjoyed a highly successful relationship with Target Australia. The brand’s retail partnership with Target Australia allowed Piping Hot to reach a broader market. On 24 March 2015 it was announced that Saban Brands Lifestyle Group had acquired Piping Hot. Piping Hot released a range of sustainable swimwear in Summer 2018, made from recycled materials including recycled plastic bottles. In May of 2019, Piping Hot was acquired by Futurity Brands Limited.
VIA PRESS RELEASE
