Packit Packaging was awarded the Sustainable Business Award for its work in manufacturing and recycling number 5 polypropylene plastics at the 2023 Keep Dunedin Beautiful Awards on Monday.
Community services committee deputy chairwoman Mandy Mayhem said the company had recycled nearly 31,000kg of number 5 plastics to date.
Packit Packaging general manager Jamie Hodgins said the company was committed to recycling 100% of its internal plastic waste.
It had started an initiative, Recycle It, at New World Centre City with a special bin to collect recyclables with the guarantee they were recycled.
It was "blown away" and humbled by the award, he said.
"It’s proven that recycling can be done if you’re committed to it as a company," he said.
"Plastic is a resource that can be recovered, recycled and reused.
Guest speaker Leisa de Klerk said there was an urgency to waste minimisation and recycling played one small part.
"Participation in recycling and doing it well is a very crucial key step in our journey to better environmental outcomes."
She urged the nominees to continue to share their stories to empower others to take action.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said there was much to celebrate and recognise from the nominees at the award ceremony.
"Many of you did work without expectation of receiving recognition," Mr Radich said.
"We see you and we thank you."
Results.—
Community Pride Shield. Winner: Town Belt Kaitiaki; highly commended: Southern Youth Development, Switch, St Vincent de Paul;
commended: Plogging Ōtepoti Dunedin, Crooked Spoke, Whakahekerau Second Beach Ecology Action, Otago Student Volunteer Army.
Sustainable Business Award. Winner: Packit Packaging; highly commended: Dunedin Bowling Club, Pedals Dunedin; commended: Rembrandt Cafe, Taste Nature, Again Again.
Best School Project Award. Winner: Wakari School; highly commended: St Leonards School, Portobello School; commended: Ōtepoti Dunedin Homeschoolers, Ravensbourne School.
Individual Excellence. Winner: Brian Larsen; highly commended: Allison Beck, Catherine Caley, Warren Wilson; commended: Emma-Kate Lamb, Bonny Gray-Thompson, Sharon Campbell.
Jan Tucker Special Award. Winner: Antonia Wood; highly commended: Good Bitches Baking, Kate Moss-Mason.
