Parkes residents now have a new destination to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at the Parkes Services Club.

This latest addition marks the third return point in the Parkes Shire Council area, giving locals increased opportunities to participate in the recycling scheme and earn a 10-cent refund per container, as revealed in a news release. 

“Parkes Share Council residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over39.4 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the operator of the Return and Earn network.

The new machine offers several refund options. Users can print a voucher to redeem for cash at Coles or opt for digital payments directly to their bank or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app. 

Additionally, residents can donate their refunds to various charitable partners listed in the app.

One of the key donation options currently available is a state-wide appeal supporting Little Wings, a charity that provides free air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and remote areas of NSW, helping them access critical medical treatment.

Since the scheme’s inception, more than 12 billion containers have been recycled through the network of over 630 return points across NSW, putting over $1.2 billion back into the community through refunds.

Return and Earn serves as a fundraising platform for numerous charities and community groups across NSW, generating over $62 million through donations and hosting fees since its launch.

Dorney emphasised the importance of the new Parkes machine in encouraging locals to make recycling part of their daily habits. 

“Together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials from our bottles, cans, and cartons are kept in use and out of landfill,” Dorney said.

The new machine is located in the Parkes Services Club car park at 20 Caledonia Street and operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

For more details, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.

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Orora, a provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has entered into a new agreement with CleanCo, a publicly-owned renewable energy firm to secure a long-term supply of renewable energy for Orora’s cans manufacturing facility.

Starting January 2025 and spanning five years, Orora’s Rocklea facility will be powered by 18 GWh of renewable energy primarily sourced from two local wind projects: Kaban Green Power Hub and MacIntyre Wind Farm, starting January 2026.

This agreement ensures that 100 per cent of Orora’s electricity needs in Queensland will be met by renewable sources, the company said in a media release.

The move aligns with Orora’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes goals of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 40 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035.

Chris Smith, Orora’s executive general manager for Beverage Cans, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Sustainability is fundamental to how we operate at Orora, and we’re committed to playing our part in addressing climate change through clearly defined goals.”

The agreement also complements Orora’s efforts in producing sustainable packaging, particularly cans made from infinitely recyclable aluminium.

As consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging rises, Orora’s Rocklea facility is poised to meet these needs while reducing its environmental footprint.

CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe echoed the sentiment, emphasising the alignment of values and visions between CleanCo and Orora in decarbonising the Queensland economy.

“Growing our portfolio with renewable energy from wind and solar projects…means CleanCo can provide sustainable clean energy solutions to help customers like Orora…thrive in a net zero future,” Metcalfe stated.

This partnership further strengthens Orora’s collaboration with its valued customer, Suntory Oceania, which has also committed to sourcing locally produced renewable energy for its beverage manufacturing facility in Swanbank through CleanCo.

Ian Goldschmidt, director of Sustainability at Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Working with partners like CleanCo and Orora continue to enable us to deliver a sustainable supply chain with confidence.”

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Australian packaging manufacturer Orora Limited has released its first-half financial results for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2023, highlighting the completion of its acquisition of Saverglass, a leading global glass business, as a notable milestone during this period.

Despite facing challenging economic conditions, the ASX-listed company demonstrated resilience and reported solid earnings performance, marked by growth in underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) and net profit after tax (NPAT).

In particular, Orora achieved sales revenue of $2,139.1 million, representing a decrease of 5.5 per cent (7.3 per cent on a constant currency basis), the company said in a media release.

Excluding the contribution from Saverglass, revenue experienced a decline of 10.6 per cent.

Statutory NPAT amounted to $68.2 million, down $39.9 million primarily due to significant item expenses related to transaction costs for the Saverglass acquisition.

However, underlying NPAT showed resilience, increasing by 0.5 per cent to $108.6 million. Underlying EBIT surged by 11.0 per cent to $184.1 million, demonstrating Orora’s operational strength despite market challenges.

Orora’s North American segment showcased a 0.9 per cent increase in EBIT, attributed to sustained business optimisation efforts, while Australasia reported a robust EBIT growth of 2.2 per cent, driven by volume growth and improved product mix in beverage cans volumes.

The integration of Saverglass into Orora Group commenced smoothly, with Saverglass contributing revenue of €69.5 million and EBIT of €8.1 million during its first month under Orora ownership.

Brian Lowe, managing director and CEO of Orora, expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the successful completion of the Saverglass acquisition and the company’s ability to navigate through the current market conditions.

Lowe also praised the dedication and focus of Orora’s team in achieving commendable results while executing strategic initiatives.

“Our results reflect the ongoing passion, resilience and focus of our team, delivering a commendable set of results in the current market environment, while also successfully completing the Saverglass acquisition,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Orora anticipates higher Group EBIT for FY24, excluding the contribution from Saverglass.

Despite ongoing uncertainties in global consumer demand, the company expects continued margin improvement in North America through profitability programs and cost management efforts.

In Australasia, strength in the cans segment is forecasted to counterbalance the softness in the glass segment.

Saverglass’s EBITDA for FY24 is projected to be in line with the pro forma LTM to June 2023, contingent upon market conditions.

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Sustainable manufacturer Orora Beverage announced its full-year financial results, with strong performance increases to underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $320.5 million, up 12.3 per cent.

The Australia-based packaging manufacturer reported significant earnings growth in North America, with EBIT up 15 per cent in local currency, and solid earnings performance in Australasia, with EBIT up 1.8 per cent in line with forecasts.

Brian Lowe, managing director and chief executive officer at Orora said the ASX-listed company in Australasia has once again shown that it is resilient, with double-digit revenue growth underpinned by increasing can volumes, an improved mix, and cost inflation recoveries. 

In accordance with forecasts, EBIT increased modestly due to increases in cans of all forms offsetting the impact of lower glass volumes. 

“Against a backdrop of ongoing challenging market conditions, Orora has delivered another solid result for the fiscal year 2023, reporting an increase in EBIT and earnings per share,” stated Lowe.

He underscored that the Orora team has been working diligently to implement its vision while navigating market pressures such as inflation and supply chain issues.

“Double-digit EBIT growth was delivered by OPS in North America, largely driven by strong performance in our Distribution business as a result of continued business optimisation gains, further operating efficiencies and active management of customer account profitability,” Lowe explained. 

He added, “With continued robust cash generation and a strong balance sheet, the Group continues to make strategic capital investments to meet growing customer demand and remains well positioned for future investment and growth.”

Additionally, Orora made significant progress towards its ‘Our Promise to the Future’ sustainability goals, which are aligned with the pillars of Circular Economy, Climate Change, and Community. 

In line with the previous year, Orora achieved an average of 38 per cent recycled content in its manufactured glass goods under the Circular Economy pillar.

Orora continues to invest in capacity and capabilities expansion to meet the industry’s high growth prospects. 

In Australasia, a $30 million can ends capacity expansion project at the company’s Ballarat location was finished in March, while the installation of a new $80 million multi-size cans line at Dandenong was completed in June. 

Construction has also begun on a new $85 million multi-size can line at Revesby, which is expected to be operational in 2H25. 

Orora Beverage announced its innovative Helio by Orora offering in July 2023, a first-to-market can decoration and high-speed digital printing solution that provides customers with the benefit of fast turnaround and smaller quantity print runs suited to new products and promotional campaigns. 

Through additional investments in sustainability programs and digital capabilities, the OPS company in North America has focused on improving the business model and value proposition for customers.

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