Everything we undertake is built on collaboration, supported by science, and guided by the land.
Our solutions are cultivated through connection. Our purpose is to recognize the worth of the environment because the most precious resource for life on our planet deserves proper valuation and accountability.
We are of the belief that by assigning value to environmental action and results, we can generate significant impact, establishing approaches and markets that ensure the environment is accounted for and investments are directed where they matter the most.
GreenCollar takes pride in being one of the pioneering project developers globally to provide verified credits according to Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard – our initial stride towards addressing the global issue of single-use plastics.
Plastic pollution poses a significant menace to our environment. In Australia alone, more than 67 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, with over 30 million tonnes of this waste directly infiltrating the natural surroundings. Meanwhile, at a global level, we are producing double the amount of plastic waste compared to two decades ago. Annually, over 353 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced, with a mere 9% of it being recycled.
There is an urgent need to expand plastic collection and recycling infrastructure worldwide – a feat that can be accomplished by participating in a verified market that enables the removal of plastic waste from the environment and establishes the foundations of a robust circular economy. By incentivising waste collection and recycling, plastic credits can become a crucial and effective investment for sustainability.
Australia’s inaugural verified plastic credits:
A staggering 95% of commercial banana production in Far North Queensland (FNQ) takes place, resulting in over 1,500 tonnes of single-use plastic bag waste each year. This waste primarily consists of protective bags made of polyethylene (PE) used to safeguard maturing banana clusters and enhance fruit yield. However, the burden of disposing of these bags falls upon farmers, who have limited safe disposal, reutilization, or recycling options available to them.
GreenCollar is diligently working to deliver a world-leading solution by incentivising the collection and recycling of plastic waste from banana farms and encouraging farmers to adopt innovative waste management practices.
The reduction in plastic waste is quantified, reported, and third-party verified to generate plastic credits under the Verra Plastic Standard. Each credit represents the removal of one tonne of plastic from the environment and can be sold to voluntary market investors. The revenue generated from the sale of plastic credits can drive investment in recycling technology, empower local communities, and offer a financially viable method of removing plastic waste for producers worldwide.
International Project Development:
Ghana: Supporting local waste pickers for collection and recycling
GreenCollar has formed a partnership with the non-profit organization Environment360 to establish and expand plastic waste collection facilities in Tema, Southern Ghana. The project spans across four streams of plastic to generate plastic waste reduction credits, supporting local waste pickers in collecting bottles, bottle lids, and soft plastics from the environment. These materials are then processed for sale and the remanufacturing of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
The program aims to uplift the livelihoods of waste pickers by creating inclusive collection systems that empower informal workers and have tangible impacts on local businesses and the environment.
It also supports women and other marginalized individuals associated with Environment360, who repurpose HDPE waste into jewelry, coasters, and combs for sale.
South Pacific Region: Developing a Project Pipeline
GreenCollar is also actively working within the South Pacific region to establish a pipeline of projects aimed at removing plastic waste from the environment and driving investments in recycling capacity and infrastructure. This region is globally recognized as a hotspot for oceanic plastic waste.
What is the impact of one plastic credit?
Each plastic credit signifies the removal or recycling of one tonne of plastic, transforming it into a new product.
Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard outlines the requirements for new or expanded collection and recycling projects that can quantifiably demonstrate their impact in a credible, transparent, and consistent manner to generate plastic credits. All projects must adhere to stringent requirements, including social and environmental safeguards.
Credits are issued based on the amount of plastic waste collected from the environment and responsibly managed. Management activities may include recycling, secure landfill disposal, or incineration with energy recovery. Projects undergo baseline monitoring to ensure that credits are only awarded for activities that exceed business as usual.
Ensuring cultural and social benefits receive equal recognition in carbon markets
We engage in open dialogue with Traditional Owners and communities to understand how our projects can align with their aspirations. We maintain transparency and share information about our projects and operations, adhering to the highest standards of free, prior, and informed consent. We ensure the care and protection of cultural assets and information across the nation.
Our Progress
We are committed to creating successful commercial opportunities through projects that enhance productive enterprises and care for the environment. Witness the progress we have made toward our social, economic, and environmental goals by reviewing our achievements.
Our People
Our team consists of experts from various regions of Australia, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including scientists, data analysts, engineers, and financiers. The common thread that unites us all is our dedication to GreenCollar’s mission of addressing environmental challenges by pushing boundaries, with respect and a holistic approach.
At GreenCollar, each of our colleagues arrives at work every day with curiosity, drive, and a sense of purpose. We celebrate our collective strengths and diverse experiences because the success of our company depends not only on our mission to value the environment and drive positive impact at scale, but also on the employees who make it all possible.