Organics recycling and management specialist Loop Organics said its compost recycles by-products from sewage treatment that created a high-quality, nutrientrich soil conditioner dubbed ‘Biomix.’
The winner of the 2022 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) Excellence in Sustainable Operations demonstrated that its technique significantly improves the marketability, usability, and sustainability of the original waste product.
To achieve sustainable excellence, Loop worked with the NSW Environment Protection Authority to create an exemption for Biomix.
This exemption permits farmers to use Biomix without the regulatory restrictions that came with the original biosolids.
According to Loop Organics, because of the project’s success, Biomix is now being used on agricultural land next to the communities that created the trash in the first place.
In designing and implementing Biomix, Loop’s team of environmental scientists, engineers, and agronomists focused on achieving the desired outcomes of increased marketability, usability, and sustainability of biosolids.
The company cited food manufacturing, food processing, and councils as a few of the industries that can benefit from Loop’s transformed organic material.
Loop said its long-term goal is to encourage the circular economy by utilising all types of organic waste.
Regional manager for the Hunter Valley, Matthew Brown, says Loop sees waste as a resource rather than a disposable item.
He said he ensures that the Ravensworth Composting Facility maximises organics processing to generate custom-made composts for use on farms and mine rehabilitation, strengthening soil health and improving depleted soil fertility.
“Our purpose is to responsibly return organics to the earth,” Brown said.
“Historically, only farming land distant from high-population centres applied biosolids. It resulted in excessive transport emissions and loss of waste ownership from the communities that generated the waste,” he explained.
Loop Organics has been named a Bronze Partner of the NSW Government Sustainability Advantage program in recognition of its environmental achievements as part of its commitment to improving sustainability in the organics recycling industry.
Loop also works to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We sell all our products locally and regionally. We’re not exporting products. But we believe that in aligning with the 17 UN sustainability goals, we are taking a global approach. We have 25 employees in local and regional operations, but we think globally in terms of responsibility,” explained Brown.
HMA represents all businesses actively engaged in the manufacturing sector, including their allies, in the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast regions.
All manufacturers in the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast districts are encouraged to enter the 2023 awards.
