Aussie innovation reduces landfill waste

Australian oil company Penrite has announced a radical solution to the problem posed by plastic oil containers in landfill.

Drawing from the wine industry's 'Chateau Cardboard' concept, the Penrite Envirobox comprises recyclable cardboard packaging around an oil-filled bladder that collapses in on itself as the oil is drained from it.

According to the company, the oil can be drawn out of the bladder from an integrated tap into a reusable six-litre jug. It can also be pumped into the vehicle's engine pneumatically, or hand-pumped into the engine.

"Penrite is proud to be the first Australian oil company to introduce the Enviro Box™, which we believe will reduce the use of plastic drums significantly, representing a major step forward in our industry being more environmentally responsible", said Toby Dymond, General Manager Penrite Oil.

Penrite, which has been in the oil business in Australia since 1926, has established an alliance with waste management firm Cleanaway, for the removal of the bladders inside the Envirobox cartons. The arrangement will be confined to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth initially, with other regional centres to follow in due course.

"We're excited to partner with Cleanaway to make sure that the bladder bags are responsibly collected and recycled, so the environmental impact of the use of plastic drums in the automotive industry can be mitigated", Dymond was quoted saying in a press release.

According to Penrite, the cost incurred by workshops disposing of conventional 20-litre plastic drums could be as much as $2600 a year. The Envirobox reduces costs considerably, as well as minimising OH&S risks and helping the environment. A handle on each side of the box allows it to be carried by two staff at once, if need be, and the box is easier to store – being angular in design – and also easier to cut or crush for disposal.

"It is a great initiative for Penrite to take a proactive step in making package recycling widely accessible for the automotive industry" said Mark Smith, National Sales & Value Chain Manager for Cleanaway.

"This is an exciting partnership for us as we can utilise our national network to help Penrite deliver this environmentally sustainable product.

"As an Australian-owned company with over 50 years of experience supporting Australian businesses, we're proud to offer this collection service to Penrite customers, helping workshops to reduce their waste and work towards making a sustainable future possible."