Officeworks embraces circular economy to cut waste

The company is looking for innovative ways to phase out landfill.

Officeworks has reported a significant reduction in waste sent to landfill, with some stores surpassing a 90 percent diversion rate. In its People and Planet Positive Report, Officeworks outlines its push towards waste reduction and sustainability by subscribing to a more circular economy. This approach involves designing systems and products to reduce waste and prolong the lifespan of materials.

Fiona Lawrie, head of sustainability at Officeworks, says the company’s waste management processes are underpinned by a waste hierarchy of avoid, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle, with landfill as the last option.

“This year, our efforts have focused on collaborating with team members in our stores through an education, engagement and recognition initiative aimed at raising awareness and knowledge of correct waste and recycling processes,” Lawrie said.

“As part of this program, we delivered a mandatory waste handling training module for all store team members.”

Lawrie said the program was partly driven by team members who expressed a desire to see the company embrace more sustainable practices. Since launching the Bring It Back program in 2017, Officeworks has recycled more than 11,000 tonnes of customer waste, including pens, markers, ink, toner and electronic accessories. This initiative has become a cornerstone of the company’s efforts to prevent waste from ending up in landfill.

“The focus on waste reduction is central to the company’s environmental strategy, aligning with its goal of building a sustainable future,” Lawrie said.

Officeworks’ waste management initiatives have resulted in a significant reduction in waste sent to landfill, from 2,500 tonnes in 2017 to just 674 tonnes in 2024. The company achieved an average waste diversion rate of 87.3 percent, with over 85 stores surpassing a 90 percent diversion rate.

Brendan Hargreaves, Officeworks’ chief financial officer, acknowledged the company’s sustainability achievements.

“At Officeworks, we’ve been committed to making a positive impact on people and the planet for 30 years, and this mission continues to drive our ongoing business performance,” Hargreaves said.

The company’s People and Planet Positive range, designed to support communities and reduce environmental impact, has seen continued growth, generating around $100 million in sales during the past financial year.

In addition to reducing waste, Officeworks has reported progress in energy efficiency. Its solar PV program, now in 43 stores, and other energy-saving initiatives have contributed to a 4 percent reduction in energy costs and a 49.1 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018. As of FY2024, the company achieved a 7.7 percent reduction in emissions compared to the previous year, and it is on track to meet its 100 percent renewable electricity target by January 2025.

Looking ahead, Lawrie said Officeworks remains committed to reducing waste and exploring new ways to close the loop on waste. The company is rolling out People and Planet Positive Pop-Up Days across its stores, which enable customers to recycle difficult-to-recycle household items, such as tech products and batteries. The success of a recent Pop-Up Day at the Taren Point store, which saw nearly one tonne of waste recycled, reflects the company’s growing efforts to engage communities in its sustainability goals.

“Our goal is to create a waste-free future where everything we produce is repurposed or recycled,” Lawrie said.

“With the launch of new initiatives and a strong focus on collaboration with partners and customers, Officeworks continues to drive Australia’s transition to a more circular economy.”

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