Edge Impact and Key Partners Secures $995k in Government Grants

Edge Impact has partnered with Metcash, a prominent Australian wholesale distribution and marketing company, securing a $500,000 government grant.  

The funding will facilitate the design and implementation of a 3-year circular economy and waste diversion strategy to approximately 400 sites in the NSW network. 

Edge and Metcash will collaborate and work directly with 115 recruited sites, predominantly independent SMEs, to implement and deliver formal Bin Trim waste assessments and rollout supply chain and operational circular economy strategy. 

The rest of the network participating in the program will have access and benefit from the suite of resources and toolkits to be developed, be made aware of program insights and key learnings, and actively participate in yearly network events aimed at increasing their capacity, skills, and knowledge that can result in long-term waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy outcomes. 

Key material diversion opportunities  

The grant's initiatives are designed to reduce waste, promote recycling, and implement circular economy solutions across 115 sites within key groups within the Metcash network. These groups include: 

• Metcash Food and Grocery Group: IGA, Food Works, Friendly Grocer  
• Independent Hardware Group: Mitre10, Total tools, Home Hardware  
• Metcash's National Logistics and Distribution Centre network: Perishables, Groceries, Liquor, and Hardware goods 
• Metcash’s Private Label Product and Packaging Manufacturers 

Our strategy requires engagement of the entire network, conducting site visits, and performing Bin Trim assessments and developing tailored action plans targeting priority initiatives focused on diverting plastic and organic waste from landfills. 

Additionally, working with a private label packaging network, Edge plans to implement: 

• Sustainable packaging interventions (Encompassing material avoidance and re-use) 
• Material Substitution (to Lightweight, highly durable materials) 
• Increasing recycled content 
• Enhancing packaging design to promote end-use recycling 
• Initiatives to prolonged shelf life and minimise waste 

These measures are designed to reduce unnecessary packaging, enhance recyclability, and lower environmental impact. 

Long-term Impact 

The potential long-term impacts of this project, assuming complete network circular economy transformation, are substantial. Metcash's commitment includes dedicating additional resources and expertise to support the Bin Trim Networks program, recognising its value in waste avoidance and diversion. 

The project offers the opportunity to upskill and build capabilities within the organisation for sustained circular economy and waste diversion efforts.  

Partnering with Edge circular economy experts enables the targeting of key pillars in the supply chain and operations, addressing food waste and problematic plastics throughout Metcash's sites and independent stores. 

Edge Impact in partnership with the Restaurants & Catering Association (R&CA) has been awarded $495,000 to identify waste avoidance and recycling opportunities for organic and plastic waste in the NSW restaurant and hospitality sector.  

By partnering with R&CA, Edge will leverage an extensive network of small to large hospitality venues and restaurants across NSW, as well as a comprehensive membership platform. 

Edge will conduct Bin Trim site visits to 150 R&CA members and other hospitality venues to provide broader advisory and support for the remaining members in NSW.  

Onsite audits will be conducted using the Bin Trim assessment methodology, which includes a site walk-through, visual-based audit, interviews, and data upload onto the Bin Trim tool. 

Proposed solutions across the membership base will likely include:  

• Organics recovery contract support and activation 
• Bespoke service support and advisory 
• Regional waste advisory and networking 
• Circular procurement and packaging avoidance support 
• Food and organic waste recovery and avoidance initiatives 

Expected outcomes and long-term impact 

The grant delivery will focus on initiatives and actions designed to have an enduring and sustained impact on waste reduction and management in the NSW hospitality sector. 

These initiatives may include: 

• Enhancements to service offerings (such as organics recycling) 
• Implementation of infrastructure (such as rebate support) 
• Programs and resources to promote behavioural change 
• Development of internal capabilities and knowledge sharing 
• Interventions in the supply chain.  

By targeting 150 sites with in-person assessments and utilising the R&CA member base and trust built through the membership platform, we can influence, and effect change across the entire hospitality network.

R&CA also sees this as an opportunity to expand its capability within the team and draw on Edge's expertise on waste, the circular economy, and food waste intervention and strategy.  

While most R&CA members are in NSW, R&CA has plans to expand its reach across Australia. The resources, collateral, and learnings gained through the Bin Trim program could have wide-reaching effects across Australia and entice hospitality businesses to transition into a circular economy.