The Banksia Foundation recently revealed the winners of the 36th Banksia National Sustainability Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals and organisations across 16 award categories driving a sustainable future for Australia. So, let’s take a look at some of the winners! 

The Banksia Gold Award and Circular Economy Award went to BlockTexx, a Queensland company solving one of fashion’s biggest waste problems. BlockTexx created a world-first technology to break down and recycle clothes made from blended fabrics like polyester and cotton, turning them into reusable materials and saving them from landfill. Additionally, the company uses blockchain technology to track every step of the recycling process, ensuring transparency for those using the service.  

The Mulloon Institute in New South Wales received the Biodiversity Award for restoring 23,000 hectares of the Mulloon catchment through natural water management and community partnerships. Their project brings water, wildlife and resilience back to the land, proving that nature-based solutions make an impact. 

The People’s Choice Award went to I’m Plastic Free, a Queensland platform helping people find sustainable alternatives to plastics through a world-first matchmaking platform for plastic waste reduction. From plastic-free bathroom swaps to non-toxic cookware, they provide simple tools, facts and guides to make eco-living more accessible for all. 

Magpie Goose, recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Award, celebrates Aboriginal culture through garments crafted from biodegradable fabrics and offcuts repurposed into accessories through collaborations with social enterprises. They work directly with First Nations artists to create beautiful, biodegradable garments that tell cultural stories while supporting ethical and inclusive business practices. 

Tech company Too Good To Go took home the Technology for Impact Award for their work fighting food waste. Their global food-saving app (with 100 million registered users and 170,000 active partners across 19 countries) connects users with surplus meals. Too Good To Go has saved over 350 million meals from going to waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change.  

Reclaim Energy, winner of the Energy Innovation Award, developed a solar-powered, WiFi-enabled carbon dioxide heat pump that helps households and businesses cut emissions and reduce energy bills. This technology intends to change the way we use and think about energy, especially in high-demand industries. 

These remarkable winners remind us that sustainability is not just possible, it’s already happening. Explore the full list of inspiring winners and finalists making a difference here. 

Image credits to BlockTexx.