The 34th Banksia National Sustainability Awards saw Woolworths Group win the Gold Banksia Award and the Large Business Sustainable Leadership Award for its work in driving “one of the deepest transformational programs” seen in an Australian company in recent years.
Established 34 years ago, the Banksia National Sustainability Awards recognises innovation and excellence in environmental and social stewardship. The 2023 winners range from Woolworths to government agencies, community leaders, non-profit organisations and small businesses from across Australia.
Woolworths Group chief sustainability officer, Alex Holt thanked the group's suppliers, partners, team members and customers on their contributions that led to the award wins.
“As Australia's largest retailer we know that the changes we make today can create a better tomorrow for generations to come, and we're humbled to see our efforts recognised by the Banksia awards. Our teams work hard to deliver quality products and value for our customers, and we want to make sustainability intrinsic to how we do that.
“We'd like to celebrate all the projects and individuals recognised by the Banksia awards for driving positive change - from Indigenous land management, to natural capital reporting and carbon capture technology,” said Holt.
Other notable winners and finalists in the food and beverage industry include Paradigm Foods, which won the Marketing and Communications for Impact Award for its Roots Regenerative program. Roots Regenerative developed the first Regenerative certified beef, sourced across over 50 properties covering over 750,000 hectares of regenerative farmland.
FutureFeed placed as a finalist for the Net Zero Leadership Award for paving the way towards implementing Asparagopsis seaweed as a livestock feed ingredient to reduce methane emissions.
Meal provider Alex Makes Meals won the Young Changemakers Award. The business provides chef-made, quality meals for people living in crisis.
Food rescue business Farmers Pick, which rescues imperfect fruit and vegetables from waste placed as a finalist for the award.
South Australian based Taylors Wines placed as a finalist for the SME Sustainable Leadership Award for its vision for a more sustainable industry.
Coles Group placed as a finalist for the Ethical Sourcing Award for its commitment to safeguarding horticulture workers’ rights and wellbeing in Australia.
Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond said the winners were drawn from a record number of entries, demonstrating optimism and hope for a brighter future despite fears for the economy in the short term.
“These are Australia’s brightest leaders, changemakers and innovators who are making a positive impact on our world,” van Egmond said.
