International waste leadership and new funding at UN forum
Press release - Jay Weatherill
Hundreds of ministers, government officials and business leaders from around the globe are in Adelaide today for the world’s largest waste and recycling sector forum.
Adelaide is hosting the United Nations Regional 3R Forum in the Asia and the Pacific, in recognition of South Australia’s leadership in the waste, resource and recovery industry. More than 350 people from 40 countries are attending the forum, which will bring a more than $2 million boost to the local economy.
The State Government has today also announced $750,000 for SA company Innovyz to help them develop up to 10 new companies to become leading innovators within the waste and recycling sector.
Background
The Seventh Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific, is a prestigious global forum where political leaders and decision-makers from the Asia-Pacific region meet to guide policy and strengthen international co-operation in the 3Rs – waste reduction, recycling and reuse. South Australia leads Australia and the world in the $1 billion waste sector that employs almost 5000 South Australians, with a recycling rate of almost 80 per cent.
Innovyz has helped new companies raise more than $30 million to bring new ideas to market – companies which now have a combined estimated capital value of $214 million, and growing. From the funding announced for Innovyz today, significant benefits will include local jobs in each of the companies created, and export revenues.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jay Weatherill
I extend a warm welcome to all delegates – especially our friends from interstate and overseas – taking part in the Seventh Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific. Our state is recognised globally for its leadership in waste management – including our 1977 container-deposit legislation, action on plastic shopping bags, and landfill bans on e-waste and globes. Our leadership continues as we transition the State’s economy, and companies like Innovyz – which commercialises research and innovation through mentoring and business development – are a great example of local business backing innovative thinking.
Quotes attributable to Environment Minister Ian Hunter
We’re very pleased to host the forum this week, and shine a spotlight on our State’s many achievements in the waste and recycling industry. We have achieved recycling rates that are among the world's best – with South Australians diverting almost 80 per cent of all waste generated. We are building on our successes with reforms to the sector as well as funding innovation to bring the best ideas in the sector to our State and establish new businesses opportunities.
