AORA December 2022 Newsletter

As 2022 draws quickly to a close, it is timely to reflect on the year that was but perhaps more importantly, the year ahead.

As I have stated before publicly as the National Executive Officer of AORA, the Australian organics recycling industry is issues rich. We are all part of an industry that is experiencing rapid change, some evolutionary and some feels like it is revolutionary.

In the still relatively short period of time I have been in the industry (six months) I have witnessed the call growing louder for improvements in recycling generally with organics well positioned to continue to be a leader and an exemplary case study in what can be achieved and the benefits. 

AORA’s second edition of the Economic Contribution of the Australian Organics Recycling Industry released only a few months ago spells this out in a compelling narrative, both economically and environmentally. As I keep saying, we have a good story to tell. 

The headwinds for our industry are apparent – getting FOGO right (a value chain shared responsibility), general contamination (especially within FOGO), chemical contamination including PFAS and other forever chemicals, regulatory burdens, end-use market acceptance, costs, employment, etc. It is a long list that you will all be aware of and a list unlikely to change significantly as we start 2023, except perhaps it will get longer. 

For AORA in 2023 there is also much to do. 

We have to continue to improve our financial position, in the first instance through growing our membership and our sponsorship bases. We have to ensure we advocate strongly for our industry with governments at all levels and persuasions (i.e., continuing to tell our story and also highlighting the issues we want support with), working with the regulators to ensure our industry is not too heavily or unnecessarily burdened and building demand for our products from end-use markets. If we cannot sell what we make, the very fundamental of our industry is at risk. 

These are exciting times for the Australian organics recycling industry and AORA as the peak industry body.

Finally, on behalf of the AORA Board of Directors and staff, we would like to wish all of our members, sponsors, suppliers and stakeholders a safe and very happy Christmas and our best wishes for a prosperous and productive 2023. 

We look forward to continuing to work side-by-side with you in 2023 and beyond.

John McKew

National Executive Officer

Australian Organics Recycling Association

Call for Abstracts for AORA Conference



The AORA Annual Conference is the principal conference in Australia for the recycled organics industry and we are looking for experts in the recycled organics sector to join the 2023 program by delivering platform presentations and participating in panels and discussions.

The 2023 conference will be held at the Pullman Albert Park (Melbourne) from the 7th – 9th of June 2023 and provides an exciting platform for local and international speakers to share their expertise.

Here are some of the topics previous attendees have told us they would like to hear more about:

•   Improving engagement with government around policies and strategies

•   Licensing/permitting/approvals

•   Contamination

•   Carbon credits

•   PFAS

•   Other technologies, including anaerobic digestion

•   Education/engagement (especially for FOGO)

•   End user perspectives

•   Accelerating the growth of end markets for recycled organics.

Submissions close on Tuesday 14 February 2023.

Welcome to our new Members

Associate Members

Verterra (QLD)

Tietjen-Original (Germany)

Wood Fibre - the new frontier in Growing Media

AORA Partner News

The world needs growing media to sustain the estimated increase and demand in feeding a growing world population. Wood fibre technology is the new frontier for horticulture industries using sustainable products and help reduce carbon emissions. 

The realities in Europe with the reduction of Peat and Coir in growing media is due to the environmental impact plus the global supply chain constraints with added cost.

Wood fibre is different to peat and coir; however, its proven properties compliment or supplements with other materials in the development of quality growing media mix.

Locally produced wood fibre with locally sourced raw materials wood chips, provides an engineered sustainable solution in growing media mixes for both retail and professional markets.

Premier Tech Wood Fibre Line is the new frontier.

Energy efficient (143 kW) low power demand is specifically designed to be your direct local source and production of wood fibre.

Be part of the solution, the global demand for growing media and soilless substrates is expected to increase dramatically, estimated to be more than 400% by the year 2050. And as the demand for plant-based diet play a vital role to reduce impact on our planet, sustainable materials will be required to help grow more plants to feed a growing world population.

Learn More: www.ptsystemsautomation.com

AORA SA Christmas at the Adelaide Zoo

AORA SA members had a great night at the Adelaide Zoo! The evening started with drinks in the Immersion Lounge and then guests were treated to a tiger feed, and the inside scoop on the highly exciting tiger pregnancy, followed by a Gourmet BBQ and presentation by Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Dr Susan Close MP.

The Minister recapped some of the South Australian Government goals to reduce South Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. While South Australia has done much to decarbonise its energy grid, other sources of greenhouse gas emissions include transport, agriculture, industrial processes, unwanted gassesand leaks into the atmosphere, waste and land use. As threatening as climate change can be, there are many opportunities for enterprise to pivot their operations, explore new products, services and markets and to benefit from the global growth of the low emissions and circular economies.

Minister Close praised the work of Peats Soil and Jeffries as just two of the value-add composters here in South Australia.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from local sponsors, Cavpower and Chase Finance.

For Healthier Soil, Healthier Food.....Compost