SKOPE's progress towards reducing waste
Packaging plays an important role in protecting commercial equipment throughout transport and delivery. However, once the equipment reaches its destination, that packaging can quickly become waste.
SKOPE has been reviewing the materials used across its packaging and working to replace difficult-to-recycle components with more practical alternatives. This has led to significant changes across our own manufacturing operations and the partner brands we represent.
Eliminating polystyrene from our packaging
Expanded polystyrene, commonly known as EPS, has traditionally been used to protect equipment during transport. While lightweight and effective, it can be difficult to recycle through standard waste systems.
SKOPE has now effectively eliminated EPS from the packaging used for our own-manufactured products. We have also worked with partner brands to reduce or remove polystyrene wherever possible.
Vitamix, for example, has transitioned from EPS protection to moulded pulp packaging. Across the wider range, any remaining EPS is limited to negligible quantities or stock still moving through the supply chain. This represents an important step towards packaging that is easier for customers and dealers to manage at the end of its useful life.
Replacing EPS and MDF with recyclable cardboard
One of the most significant changes we've made has been the introduction of recyclable honeycomb cardboard in place of EPS blocks and MDF board.
Honeycomb cardboard provides the strength and protection required to transport commercial equipment while being widely accepted through cardboard recycling systems. Unlike MDF, which is not practically recyclable through most systems, cardboard is much easier to recover and process.
The transition to honeycomb cardboard is now complete across SKOPE-manufactured product packaging, helping reduce reliance on materials that are more likely to end up in landfill.
Supporting wider packaging goals
SKOPE is a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, or APCO, and supports its work to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Australia’s packaging system is entering a period of change. APCO’s latest reporting found that 86% of packaging placed on the Australian market in 2023–24 was reusable, recyclable or compostable, while the plastic recycling rate reached only 20%. These results show why better packaging design needs to be supported by stronger collection, sorting and processing systems. Read APCO’s latest packaging data.
APCO is also moving towards a fee model based on the type and volume of packaging organisations place on the market. Planned for FY2027, the model is intended to encourage packaging reduction, reuse and a shift towards materials that are easier to recover and recycle. Learn more about APCO’s 2030 Strategy.
Because SKOPE manufactures its own refrigeration equipment, we have greater visibility and control over how products are packaged. This allows us to make packaging improvements directly and collaborate with our partner brands to support similar changes.