MELBOURNE-based manufacturer Biograde has secured a landmark deal to supply official biodegradable packaging materials to the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee (BOCOG).
In an official signing ceremony this week in China’s manufacturing hub of Nanjing, Biograde and BOCOG will confirm a deal to supply 5.5 million biodegradable bags.
The products meet or exceed all global biodegradability standards, including stringent requirements set by the European Union.
The Acting Minister for Trade, Martin Ferguson, said the company’s success was potentially the largest deal of its kind in the world this year and demonstrated that an increasing commitment to sustainability by China could deliver real export opportunities for Australian business.
“The challenge China faces in terms of environmental management practices as a result of economic development and rapid urbanisation represents an opportunity for innovative Australian companies to not only help China achieve its goals, but in turn expand trade and create jobs for Australians,”Ferguson said.
“Australia has the opportunity to become a world leader in the sustainable manufacturing, packaging and biodegradable plastics sector.
“We need innovative new export products like this if we are going to diversify our economic base and provide for Australia’s economic security beyond the resources and mining boom.”
“The deal will extend beyond the Olympics, with Biograde partnering with the Beijing Advanced Materials Development Centre to further educate and work with the Chinese manufacturing sector to help improve standards in sustainability.”
Austrade will harness the excitement and energy of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to showcase Australia in China. More than 3000 Australian and Chinese businesspeople are expected to attend events at Business Club Australia.
Business Club Australia is the official business program for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and will use the resources of Austrade’s Chinese network of 15 offices to bring together Australians and key Chinese officials and businesspeople.
Over 40 Australian companies have won more than 50 Beijing Games related contracts, many with Austrade assistance.
Biograde has received the support of Austrade in other markets, and is looking to work with Austrade to examine further opportunities in the European Union and Asia.