Reducing plastic waste in the automotive industry
In the second story on Kick Starter alumni, ‘Where are they now series’ we are pleased to catch up with Bec Healy from Boxhead Plastics.
Boxhead Plastics has made huge leaps and bounds since participating in the Macquarie Group Foundation Kick Starter program in 2020 – with no signs of slowing down.
The social enterprise diverts bumper bar plastic waste from landfill and recycles it into new products, such as golf tees. Australia's automotive industries recycle rate is 1.9% sending 196,800 tonnes of plastic waste to landfill each year. Boxhead Plastics exists to support the industry take greater responsibility for the plastic it generates. So far they have sold over 29,000 golf tees, under the brand name Naiteev, recycling 1.53 tonnes of plastic waste in the process.
When founder and CEO Bec Healy entered the Kick Starter program, she was excited by the opportunity to connect with other social entrepreneurs, as well as pick up a whole host of new skills.
“My mentors helped me step back and think objectively about the key elements of our business, which helped us to formulate and implement a strategic plan to make our business idea work.”
Since completing the program, Bec has been able to use the business plan she developed on the program to access further funds, including the Manufacturing Skills Australia Grant. Boxhead Plastics is currently in discussion with the Hornsby Shire Council and Local MP for Hornsby Matt Kean to grow their bumper bar collection program, Autoplas. This program will allow Boxhead Plastics to scale and remove even more plastic waste from landfill.
We are so proud of what Boxheads and Bec have been able to achieve in such a short time and we look forward to hearing about new products and even more bumper bars being put to better use.
Sefa Partnerships and Sefa are all about forming long-term relationships with our clients. We walk alongside them on their own pathways towards more impact, underpinned by sustainability and independence. Keep your eyes peeled for new capability building and investment readiness opportunities to join later in the year.