On World Environment Day, we rolled up our sleeves and put our purpose into practice.
Together with Precious Plastic Melbourne, our team at Avalon and members from across Symal came together for an interactive workshop that turned everyday plastic waste into something new. Using simple tools and plenty of creativity, we transformed discarded plastic into colourful carabiners, trick yoyos, triangular pens and mini plant pots.
It was hands-on, fun and a powerful reminder of what happens when we change how we see waste. It was about unlocking the potential in materials that are often overlooked and proving that value can be created with the right mindset.
Circularity matters
According to Recycling Victoria’s 2025 Circular Economy report, only 69% of the state’s material is recovered. The rest ends up in landfill. Construction plays a major role in this and while many contribute to the problem, we’re focused on being part of the solution.
Our mission is to lead the shift toward a circular economy. That means rethinking how we use resources and transforming construction and demolition waste into something purposeful. Sustainability is not a nice-to-have. It is at the core of everything we do.
Workshops like this reflect the bigger picture of our work every day. Whether it is large-scale recovery across sites or small-scale learning moments like this one, we are showing that waste can be reinvented into something with real value.
Awareness that’s sparking action
Change starts with understanding. When people connect their everyday actions to environmental outcomes, they are more likely to choose better, smarter ways forward.
As Ari Karavias, Executive General Manager, put it:
“This workshop is about more than just recycling. It’s about inspiring innovation, reinforcing our environmental values and showing that everyone can play a part in the circular economy.”
“When people truly understand the environmental impact of their choices they are more likely to change behaviour. That awareness helps shift the conversation from short-term convenience to long-term responsibility.”
This kind of awareness is the foundation for long-term impact. It is how we build a culture of sustainability that lasts.
This session brought our values to life in a real and tangible way. It connected teams, challenged perspectives and reminded us that we all have a role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Watch the video to see how the team turned waste into something worth keeping. Then, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to see how we’re driving real change through circular thinking.