Zero Plastics Australia ♻️: In this blog, we cover Zero Plastics Australia, a business focused on turning plastic waste into different types of everyday products.
Last week, two members of our very own Waster’s team attended the ReGen Expo (formerly known as Australasian Waste Recycling Expo or simply AWRE) to mainly see the latest developments on recycling and waste technologies and build high-value networks with service providers all across Australia.
More on ReGen
Before we move on to Zero Plastics Australia, let us give you a more thorough background on ReGen.
ReGen – Australia’s Circular Resource Expo – debuted on 23–24 July 2025 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney as the evolution of the long-standing Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo. Now combined with the Circularity conference led by Planet Ark’s Australian Circular Economy Hub, ReGen is Australia’s only event that unites the full spectrum of the circular resource supply chain, from design and packaging through to recovery and second life.
Over two days, the expo welcomed more than 120 exhibitors and and estimated 3,000+ visitors , attracting policymakers, sustainability leaders, innovators and buyers from across the country. The anticipated event aimed to accelerate Australia’s shift toward a more circular economy and contribute to the national goal of doubling circularity by 2035. Attendees had access to two focused stages: the Circularity Stage, spotlighting design innovation, policy, and research; and the Resource Stage, which explored practical solutions in waste recovery and recycling.
Beyond exhibitions, ReGen offered hands-on learning, technical showcases and networking opportunities that encouraged collaboration across sectors. From sustainable packaging and composting systems to smart waste technologies and circular product design, the event provided an inspiring look into how Australia’s resource management landscape is evolving.
An interesting find
Free to attend for industry professionals, ReGen positioned itself as an inclusive, action-driven event—built to spark conversations, partnerships, and meaningful progress. It brought together everyone from local councils and major corporations to startups, educators, and community leaders—all united by a shared commitment to rethink, redesign, and renew the way resources are used in Australia.
Of course, at expos like ReGen, Australia’s Circular Resource Expo, you typically see a vibrant mix of technology, products and services, as well as ideas all centred around sustainability, waste reduction and circular economy practices.
As our members made their way around the expo, exploring the wide range of innovations on display, they were drawn to a collection of eye-catching products that stood out for both their design and purpose. These vibrant, cleverly crafted items, of course, made through the process of recycling, turned out to be the work of Zero Plastics Australia. Their sustainable approach and creative use of everyday waste left a lasting impression.
Below, we will share more about them – mainly on what they do, when and where they come from and why they do what they do.
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Everything to know about Zero Plastics Australia
Zero Plastics Australia (ZPA) is a grassroots eco-innovation business based in Ballarat, Victoria. Founded by Adz (Adam Slater), Ash and Zac Johns, the initiative began as a humble garage project but has since grown into a respected social enterprise committed to environmental impact through hands-on circular design.
The team transforms post-consumer plastic waste, primarily single-use items like milk bottle caps, into vibrant, durable and functional products. These include combs, keyrings, coasters, wireless chargers, jewellery, puzzles and a wide range of custom-made merchandise which our members at Waster had the pleasure of viewing at the expo.
Driven by a mission to reduce plastic waste and educate communities, Zero Plastics Australia has recycled over two million plastic lids and created more than 76,000 handcrafted products. They’ve also reached more than 5,000 students through educational workshops, school talks and hands-on sustainability programs. Their operations are based on the principles of circular economy, offering a cradle-to-grave return policy so that all items they produce can be returned at the end of their life for reprocessing.
In addition to their product range, ZPA provides custom contract manufacturing services, helping businesses and organisations turn their own plastic waste into branded or purpose-driven items. This model creates a hyper-local solution to plastic pollution whilst offering communities a way to contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes. The organisation also works with groups like Lids4Kids to source recyclable material and support broader community recycling efforts.
Waster’s final thoughts on Zero Plastics Australia
Zero Plastics Australia’s participation in the ReGen Expo is especially fitting. Their work perfectly aligns with the event’s emphasis on circular resource management, sustainable innovation and grassroots impact.
Their story is a living example of how small-scale initiatives can deliver large-scale change by combining creativity, education and sustainability. Visitors to their booth at ReGen had the opportunity to see and feel their recycled plastic products firsthand, learn about their lid collection and manufacturing process and explore partnership opportunities – whether in education, corporate gifting or product design.
In summary, Zero Plastics Australia stands out as a powerful example of circular economy in action. Their commitment to local manufacturing, community engagement and environmental stewardship makes them an inspiring exhibitor at ReGen and a model for others aiming to drive sustainable change from the ground up.
Contacting Waster
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