S2E5 - Darren Thorpe: The Truth about Sustainability in Business

Welcome back to the Emajin Golf Podcast: Beyond the 19th. In this episode, we sit down with Darren Thorpe from Australian Paper Recovery, who shares a powerful perspective on what sustainability really looks like in practice and why businesses can no longer afford to treat it as an afterthought. With more than 40 years in the recycling and sustainability space, Darren has seen the industry evolve from a time where landfill was the default to today's growing push toward circular economies and responsible business practices. This conversation dives into the realities behind recycling, the challenges Australia still faces, and the opportunities ahead as businesses, governments, and industries work to create more sustainable systems. We explore: • Why sustainability needs to be embedded into business strategy, not treated as a side initiative • The truth about recycling rates in Australia and where the gaps still exist • How innovation is driving new solutions in soft plastics and packaging • The commercial realities of sustainability and why cost often slows adoption • Practical ways business owners can take action, even with a small footprint Darren also shares insights into emerging technologies, including converting soft plastics back into oil, and his vision for scaling these solutions to create real impact over the next decade. If you're a business owner, founder, or leader looking to better understand sustainability and how it applies to your organisation, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective on where to start and what matters most. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Darren's insights on building a more sustainable future through business.