The recycled plastics manufacturer will spend $1.4 million to expand its plant to include soft plastics in addition to complement the rigid plastic waste it already processes.

Envorinex received $736,000 from the federal government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Package to assist in funding the expansion. 

“The grant will enable Envorinex to annually divert 3000 tonnes of waste from landfills by re-manufacturing that waste into innovative second-life products for national and international clients,” international director of Envorinex Mike Turner said. 

“The installation of this new technology will greatly assist those Tasmanian food producers supplying global chains to meet environmental clauses.

“This is possible due to Envorinex’s ability to certify that their waste plastic has been recycled.”

The George Town company’s current model sees it maintain contracts with Tasmanian industrial manufacturers to collect rigid plastic waste.

After collection, it manufactures building materials and driveway surface material using the recycled plastic. 

Adding a soft plastics line will allow it to collect materials such as pallet wrapping and bulk packaging used by the aquaculture, horticulture and agriculture industries.

The new plant would be able to process an estimated 600 tonnes of plastic wrap, 507 tonnes of fish feed bags and 316 tonnes of tunnel film. 

Envorinex managing director Jenny Brown said the company was unlike any other in the country.

“We’re unique, because we collect, recycle and manufacture plastic waste all under one roof,” she said.

“A lot of other companies just collect and sell them to manufacturers.

“We’re a one-stop-shop.”

After conducting extensive research and development, Ms Brown said the company would manufacture fence posts and lumber alternatives from the soft plastic waste.

The project is expected to add between four and six local jobs to Envorinex’s workforce in the longterm.