Perth, WA – [20.11.2024] – In a powerful new partnership, Donut Waste, Perth’s leading social enterprise focused on sustainability and circular solutions, is proud to announce that Purple Heather will be taking over the collection and reuse of plastic beer clips. This collaboration will not only continue the vital work of diverting plastic clips packaging from landfill but also create meaningful job opportunities for people living with disabilities.

For Donut Waste founder Sharka, this partnership marks a bittersweet but purposeful transition. Over the years, Donut Waste, in partnership with Workpower, saved more than 181,000 plastic beer clips, showing that impactful, community-driven waste solutions are possible. However, due to rising costs, keeping this service viable became a challenge.

Through a connection with Nicola Cuthbert, Founder of Still Me and Tempo, Sharka met Purple Heather, a local organisation known for its dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals and families. Recognising a shared commitment to both sustainability and community, Donut Waste and Purple Heather agreed on this new collaboration.

A Seamless transition with 6-month support from Donut Waste

To ensure a smooth and seamless transition, Sharka will work alongside Purple Heather for at least six months. During this period, collection points and customers can expect no disruptions, with Donut Waste providing full support as Purple Heather takes on this programme. By continuing to collect beer clips for reuse rather than recycling, this programme reinforces the value of circular solutions that create local jobs and protect our environment.

“It’s incredibly hard to let go of something I’ve spent three years building,” Sharka shared. “But seeing Purple Heather step in to carry it forward with such heart and commitment brings me real peace. They’re the perfect fit to continue our mission—not only to keep thousands of clips out of landfill but to transform them into something that supports our community. This partnership means a lot to me, and I know it will continue to make a difference in Perth by creating jobs and building a stronger, sustainable circular economy.”

Paul Daily, Co-founder of Purple Heather, added, “The partnership with Donut Waste is a fantastic opportunity for Purple Heather to create jobs and work experience for participants with disabilities while caring for the environment. We’re excited to carry this forward and to see the impact it will make.”

About Purple Heather: Nurturing community wellbeing

Founded by Paul and Ash Daily, Purple Heather offers compassionate care and support services, fostering nurturing environments for individuals and families. Ash, a social worker and advocate for social change, established Purple Heather with Paul in 2022 to provide “cup-filling” care. Now, by taking on Donut Waste’s beer clip initiative, Purple Heather is extending its mission to support community wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and meaningful employment.

Why save the clips?

While plastic beer clips aren’t recyclable through kerbside bins, Donut Waste’s program has shown that they can have a second life through reuse. Instead of sending them to landfill, Purple Heather will give these clips a renewed purpose, offering a sustainable solution that directly benefits people in Perth.

This collaboration marks a new chapter, as both organisations work to keep the mission alive: providing a model for waste reduction that benefits the planet and creates jobs.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sharka Hornakova, Donut Waste
M: 0422 755 816
E: hello@donutwaste.com.au
www.donutwaste.com.au

Paul Daily, Purple Heather
M: 0426 861 916
E: Paul@Purpleheather.com.au
www.purpleheather.com.au