Thinking inside the box

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Thursday, 6 April 2023

Jackson Ellis started his eco-packaging and site safety manufacturing business, Cacti Conserve, because he wanted to do work that plucked at the heartstrings.

Jackson chose the cactus as his mascot because “it symbolises tenacity and the ability to survive in harsh climates and adapt to extreme conditions”.

He has received a Council eCommerce grant as he works towards a zero-waste goal, exploring packaging alternatives to products like Bubble Wrap, Styrofoam and plastic beads and pockets in e-commerce shipping. His business collects cardboard waste from local businesses and recycles this for new packaging products.

“I started the business in 2019 as a social enterprise with the intent to try to tackle some of our waste problem both at a domestic and commercial level,” Jackson says.

“Everywhere I looked, all I could see was more rubbish piling up and I thought, I’ve got to do something about this.

“Our certified Australian Made eco-friendly packaging and site safety products are marketed to local and national businesses.

“We are trying to increase our reach to a greater number of local businesses and new markets, to improve the waste footprint of a larger number of Australian businesses and put on additional staff at our Upper Ferntree Gully factory.”

In line with his business’ social benefit standards, 50% of profits are donated to conservation.

Find out about Council's free financial mentoring and commercial advice for businesses here.

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