Agsafe blog: Advancing sustainability in Australian agriculture with the drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums evolution

New recycled chemical drums at PACT Group facility

Introduction

In today's agricultural industry, sustainability is more important than ever. The new drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums initiative marks a significant step forward in recycling practices, building on the success of the drumMUSTER® program that has been in place since 1999. This new initiative promises to bring substantial benefits to the Australian agricultural sector.

The evolution of drumMUSTER

When the drumMUSTER program was first launched in 1999, it was ground-breaking, revolutionising the way agricultural chemical containers were managed and recycled. This innovative approach significantly reduced environmental waste, diverting over 42 million plastic drums, that’s 43,000 tonnes from landfill, and set new standards for sustainability in the agricultural sector. Now, for the first time, the program is undergoing a significant evolution with the introduction of the Drums-to-Drums initiative.

It’s important to note that the drumMUSTER program is still operational nationwide as it has always been. The new Drums-to-Drums initiative is simply an evolution of the recycling process, shifting the focus from converting chemical drums into wheely bins, irrigation pipes, bollards and more, to recycling them back into new chemical drums. This closed-loop system enhances sustainability by ensuring that used agricultural chemical containers are continually repurposed within the industry.

How drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums works

Under the drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums initiative, Pact Group, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, aims to collect up to 1,000,000 chemical drums annually at drumMUSTER collection points. These drums will then be remanufactured into new chemical drums by Pact. This closed-loop system ensures that the materials used in the agricultural industry are continuously recycled, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimising waste.

Leveraging advanced technology

A key component of the drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums initiative is the advanced technology adapted from food-grade plastic recycling. This technology addresses the challenges of chemical cross-contamination, ensuring that recycled agricultural plastics are safe for reuse. Pact employs advanced washing processes and specialised coatings that maintain the integrity of the recycled materials, ensuring that the new drums meet the stringent safety and quality standards required for agricultural use.

Environmental benefits

The environmental benefits of the drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums initiative are clear. By diverting a million drums from landfill each year, the program significantly reduces waste and conserves valuable resources. The new drums from Pact, containing up to 30% recycled content, are then distributed back to chemical manufacturers, completing the recycling loop and promoting sustainable use and reuse.

Community and industry engagement

The success of the drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums initiative relies heavily on the continued participation of the agricultural community. With 830 collection points spread across Australia, the program is designed to be accessible to farmers and growers nationwide. By encouraging widespread participation, the initiative not only supports its environmental goals but also promotes a culture of sustainability within the industry. Farmers and growers are key stakeholders in this process, and their involvement is crucial to the initiative's success.

Conclusion

The drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums evolution represents a significant advancement in the recycling practices of the Australian agricultural industry. By leveraging advanced recycling technologies and promoting a circular economy, this program offers substantial environmental benefits. As the industry continues to embrace these practices, the future of Australian agriculture looks promising, with improved sustainability and resilience.

The continued participation of farmers, growers, and industry stakeholders is essential for the success of this initiative. By supporting the drumMUSTER Drums-to-Drums program, the agricultural community can play a crucial role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable practices. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the long-term viability and competitiveness of the Australian agricultural industry.

To learn more about this initiative, please visit the drums-to-drums webpage.