Published on 20 November 2022

Willunga’s BiobiN at FIFA World Cup

Aussie fans will be on the edge of their seats when the Socceroos kick off against France on Wednesday 23 November in their bid to win the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Fans can also get behind another Aussie team that’s making its mark at the World Cup.

Willunga company Peats Group, in partnership with three Qatari companies, has won a contract to place BiobiNs at all of the World Cup stadiums and other official sites.

The composting units source-separate waste and turn organic waste such as food, plant material and compostable packaging into compost. Peats Group estimates that BiobiNs will divert thousands of tonnes of organic waste from landfill in Qatar.

Onkaparinga Now asked Danny Mitroussidis, Manager of International Development for BiobiN at Peats Group, about how the company won the contract and how it is taking South Australian sustainable technology to the world.

How did Peats Group win the contract to place BiobiNs at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar?

Peats Group’s flagship product is BiobiN, an in-vessel compost unit.

Building international export opportunities and showing the world South Australian environmental know-how and technology are core objectives of Peats Group, which includes Peats Soils and Gardens Supplies and BiobiN Technologies.

Knowing Qatar was hosting the biggest sporting event in the world, we set out to have BiobiN as part of FIFA’s environmental program. The pandemic prevented us from travelling, but we partnered with companies with similar goals and values – Qatar-based companies Agricompost, Agrico and Apex Waste Solutions & Management – to win the contract.

This partnership gives us, and potentially other businesses in Onkaparinga and South Australia, fantastic access to Qatar and Gulf Cooperation Council markets.

How many bins will be used over there and what is their predicted impact?

Initially there will be 20 BiobiN units, each 20 cubic metres. All waste will be source-separated with all organic waste diverted from landfill and turned into compost. There will be thousands of tonnes diverted from landfill.

Why is turning organic waste into compost in this way so important?

So much food is wasted and then dumped or taken to landfill. It’s too good to waste. The BiobiN turns food waste into organic compost.

Compost enriches soil, retains moisture and suppresses plant diseases and pests. It saves water and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material. By contrast, organic waste in landfill generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting significantly reduces methane emissions. Composting makes sense environmentally, commercially and socially.

What impact will your exposure on the world stage have on your company?

Being the only Australian company in the partnership builds our credibility here and overseas. There is so much great exposure that comes from being a joint leader of an initiative with a global sporting institution.

We are already planning additional work and projects beyond the 2022 FIFA World Cup. There are growth opportunities across Australia and also in our international markets.

What makes Adelaide’s south such a great place to run a business?

It all starts in Willunga!

Peats Group has been established in Adelaide’s south for many, many years. It’s a well-known and respected business in the region. It’s grown from a humble family business to promoting and fostering Peats capabilities on a world stage.

During our presentations here and overseas we promote where we’re from, not just geographically but also as a community. Managing Director Peter Wadewitz, the family and all our staff contribute to our success. People tell us they like our story and our connections to the community.

What’s next for BioBiN?

Growing our market across Australia is a major goal. We plan to develop formal partnerships interstate. There are lots of social and cultural events which deserve to have BiobiN to help them achieve their sustainability goals.

Australia is also hosting some major sporting events. For example, next year the single largest sporting event for women will be the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and it will be held here in Australia, with Adelaide as a host city. Our aim is to have BiobiN at this event, mimicking what is being achieved for FIFA in Qatar.

Internationally, we will promote BiobiN at expos and other events and marketing forums.

PICTURED:

BiobiN Managing Director Peter Wadewitz with Eugene de Jongh, Managing Partner Apex Waste Solutions & Management