AN Ipswich company that was considered on shaky financial ground in 2008 is now investing in its "green" credentials to secure a future for its 150 workers.

For the 50 years that Australian Hardboards at Bundamba has been established, harm minimisation of the environment has been at the forefront of its operations, says executive chairman Louis Niederer. The manufacturer has developed a new marketing strategy to create more awareness about its green credentials.

"Our output from the water treatment plant now goes into composting. We've found industries for all of our waste streams," Mr Niederer said.

The company's recent investment in the plant was a sign that it considered the business viable, he added.

In 2008, fears were held for workers when Bremer Park Ltd, owners of Australian Hardboards, recorded a loss for the second year running.

"Over the past few years the demand for green building materials has escalated exponentially, and we intend to take full advantage of this evolving trend," Mr Niederer said.

"Our flagship product masonite, which is an iconic building product, is made from waste wood product. A number of other building products contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, whereas ours does not.

"It's this heritage that we intend to build upon to really take advantage of the increasingly green-hungry consumer and government-mandated building products market."

Mr Niederer said the company's environmentally sustainable practices extended to its manufacturing processes as well as its products.

"For the past seven years Australian Hardboards has contributed to the reduction of over 37 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from greenhouse gas emissions through waste water programs and other initiatives," he said.

"We've got a zero waste policy. Our waste is now a resource for other businesses. "We save enough water for 2000 houses."

Australian Hardboards is also a joint venture partner in the $1 billion Citiswich Business Park with Walker Corporation.

The company provided the land for the 335-hectare master planned estate. Last Wednesday the Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) warehouse at Citiswich officially finished construction.

About 200 workers are set to start work at the new warehouse next April.

By YVONNE GARDINER
Ipswich Advertiser
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Page: 3 NEW 001
Circulation: 33, 365
Area of Clip: 340.21 sqcm
Clip ID: 3828868
Region: QLD Regional