Author: Dr. Ross Headifen (PhD) 
Ross Headifen has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and over 28 years of experience developing environmental and sustainable industry solutions. As co-founder of landfill biodegradable plastics brand Biogone and environmental equipment supplier FieldTech Solutions, Ross works closely with businesses navigating the growing pressure to rethink everyday plastic use and align with Australia’s evolving packaging targets.
Plastic is everywhere in business – from mailing satchels and bin liners to stretch wrap and catering supplies. It’s convenient, durable, and cost-effective. But the way we use and dispose of plastic has long-term consequences.
According to the Australia Institute, Australians generate more than 2.5 – 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. On a per-person basis, consumption has increased 60% since 2000 — now averaging 148kg per person annually. Alarmingly, only 14% of plastic is kept out of landfill. The rest piles up, persisting for hundreds of years.
This raises a critical question for every business: how do we reduce our reliance on conventional plastics without compromising on performance?
A Smarter Way Forward
When Ross and John founded Biogone in 2014, they were working in an industry committed to environmental remediation — yet reliant on single-use plastics. Their vision was simple: create eco-smart plastics that retain the strength and durability businesses need, while offering a more responsible end-of-life pathway.
The result was landfill-biodegradable plastics. These products are recyclable with soft plastics where facilities exist. But if they end up in a modern landfill*, a unique additive ensures they will biodegrade approximately 90% faster than conventional plastics — breaking down into natural fertiliser and gas with no microplastics actively formed.
It’s a win-now, win-later solution. Businesses can keep operations running smoothly while making a measurable reduction in long-term plastic waste.
Why Businesses Need to Act
Every organisation has a role in shaping Australia’s waste future. Here’s why businesses should prioritise eco-smart plastic choices:
● Reputation and trust: 91% of Australians are concerned about plastic pollution. Choosing more responsible products demonstrates leadership and earns customer confidence.
● Supporting the circular economy: By choosing products made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, businesses reduce reliance on virgin plastics and keep valuable resources in circulation.
● Cost-effective change: Biogone products are designed for everyday business use — with durability equal to conventional plastics and without the high price tag often associated with compostable products.
Tackling Misconceptions
Many businesses hesitate to adopt alternatives due to misconceptions:
● “Biodegradable” vs “oxo-degradable”: Unlike degradable plastics that fragment into microplastics, Biogone products biodegrade fully into gas and organic matter.
● Durability concerns: Because they are 99% conventional plastic, Biogone products perform just like traditional plastics. They don’t tear easily, resist moisture and UV, and have long shelf lives.
● “Will it start breaking down early?” No. Our products won’t biodegrade until they are in a microbe-rich landfill (modern landfill) environment. The first roll of Biogone bin liners made over 10 years ago is still as strong as the day it was produced.
Everyday Business Switches
Small changes add up. Businesses can immediately reduce their impact by swapping out conventional plastics with landfill-biodegradable versions:
● Mailing satchels and packing tape for e-commerce and logistics.
● Bin liners and stretch wrap for warehouses and offices.
● Nitrile gloves for healthcare and workplace safety.
● Dog waste bags for councils, parks, and pet-friendly facilities.
These are simple, low-friction shifts that make a tangible difference.
Looking Ahead
Plastic consumption in Australia is projected to grow two-and-a-half times by 2050 if we don’t change course. Businesses that act now can help bend that curve.
At Biogone, we continue to innovate by incorporating more post-consumer recycled materials into our products — with a goal of 30–50% PCR content in mailers, bin liners, and more. This pushes us closer to a truly circular economy while keeping costs practical for businesses.
The Logical Choice
Conventional plastics no longer make sense in a world facing mounting plastic waste. Biogone offers an eco-smart, more responsible solution that balances performance, compliance, and environmental impact.
By rethinking your everyday plastic use, your business doesn’t just reduce landfill waste — it helps shape a smarter, more sustainable future.
Biogone: landfill-biodegradable plastics that work today and protect tomorrow.
