Natraplas is pleased to announce a transformative milestone in its corporate trajectory, as the company proudly assumes the status of being 50% Indigenous-owned. This monumental evolution underscores their unwavering dedication to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, firmly aligning with their enduring corporate values and forward-looking vision. The momentous transition heralds an exhilarating chapter in Natraplas’ journey as they extend a warm embrace to their new Indigenous equity partners: Tammy O’Connor, Paula White, and Shakira Grasso, all esteemed traditional custodians of the Pilbara region.
These three remarkable individuals bring to the table a wealth of experience, expertise, and profound cultural heritage, promising to elevate Natraplas to unprecedented heights. Their invaluable insights and perspectives will not only enrich Natraplas’ corporate culture but also enhance their capacity to deliver innovative and culturally-inclusive products and services to their discerning clientele.
Tammy O’Connor, a revered figure within the Indigenous community, is the driving force behind Kingkira Group, a 100% female-owned Aboriginal traditional owner business. Kingkira Group has established itself as a trailblazer in delivering safe, pioneering services and solutions to the mining and resources sectors in Western Australia. Tammy’s deep cultural and traditional roots in her Nyiyaparli and Palyku Aboriginal heritage, as well as familial ties to Kariyarra and Ngarluma. That combined with her fervent commitment to empowering Indigenous women, makes her a powerful addition to our team.
Paula White, the founder of White Springs, which provides long-term employment and training for Aboriginal people in the mining support services across WA. Paula is a Proud Banyjima Traditional Owner, that carries with her a rich cultural legacy meticulously preserved and handed down through generations. Raised by her grandparents, Paula’s dedication to preserving Indigenous culture and promoting wider community understanding and respect is fueled by her family’s poignant history, as her grandfather was forcibly removed from his birthplace in White Springs and placed in Roelands Mission during the stolen generation era.
Shakira Grasso, the Founder and Director of SG Enterprises in WA is another traditional owner from the Pilbara region that enriches Natraplas with her unique perspective rooted in her Nyiyaparli and Palyku Aboriginal heritage, as well as familial ties to Kariyarra and Ngarluma through her great grandmother’s lineage. Her presence adds another layer to our diverse and culturally-rich tapestry at Natraplas.
In addition, Natraplas is pleased to announce a groundbreaking Joint Venture partnership with Madalah, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing scholarships and support to Indigenous students. Madalah’s scholarships aim to facilitate Indigenous students’ access to educational opportunities they may not otherwise have, enabling them to attend some of Australia’s top educational institutions. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to enhance educational outcomes for Indigenous Australians and support them in realising their full potential.
As part of this partnership, locally made 100% compostable co-branded cups adorned with traditional Aboriginal Art, Language, and Stories will be produced and distributed across mine sites. These cups will replace current non-sustainable alternatives, making a substantial contribution to regional sustainability efforts.
Yet their commitment to sustainability goes beyond these cups. Natraplas proudly offers a comprehensive range of compostable single-use and reusable biopolymer items, along with organic-based products crafted from paper and sugarcane bagasse, for both retail and wholesale markets. Their product range encompasses bottles, cups, cutlery, bin liners, and pallet wrap, all meticulously crafted from a unique compostable biopolymer sourced from materials such as used cooking oils and organic waste.
Natraplas takes great pride in ensuring that their products not only meet the highest ecofriendly standards but also exhibit unmatched quality and efficacy. Their products have undergone rigorous independent testing and achieved full certification, setting them apart from many competing ‘greenwashed’ alternatives in the market.
The positive impact of their products is already evident in the Pilbara region, where their use has prevented over 2,000 tons of single-use plastic from entering landfills. While this is a significant achievement, they view it as just the commencement of their journey towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and diverse future. With the support of their new partners and the local community, Natraplas is poised to make an even more substantial positive impact in the years to come.
10 Jun 2024
