Skip to main content Skip to log on Skip to search Accessibility at CommBank

Brighter / Small business / Businesses turning sustainability into action

The innovators turning sustainability into action

These purpose-driven, forward-thinking business owners are discovering new ways to help Australia achieve a more sustainable future.

  • CommBank’s 2025 Momentum conference brought together Australian businesses using innovation to accelerate sustainability across industries.
  • Defy and Bush to Bowl show how circular design and cultural knowledge can create long-term environmental and social impact.

From recycled plastic manufacturing to Indigenous bushfood gardens, Australian entrepreneurs are finding practical, scalable solutions for a more sustainable future. 

Two forward-thinking businesses, Defy and Bush to Bowl, share insights into their journeys after joining some of the country’s most innovative business minds at CommBank’s 2025 Momentum sustainability conference.

Defy: from discarded plastic to durable design

The founders of Sydney-based recycling company, Defy, want to stop the production of all new plastic by keeping existing plastic in circulation. In the past year, the business has saved tonnes of recycled plastic and transformed it into beautiful new products, like serving platters, benchtops and stools.

Founders Will and Sam at Defy's Botany facility. Imagery provided by BVN and Re-Ply.

Sam Davies 

 “Will and I were working in design businesses and trying to get things made out of recycled plastic, but the only available recycled plastic was low quality and black. We experimented ourselves and that led to the first version of Defy – a not-for-profit, small-scale recycler based out of a garden shed and a box trailer using basic machines that we built using parts from old ovens and car jacks! 

“People liked the products we created and they also liked seeing something turn from waste to a new product in front of their eyes. There was an amazing moment when we took a milk bottle and a bright pink detergent bottle, washed and shredded them and put them into our first mould. An hour later, we opened the mould and had this beautiful fruit bowl. That moment still excites me.” 

Products designed by Fisch and made by Defy.

Will Thompson 

“There’s enough plastic material in circulation. We just need to get better at capturing it, keeping it pure and turning it into long-lasting products that become part of the circular economy. What’s different about our approach is that we handle every step from recycling to manufacturing, and we focus on making attractive products. 

“We target waste streams from businesses and prevent it entering kerbside yellow bins, but the businesses we work with must be prepared to turn that waste into something else – we’re not a dumping site!”

Tip: “If in doubt, don’t put it in the recycling bin.” Throwing in items you're unsure about can create a headache for recyclers.

Bush to Bowl: caring for Country through food, culture and education

A strong connection to culture, ecological respect and the healing of land and community underpins the work of Bush to Bowl. The business restores degraded landscapes, creates meaningful employment and enterprise opportunities, and delivers education programs that showcase Aboriginal ways of caring for land.

Adam Byrne started Bush to Bowl with Clarence Bruinsma around six years ago.

Co-founder and Garigal man, Adam Byrne 

“We’re a social enterprise that focuses on culture, community and care of Country – they’ve been our key simple values since [Yaegl man] Clarence Bruinsma and I started Bush to Bowl about six years ago. 

“I was landscaping at the time and Clarence was in education but was a green thumb growing food in his backyard. We both had a passion for cultural gardens and food sovereignty and realised that a lot of our food story is not being shared. There’s only a one to two per cent representation of Aboriginal people in the food industry. 

“We started by building a cultural garden in a primary school and then we put up a greenhouse. We create bushfood gardens in schools that want to teach kids Aboriginal values and land management. We’ve got our own nursery now with trainees and that’s a space where young people, Elders and families build their skills and pride in culture. 

“We all have one big challenge when it comes to the environment because we all live from Country. I think when people hear us speak about Bush to Bowl, they walk away with a different perspective and realise that anyone who’s on Country – it doesn’t matter where you are or who you are – is a custodian.” 

Tip: Learn and connect to the Country you live on as much as you can. The more you connect, the more you’ll want to protect her.
Bush to Bowl creates bushfood gardens in schools and has its own nursery.

CommBank sustainability solutions

We have a range of financial solutions designed to support your sustainability goals.

Explore

Related articles

 

 

Published: 6 February 2026

Tags

Things you should know

This article provides general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as personal financial product advice. The views expressed by contributors are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of CBA. As the information has been provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider what is appropriate for your circumstances, and where appropriate, consider the relevant Target Market Determination, Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions available on our website. You should also consider whether seeking independent professional legal, tax and financial advice is necessary. Every effort has been taken to ensure the information was correct as at the time of printing but it may be subject to change. No part of the editorial contents may be reproduced or copied in any form without the prior permission and acknowledgement of CBA.