Back in the day, we thought long-life cartons were a-okay because they were made out of paper, but what we didn’t know about were the extra layers which make them extremely difficult to recycle. What happens when liquid touches paper? Paper goes soggy. And what do companies do to combat this? They line the paper cartons with a layer of plastic and a layer of aluminium to protect the contents from seeping into the paper carton. Most cartons will also have a little plastic lid.

When you throw your long-life carton into your recycling bin, its carbon footprint undergoes a long and arduous journey from your recycling bin to a recycling facility, and unfortunately, the majority do not make it.

There are several different recycling facilities, so once the recycling from your bin is sorted into different categories; plastics are sent to one facility, glass to another, etc. These cartons have to go to a special facility where they are broken down and the layers are separated through a water mulching process. These layers are then sent off to their respective recycling facility – sadly, only a very small percent are actually successfully recycled. The NSW Government has even taken long-life cartons off the recycling list, so these bad boys are going straight to landfill. But it’s not all bad news…

We’ve always believed that small changes can create a big impact, and with your support since 2017, we’ve prevented over 700,000 containers and cartons from entering landfill. When one reusable and recyclable Mylk Base jar can create 10 litres of milk, why would you choose anything else? Make the switch today on Global Recycling Day (March 18) and help us make a positive difference.

The post The Truth About Long-Life Cartons appeared first on Ulu Hye.

Hey Heidi! Can you tell us about your professional journey so far? 

Prior to Ulu Hye, I worked in both the sustainability industry, as well as the food and agricultural space. Combined, these roles gave me enough confidence to give Ulu Hye a crack! Running Ulu Hye is hard work but incredibly rewarding. To be honest, it doesn’t even feel like work, which can also be a curse. 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

I actually wanted to be a makeup artist! I love the creativity behind it even though I don’t wear any. You know I’m going somewhere special when I put mascara on. 

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. What are two key issues that you’re passionate about when it comes to gender bias in the workplace? 

Ah, where to begin… Definitely the gender pay gap. Women are just as hard-working and more often than not, are juggling the running of a household too. Also, workplace discrimination against mothers – I have seen friends try to return to work after having children, but to their shock, have had their roles made redundant or their role restructured in a way that wasn’t viable for them to return.

We’re curious to know, what’s it really like starting a business with your best friend? 

It’s so good and so hard! Sometimes it’s hard to treat them like a colleague rather than a close friend, especially in times of high stress but there’s nothing better than working alongside your best mate. 

What’s been your proudest moment so far? 

You might be surprised by my answer, but the proudest moment so far would have been when I overheard two women discussing our product. One woman was sharing with her friend how great our Mylk Base was and explaining how to use it. It was very surreal and definitely a pinch-me moment!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt with Ulu Hye? 

So many! Triple check everything, trust your gut, don’t be too proud and outsource talent to fill in the holes that aren’t your expertise. 

Who’s your biggest inspiration? 

I know it’s cliché but my mum is my biggest inspiration. She was a single mum to three children and we never felt like we went without, be it material possessions, time or holidays. She’s amazing and I hope I can be half the mum she is.

What’s your secret to success? 

There is no secret, you get out what you put in.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to start a business?

Just give it a crack! 

We know you’re an avid reader, what’s on your bookshelf at the moment? 

It’s true – I read one book a week! Recents reads are ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens, ‘The Alice Network’ by Kate Quinn and ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely FIne’ by Gail Honeyman.

And we have to ask, what’s your go-to Ulu Hye recipe? 

Easily the salted caramel slice, although I adapted it and made a base using oats and dates instead of nuts.

Okay, final question, where do you see Ulu Hye in 2022 and beyond?

This year we have big plans for Ulu Hye and hope it gains enough momentum to soon enough become a household name and a pantry staple in every kitchen in Australia.

Check out our Mylk Base Range here and help us prevent cartons and containers from entering Aussie landfills today – better for you, better for the planet.

The post #IWD2022 Interview with Co-Founder Heidi appeared first on Ulu Hye.