IOT Esky Library Initiative
Reducing polystyrene debris through a reusable Esky Library initiative in the Indian Ocean Territories.
Reducing expanded polystyrene debris at its source
Expanded polystyrene is a major contributor to marine debris in the IOT, with the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database having consistently identified polystyrene as the top marine debris item on Christmas Island since 2011.
The Esky Library aims to replace single-use expanded polystyrene eskies with a sustainable, reusable alternative, thereby significantly reducing polystyrene waste and extending the lifespan of local landfill resources. The library will operate as a centralised resource where individuals and businesses can borrow a reusable esky, mitigating the need for disposable polystyrene packaging.
A collaborative effort to launch the Esky Library Initiative Phase 1 Trial
“This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our community, including the program’s stakeholders, without which we would not be able to make this meaningful and positive effect on the local environment happen.” explains IOT Coordinator, Hayley Cook.
The Esky Library Initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Australian Government’s Indian Ocean Territories Marine Parks Grant Program and Phosphate Resources Limited (PRL). The initiative is delivered by Tangaroa Blue and local partners:
- Hambley’s IGA is integrating these reusable eskies into their ordering system for the IOT, participating in staff training, and providing ongoing valuable feedback.
- FreightShop, responsible for managing logistics to and from the islands, has long supported this initiative.
- Altitude Island Logistics is responsible for ensuring the smooth distribution of orders and efficient collection of the reusable eskies.
Learn more about the Esky Library
The TomKat KoolPak reusable esky is a sustainable, reusable, traceable, and recyclable packaging solution for the global transportation of temperature-sensitive and perishable products. Designed for multiple reuses, the KoolPak has been market-tested, with a single unit being used thirty times, compared to current polystyrene eskies that are used once and typically end up in landfill. The outer lid and base are fully circular, with 90%+ post-consumer recycled content. The thermal liner is recycled through other value streams, and each reusable esky can be recycled locally in Perth. Additionally, the Esky Library receives a cash refund from the producer for each recycled unit.
Expanded polystyrene is a major contributor to marine debris in the IOT, with the AMDI Database having consistently identified polystyrene as the top marine debris item on Christmas Island since 2011.
The IOT receives around 255 polystyrene eskies every fortnight, totalling 6,650 boxes annually and adding approximately 216 cubic metres of waste to local landfills (equivalent to 901 kerbside wheelie bins).
Without polystyrene bans or recycling options, polystyrene eskies degrade quickly in the tropical sun, releasing millions of microplastic particles into the environment. Plastic breaks up not down, meaning these microplastics will stay in the ocean almost indefinitely and can cause serious harm to marine species.
There has previously been no alternative to fresh food air freight packaging for the IOT, which lots of households rely on to get food supplies. There are no bans on polystyrene or recycling of polystyrene packaging. The Esky Library provides an alternative with a superior reusable product and a goal to reduce the use of polystyrene for fresh food deliveries to this region.
Over 70% of regular air freight customers on Christmas Island have expressed interest in the initial trial and all our slots are currently full! If you would like to get involved in future trials or want to help with the initiative, contact hayley@tangaroablue.org
