E3 Products, a family-owned social enterprise born on Victoria’s Surf Coast, is taking its love of crafting sustainable holiday memories to the world, after securing a landmark partnership with SEA LIFE’s international aquarium network. The Torquay-based maker will supply 28,000 recycled-plastic souvenirs made from everyday milk-bottle lids – four of these lids are the same amount of plastic that can be fatal to a sea turtle if ingested.

For over 20 years, e3 has designed bespoke Australian souvenirs for more than 100 Australian tourism destinations, including Zoos Victoria, Ballarat Wildlife Park, the Parliament Shop in Canberra and Sydney Airport retail. Now, its signature rPET keyrings and bag tags, each made from 3-4 milk bottle lids collected by schoolchildren and community volunteers via lids4kids, will sit in SEA LIFE’s global network of 50 aquariums and marine sanctuaries that welcome millions of visitors every year.

Carlo Lowdon, Founder of e3 Products, says the partnership takes a coastal family business onto the world stage, while staying true to its purpose.

“We started as a small family business on the Great Ocean Road, creating souvenirs for people when they’re at their happiest, on holiday.

“Now those same memories are travelling even further, all while carrying an environmental story with them. Someone can buy an eco-friendly keyring at a SEA LIFE aquarium in Europe or Asia and still be connected back to an Australian beach and a child who helped collect those bottle caps.”

Every keyring is made from recycled materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, and when they’re no longer needed, the beautiful products can be recycled again and turned into something new.

The move comes as the global souvenirs and novelty market, valued at more than US$100 billion, faces increasing pressure to shift away from disposable plastics. SEA LIFE’s charity partner, SEA LIFE Trust, highlights the consequences: millions of tonnes of plastic enter oceans every year, harming wildlife and fragile ecosystems.

SEA LIFE Naomi Manson, Head of Commercial Sydney Cluster, says the partnership reflects a path forward for the tourism industry.

“Our visitors want souvenirs that mean something, products that reflect their values and their love for our oceans. e3’s recycled-plastic range is a perfect fit: it’s colourful, meaningful and directly tied to reducing waste. We’re proud to bring an Australian social enterprise into our global network and to help tell the story of how small choices can make a big difference for marine life,” said Naomi.

e3 Products’ mission is to create useful souvenirs that hold onto holiday happiness long after the trip ends, everyday items like keyrings, bag tags, mugs and tote bags that people actually use, rather than forget in a drawer. Since 2005, the company has worked to reduce its environmental footprint, and today, its range includes certified carbon-neutral products, FSC®-certified timber and a growing use of recycled materials such as rPET.

“We have an obligation to teach people to buy a bit differently. When you pick up one of our keyrings, you’re choosing something that’s made from recycled materials, is recyclable and supports conservation. There is a real shift happening, and we’re doing it the best way we know how,” said Carlo.

“Every part of our business, from what we make to how we ship it, is about reducing impact and changing habits. If we can help even a small percentage of the global souvenir market shift to circular, carbon-neutral products, the ripple effect through tourism and retail could be enormous,” Carlo said.

To learn more about e3’s Recycled Souvenirs (RPET) please visit https://www.e3products.com.au/recycled-souvenirs-rpet

INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.

PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN: PayPal.Me/clevergreensolutions

Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au

Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!