Since 2003, Close the Loop has been the collection, recycling, and resource recovery partner for the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program, delivering consistent national service and independently verified recovery outcomes.

In this role, Close the Loop manages the end-to-end recovery of eligible printer cartridges collected through the program, including logistics coordination, sorting, recycling, customer service and downstream material recovery. These services have been delivered continuously for more than two decades, providing long-term stability for one of Australia’s longest-running voluntary product stewardship programs.

Close the Loop is an Australian resource recovery and circular solutions company that collects, sorts, and processes complex materials across multiple product streams, including printer consumables, cosmetics packaging, batteries, and electronic waste.

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Beyond recovery operations, Close the Loop manufactures an array of packaging products, as well as recycled-content products, including a high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled toner and plastics. These products are used in local road infrastructure, turning recovered materials into practical, closed-loop outcomes.

The company works with manufacturers, retailers, councils, and program partners to design and operate product stewardship and take-back programs that prioritise material recovery, reuse, and responsible recycling. 

Company Purpose and Approach

Close the Loop supports the transition to a circular economy, where materials are recovered and reintegrated into productive use rather than disposed of

Its approach is based on:

• Recovering materials from complex waste streams
• Maximising reuse and recycling outcomes
• Reducing reliance on landfill
• Collaborating with manufacturers, retailers, communities, and program partners

This collaborative model recognises that effective recycling and product stewardship require shared responsibility across the entire supply chain

Zero Waste to Landfill Outcomes 

For the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program, Close the Loop operates under a Zero Waste to Landfill commitment, which is independently verified through annual audits. 

In practice, "zero waste to landfill" means that;

• No collected program materials are disposed of in landfill
• Materials are prioritised for reuse, recycling, or energy recovery where recycling is not technically feasible
• Residual materials are managed through approved recovery pathways rather than landfill disposal

This commitment is specific to the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program and is assessed annually to ensure ongoing compliance.

Environmental and Quality Management Systems

Close the Loop operates under internaitonally recognised management standards, which upport consisten, accountable service delivery.

ISO 9001 - Quality Management

ISO 9001 cerification relates to quality management systems. It confirms that Close the Loop has documented processes in plae to manage operations consistently, address risks, and continually improve service delivery. This standard does not assess environmental performance. 

ISO 14001 - Environmental Management

ISO 14001 cerification relates to environmental management systems. It requires the identification and management of environmental risks, legal compliance, and continuous improvement in environmental performance. This standard supports structured decision-making around environmental impacts associated with operations. 

Governance, transparenct, and assurance

Close the Loop's operations for the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program are supported by:
• Independently audited outcomes
• Accredited management systems
• Long-term operational delivery at national scale

These governance measures provide assurance that materials collected through the program are managed responsibly and in line with documented standards and commitments.

Why this matters?

For members of the public, business and organisations using the Cartirdges 4 Planet Ark program, Close the Loop's role provides confidence that:
• Collected cartridges are managed through established recovery pathways
• Claims about recycling outcomes are supported by independent verifications
• The program is delivered by an experienced operator with long-term accountability

Clear governance, transparent and independent assurance are essential to maintaining trust in national recycling and product stewardship programs.