Business spotlight: SSS Strawberries green machine

How the right equipment can help achieve sustainability goals

Keeping your business equipment updated is essential to help you maximise your business activity.

There's an increasing focus on the sustainable practices of businesses today. This is why the right equipment can help you achieve your sustainability credentials. It will also help you reduce business costs and improve operations.

Some businesses consider the environment by reducing the amount of packaging they use. Others might switch to more environmentally friendly options.

Sweet success for SSS Strawberries

For Bendigo Bank customer, SSS Strawberries, collaboration helped them to understand how they can better support people and planet. It also helped them to reduce waste and diversify their revenue stream.

In 2023, the Bundaberg based business purchased snap freeze and freeze-dried food processing equipment. This means they can repurpose two million kilograms of fruit worth more than $600,000, which is good quality, but not deemed appropriate for sale as fresh fruit.

The 100% freeze-dried product sold under Gina's Table brand

Toan Dang, Chief Financial Officer at SSS Strawberries said the new equipment purchase had many significant impacts.

“Supporting our farmers, reducing landfill waste and offering healthy snacks to consumers is a triumph,” he said.

“By nurturing our agricultural community and promoting sustainability, we create a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone, from the hardworking farmers to health-conscious consumers.

“By purchasing equipment that will keep this process in our business, we are eliminating outsourcing costs, which means we can reinvesting profits into sustainable ventures, like building an apartment complex for our seasonal workforce.

“This equipment is more than just a business purchase; it’s a step toward a more sustainable future for our region and beyond.

Finding the right partners

Bendigo Bank’s 3rd Party Relationship Director, Greg Cheshire said SMEs are investigating sustainable equipment, with finance options to suit. “Customers today want to buy from businesses that focus on ethics and sustainability,” Greg said.

“SMEs today understand they can do more for the environment and society. They're looking for electric cars, trucks and buses, and electric or hydrogen machines and engines. Renewable energy options like solar or wind are becoming more popular as well as LED lighting.”

Greg said working with a business banker to find the right equipment options can help you achieve your sustainable goals.

“Switching to “greener’ options is just the beginning,” he said. “Tapping into the right expertise will help you to understand your current and future needs. This includes your sustainability goals and any operational risks before making large purchases.

"The operating environment is always changing. So providing best quality products and services will help you stay ahead of your competition. The good news is, you don’t always need to use available cash to do it.

“Collaboration is the key to achieving your goals and ensuring your cash flow is optimised.”

To start your partnership with Bendigo Bank, enquire today.