One of the many sustainable procurement initiatives ACCIONA has implemented, is the use of 100% recycled flagging on the Murray Basin Rail Project and the Shepparton Line Upgrade in Victoria.

This approach has helped to reduce environmental waste and supports circular economy principles.

Vivian Ziakas, Alliance General Manger emphasised the significance of this approach.

"The use of recycled flagging on these projects demonstrates ACCIONA’s commitment to innovation and sustainability," Ms Ziakas said.

"It also fosters important conversations about the environmental and social value of sustainable procurement."

The Murray Basin Rail Project, spanning from Ballarat to Mildura, and the Shepparton Line Upgrade, covering Seymour to Shepparton, required permanent delineation to protect native vegetation and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Flagging tape is essential for marking boundaries, survey lines, and no-go zones across these remote sites.

Traditional virgin plastic flagging posed recycling challenges due to the lack of processing facilities.

ACCIONA’s teams prioritised reusing virgin flagging where possible but recognised limitations due to wear and simultaneous works. This led to exploring sustainable alternatives.

ACCIONA sourced 100% recycled flagging, including rope and packaging, from Cacti Conserve, a certified social enterprise.

This flagging is made from post-consumer and industrial plastics and can be recycled locally at end-of-life, significantly reducing landfill waste and supporting a circular economy.

The Murray Basin Rail Project used over 22 kilometres of recycled flagging, which was reused across the project as old sites were demobilised and new sites mobilised.

Following the commissioning of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, the more than 6 kilometres of flagging used on that project was collected and stored on cable drums for future project use.

By integrating recycled products, ACCIONA not only enhances site environmental outcomes but also contributes to broader Australian conservation efforts.

Cacti Conserve directs 50% of its profits to conservation causes and collaborates with other social enterprises to amplify social impact.

The partnership with Cacti Conserve has helped challenge the perception that recycled materials are prohibitively expensive compared to virgin alternatives.

While virgin materials may remain cheaper, the long-term environmental and social benefits of recycled flagging are gaining recognition within the industry.

ACCIONA’s adoption of recycled materials on these major Victorian infrastructure projects exemplifies its leadership in sustainable construction practices.

This initiative supports the company’s broader goals of reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and advancing circular economy principles in infrastructure development.

Looking ahead, ACCIONA aims to expand sustainable procurement practices across future projects, fostering innovation that benefits communities and the environment alike.