Gary Smith, CEO of global sustainable packaging enterprise BioPak, has been awarded the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Australia. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony in Sydney, New South Wales on 20 March.
Selected from 16 finalists recognised for their purpose-driven entrepreneurial spirit, Gary was acknowledged for pioneering a movement in the sustainable packaging industry, showcasing unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to driving positive change through BioPak.
“I am truly proud and humbled to accept this award,” says Gary.
“BioPak started with two people, a trestle table, and a dream. Almost two decades later, our task force and BioCrew is now more than 200 strong, underpinning a workforce and culture that drives innovation, champions growth, and celebrates creativity. Our purpose and vision have always been to create a world without waste – and we will continue to change behaviour, disrupt industries, and influence policies for the better.”
Gary was also named Industry category winner, alongside three other Australian entrepreneurs.
“Gary absolutely embodies the Australian entrepreneurial spirit. He combines vision and innovation with action, transforming ideas into successful businesses,” says Russell Phillips, Partner of EY Australia and Entrepreneur Of The Year Australian Program Leader.
“Thanks to Gary’s inventiveness, dedication and relentless enthusiasm for positive change, BioPak has revolutionised the foodservice packaging industry and accelerated its movement toward the circular economy in Australia, New Zealand and beyond.”
Since 2001, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognised ambitious leaders who build and sustain successful, dynamic businesses that leave a lasting positive impact in the communities in which they operate. In Australia, there are over 1700 entrepreneurs in the Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni community.
Gary will travel to Monaco in June to compete against national winners from more than 60 countries for the chance to be named 2024 EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
For more information, visit www.biopak.com
