Sydney — As Australia intensifies its push toward net-zero emissions and circular economy practices in 2026, a growing number of businesses are setting benchmarks for environmental responsibility. From innovative startups tackling waste and energy challenges to established firms embedding sustainability into core operations, these companies demonstrate that profitability and planetary health can align.

Recent reports, including the Corporate Knights Global 100 ranking and World Benchmarking Alliance assessments, highlight Australian leaders in areas like waste management, renewable energy and low-impact manufacturing. B Corp certification, now held by over 740 companies across Australia and New Zealand, provides a rigorous measure of social and environmental performance. Here are 10 standout eco-friendly companies making significant impacts in 2026.

1. Brambles Ltd The global supply-chain solutions provider, headquartered in Sydney, ranks among the world’s most sustainable corporations in the 2026 Corporate Knights Global 100. Brambles, parent of CHEP pallet pooling, excels in circular economy models that reuse and recycle wooden pallets, reducing deforestation and waste. Its near-perfect scores in sustainability metrics reflect strong governance, low emissions intensity and resource efficiency, positioning it as a leader in sustainable logistics.
2. Sims Ltd A Melbourne-based recycling giant, Sims secured a high placement in the 2026 Global 100 for its waste management expertise. The company processes millions of tons of metal, electronics and other materials annually, diverting waste from landfills and recovering valuable resources. Sims’ focus on circularity, emissions reduction and ethical sourcing earns it consistent A- ratings, making it a cornerstone of Australia’s resource recovery sector.
3. Hysata This Wollongong startup is pioneering green hydrogen production with capillary-fed electrolyser technology that promises higher efficiency and lower costs than traditional methods. Recognized among top sustainability innovators, Hysata’s advancements support Australia’s hydrogen export ambitions and domestic decarbonization, attracting significant investment and positioning the company as a frontrunner in clean energy transition.
4. Bygen Based in Adelaide, Bygen transforms agricultural waste like nut shells into high-value activated carbon for water filtration and air purification. The process sequesters carbon while addressing pollution, exemplifying innovative waste-to-resource solutions. As a highlighted sustainability startup, Bygen contributes to reducing industrial emissions and promoting bio-based materials in 2026.
5. Gaia EnviroTech Operating from Victoria, Gaia converts organic waste into renewable energy and bio-fertilizers through advanced anaerobic digestion. Its systems help businesses manage food and agricultural waste sustainably, cutting methane emissions and generating clean biogas. The company’s waste-to-energy approach aligns with national circular economy goals and supports local decarbonization efforts.
6. Yume This Melbourne-based platform combats food waste by connecting surplus food from manufacturers and retailers to charities and businesses. Yume’s digital marketplace has redistributed millions of meals, reducing landfill contributions and addressing food insecurity. Its scalable model earns praise as a practical solution to one of Australia’s major environmental and social challenges.
7. Who Gives A Crap The toilet paper company, founded in Melbourne, uses 100% recycled or bamboo materials and donates 50% of profits to sanitation projects. Certified B Corp status underscores its commitment to ethical sourcing, plastic-free packaging and carbon-neutral operations. In 2026, it continues expanding sustainable consumer goods while supporting global hygiene initiatives.
8. Returnr A reusable packaging pioneer, Returnr offers deposit-return systems for food containers and coffee cups, eliminating single-use plastics in cafes and events. The company’s closed-loop model reduces waste and encourages consumer behavior change. Featured in sustainability roundups, Returnr exemplifies practical steps toward a zero-waste economy.
9. Australian Ethical Investment As one of Australia’s first publicly listed B Corps, this Canberra-based firm manages funds focused exclusively on positive-impact investments. It avoids fossil fuels and prioritizes renewables, ethical labor and environmental stewardship. Its influence shapes capital flows toward sustainable projects, amplifying eco-friendly business growth nationwide.
10. Outland Denim The Queensland fashion brand produces sustainable jeans using eco-friendly materials and fair labor practices. Certified B Corp, Outland emphasizes low-water denim production and ethical supply chains. Its “cycle of freedom” mission combines environmental care with social impact, inspiring sustainable fashion in Australia.

These companies reflect broader trends in 2026: stronger governance linking executive pay to sustainability targets, rising climate transition planning and innovation in green technologies. While mining and energy sectors face scrutiny, leaders like Brambles and Sims show resource-intensive industries can achieve high sustainability standards. Startups such as Hysata and Bygen drive breakthroughs in clean energy and waste valorization.

Government policies, including enhanced emissions reporting and incentives for renewables, support this momentum. Investor expectations and regulatory pressure push more firms toward credible action. As Australia navigates its nature-dependent economy, these eco-friendly trailblazers offer models for balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

Los Angeles — Australian actress Samara Weaving, 34, continues her ascent in Hollywood with a string of high-profile roles, including a highly anticipated horror sequel and an upcoming action-comedy thriller. Known for her fearless performances in genre films, Weaving has solidified her status as a modern scream queen while embracing personal milestones, including her first pregnancy announced in late 2025. As she promotes two major projects premiering in early 2026, here are 10 key things to know about the versatile performer.

1. Born in Adelaide, Raised Globally Weaving was born Feb. 23, 1992, in Adelaide, South Australia. Her family moved frequently during her childhood, living in Singapore, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia due to her father’s diplomatic career. This nomadic upbringing exposed her to diverse cultures early on, shaping her adaptability and global perspective — traits that serve her well in an international film industry.
2. Early Breakthrough in Australian Television Weaving launched her career in Australia with roles in popular series. She gained recognition for her work on the long-running soap opera “Home and Away” (2009-2013), where she played Indi Walker. The part showcased her dramatic range and helped her transition from local TV to international projects, laying the foundation for her move to Hollywood.
3. Breakout Horror Role in ‘The Babysitter’ Weaving’s U.S. breakthrough came with the 2017 Netflix horror-comedy “The Babysitter,” directed by McG. Her portrayal of the villainous Bee solidified her genre credentials. The film’s success led to a sequel in 2020, establishing her as a go-to actress for dark, comedic horror roles that blend gore with sharp wit.
4. Iconic Performance in ‘Ready or Not’ Weaving achieved widespread acclaim in 2019’s “Ready or Not,” playing Grace, a bride thrust into a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her in-laws. The film’s blend of satire, suspense and blood-soaked action made it a cult favorite. Weaving’s physical commitment and ability to convey both vulnerability and ferocity earned her praise as a standout scream queen.
5. Reprising Grace in ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ In 2026, Weaving returns as Grace in “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Radio Silence). The sequel premiered at SXSW in March 2026, with Weaving reuniting with co-stars including Elijah Wood, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Kathryn Newton. Despite being heavily pregnant, she attended a Los Angeles screening on March 16, 2026, at AMC The Grove, baring her baby bump in a peekaboo dress and reuniting with Margot Robbie.
6. Starring in SXSW Double-Feature Weaving headlined a gory double-feature at SXSW 2026 with “Ready or Not 2” and “Over Your Dead Body,” an action-comedy thriller directed by Jorma Taccone. The latter, a remake of the Norwegian film “The Trip,” co-stars Jason Segel and follows a couple’s romantic getaway that turns murderous. Weaving joined the SXSW premiere via FaceTime and cutout due to her pregnancy, but her involvement underscores her commitment to bold, genre-blending projects.
7. Upcoming Crime Romance ‘Carolina Caroline’ Weaving stars in “Carolina Caroline,” a crime romance set to premiere June 5, 2026. The film pairs her with Kyle Gallner and Kyra Sedgwick, promising a shift toward more dramatic territory while maintaining her edge in intense storytelling.
8. Personal Life: Married to Jimmy Warden Weaving married screenwriter and director Jimmy Warden in 2019. The couple met on the set of “The Babysitter: Killer Queen” and have collaborated professionally. Warden’s creative influence appears in her career choices, blending her horror roots with varied genres.
9. Expecting First Child In late 2025, Weaving announced she is expecting her first child with Warden. The pregnancy has been highly visible in 2026 promotions, including a March ELLE Australia cover featuring an intimate, at-home photoshoot in white lace. Weaving has shared glimpses of her relaxed energy during this time, balancing motherhood preparations with a busy filming schedule.
10. Embracing Genre Versatility and Future Aspirations Despite her horror reputation, Weaving has expressed interest in branching out. In a March 2026 Deadline interview, she described herself as a “scaredy-cat” growing up but now thrives in intense roles. She harbors “quiet dreams” of improv comedy and lighter projects. Her executive producer credit on “Ready or Not 2” signals growing involvement behind the camera, hinting at expanded creative control in future endeavors.

Weaving’s 2026 marks a pivotal year: major releases, personal joy and continued genre dominance. With her blend of physicality, charisma and range, she remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling rising stars, poised for even greater impact as she navigates motherhood and an evolving career.