Planet Ark returns to operations after creditors back restructuring plan through voluntary administration.
Planet Ark Environmental Foundation has announced its return to full operations after creditors unanimously approved a plan to restructure the organisation and end its brief period of voluntary administration.
The approval, confirmed at a second creditors’ meeting on 13 June, allows control of the charity to return to its directors. The formal process concluded on 24 June, marking what Planet Ark called “a significant step” and “the beginning of a new chapter”.
The turnaround was made possible through a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) – a legal agreement used in Australia’s insolvency system. A DOCA enables a financially distressed company to settle its debts and continue trading, typically offering creditors a better outcome than liquidation. It functions similarly to a UK Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).
Planet Ark submitted the DOCA, which was accepted without objection. This result signals a strong show of support from staff, stakeholders, and business partners.
In a public statement, Planet Ark said: “We remain committed to our mission of empowering Australians to take positive environmental actions. This milestone reaffirms our belief in the strength of Planet Ark’s mission and the value it brings to communities, schools, businesses, and governments across the country.”
The news comes just weeks after the organisation confirmed it had entered administration following sustained financial pressure, including COVID-19 impacts, funding constraints and rising costs.
The outcome will reassure supporters of the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark programme. The scheme has recycled over 50 million printer cartridges since 2003 and is delivered in partnership with Close the Loop and OEMs including HP, Canon, Brother, Epson and Kyocera. It is widely viewed as a successful model of voluntary product stewardship.
Collection points in major retail outlets, including Officeworks and The Good Guys, make it one of the few national cartridge recycling schemes with consistent public reach. During the administration, its continuation was considered a priority.
Planet Ark confirmed it would continue delivering its core campaigns, including National Recycling Week and National Tree Day, “with the same passion and dedication that have made them cornerstones of environmental action in Australia for decades”.
The charity also thanked administrators Michael Jones and Bruce Gleeson of Jones Partners, who guided the process “with professionalism and care”.
With the DOCA now in effect, Planet Ark’s leadership says it focuses on a “renewed and sustainable future” – one built on the same public trust and environmental commitment that have defined its work for over 30 years.
