Globally leading sustainability facility opens in Palmwoods
Global flavour leader McCormick has officially opened its upgraded sustainability-focused facility at its Sunshine Coast site, making a major step forward in reducing waste while supporting the global growth of its Gourmet Garden brand.
The state-of-the-art trade waste treatment facility was unveiled on Friday, June 6 after seven months of construction, reinforcing Gourmet Garden’s commitment to long-term operational excellence and sustainable growth. Its primary purpose is to manage liquid waste generated by manufacturing activities.
The facility is located at McCormick’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland base in Palmwoods which is also the production hub for the award-winning Gourmet Garden herb and spice range - an essential favourite among Aussies in mainstream supermarket aisles.
The upgraded facility is estimated to realise about AU$27.93 million in total economic impact in the Sunshine Coast region, and create about 90 local jobs, directly and indirectly.
As a key supporter of both Gourmet Garden and McCormick Australia, Sunshine Coast Council has played a pivotal role in this project by providing McCormick Australia with development assistance and commercial growth initiatives by championing their innovation journey.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli celebrated the opening of the Palmwoods facility with a tour and ribbon cutting.
“Sunshine Coast Council applauds McCormick Australia for its contribution to the local economy, its focus on sustainability and the unwavering commitment to remain a vital part of the region's growth and prosperity,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The facility also supports McCormick’s continued focus on enhancing its sustainable practices, which aligns with being located in one of only five UNESCO biosphere reserves in Australia.
"Here on the Sunshine Coast, we are proud of our sustainability goals and of the businesses that help make those ideals a reality.”
McCormick Australia's managing director Paris Golden said McCormick was guided by our Purpose-led Performance (PLP) principles to deliver industry-leading financial performance while doing what’s right for people, communities and the planet.
"This upgraded facility reinforces our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and delivers lasting value to our communities and stakeholders," Mr Golden said.
“As we continue to expand our international presence, we’re investing in smart infrastructure to uphold our high standards in trade waste management."
The upgraded facility, developed in collaboration with Aerofloat and McNab, is designed to support Gourmet Garden’s expanding production capacity both locally and internationally.
With the ability to process 25-40 cubic metres of wastewater per hour and a 500-kilolitre holding capacity, this advanced system strengthens sustainable and efficient operations, enabling increased output while maintaining environmental and regulatory standards.
By reducing waste disposal costs and mitigating overflow risks, the facility enhances the brand’s ability to scale and meet growing market demands.
Housed within a 650 square metre building, it is complemented by landscaped outdoor areas featuring 731 native plants, thoughtfully designed to enhance the site's environmental footprint and promote local biodiversity.
McCormick Australia's operational project manager Tim Cooney said the success of this project was driven by strong collaboration with Aerofloat and McNab, and closely supported by Unity Water and the Sunshine Coast Council.
"Together, we have delivered a facility that strengthens our operational capabilities and positions us for long term sustainable growth in the Sunshine Coast region.”