Advisory Board

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should industries and manufacturing address carbon standards and certifications to increase credibility and accountability?

Kulbir, a visionary leader at SDI Plastics, shapes the company's future by spearheading strategic growth initiatives, fostering global partnerships, and driving innovation in sustainable product development. With a rich background in manufacturing, business development, and strategic planning across Asia and Australia, Kulbir's leadership has propelled SDI to new heights, positioning it as a key player in the industry.

His expertise in injection molding and additive manufacturing has not only led to successful collaborations with top brands and academic institutions but also contributed to pioneering advancements in the circular economy. Through his unwavering commitment to quality and adherence to the highest standards, exemplified by ISO 9001:2015 certification, Kulbir ensures that SDI remains at the forefront of excellence.

Fluent in two languages and adept at navigating cross-border cultures, Kulbir forges strong relationships worldwide, inspiring his team with his strategic vision and dedication to driving impactful change in the industry.

Having trained in Environmental Science and Management, Gavin worked in multiple unique positions in Canada and Australia, giving him experience in people management, project management and organisational understanding.

Gavin joined LION Beverages, one of Australia's largest beverage producing companies, in 2018, where he was responsible for the management and delivery of capital projects and tasked with improving project compliance at site. Key aspects of this role included implementing a change control process, data analysis of site financials and reviewing waste streams to identify key problem areas. 

In 2019 he took on the role of Safety and Environmental Leader, responsible for two of the top three key strategic pillars of Lion manufacturing (Safety, Quality, Environment). He established environmental projects, particularly in waste reduction, which resulted in significant landfill diversion and reduced site operating costs.

Gavin has also worked for Wingecarribee Shire Council in the role of Environmental Officer Sustainability, dedicating his time to projects aimed at reducing GHG emissions from Council operations and educating the local community on how they can do the same.

Today , Gavin leads Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches manufacturing site environment department, exploring sustainability and emissions reduction projects as well as maintaining site environmental compliance.

Katie has 10+ years’ experience in energy, climate change and sustainability strategy, reporting, assurance, finance and carbon markets, consistently supporting customers to drive financial and decarbonisation outcomes.

Katie has a Masters of Business Economics at Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sustainability and Indigenous Studies with a breadth in Climate Change at Melbourne University.

Across her studies Katie worked with NFP organisations such as AYCC and Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, focusing on advocacy and education in climate change and First Nations empowerment. From there, she worked with EPA VIC’s Strategic Operations team in sustainable waste management.

Since coming to Origin, Katie has focused on developing deep and enduring relationships with large commercial and industrial customers to drive holistic end-to-end energy and decarbonisation solutions which integrate complex and multi-faceted products and services with subject matter expertise in carbon markets and alignment with broader environmental and social goals.