Ziah Lane, pictured with Leila McKinnon, wants her children to grow up in a world with trees.
It’s a simple enough request.
But given that 27,000 trees are used daily in the global production of toilet paper, it might not be a future she can count on.
That’s why Ziah set out to create No Issues Tissues.
The Australian-owned business creates toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels and serviettes made from soft bamboo fibres instead of trees.
Passionate about her product, and the environment, Ziah says, “Bamboo is the future of the paper industry. I am an advocate and I want everyone to know that.”
Now, as with any small business, brand awareness can be a big obstacle, but that’s all about to change for Ziah.
Last Friday, Ziah was crowned the Major Prize Winner in The Australian Women’s Weekly/CPA Australia Women in Business Awards.
As such, her business will receive a cash injection of $10,000, which can be used to grow the business.
Ziah will also receive one-on-one mentoring from the judging panel a.k.a. some of the best business brains in Australia.
Alex Malley, Chief Executive of CPA Australia, Heather Ridout, a member of the Reserve Bank Board, Siobhan McKenna, non-executive director of Ten Network Holdings and Sarah Wilson, founder of I Quit Sugar, were just some of the judges impressed by Ziah’s tree-free tissues, and via their role on the Women in Business judging panel can offer invaluable guidance an advice in Ziah’s renewable and sustainable business.
With their backing, Ziah can aim to boost her business and remain committed to getting people to help save endangered animals, ecosystems and ultimately our planet by making one simple switch at the supermarket.
That goal of saving trees for our children, and our children’s children? It suddenly seems much more in reach.
Meet the other inspiring women who impressed The Women in Business Awards judges too.
