A Sydney-based family business is tackling the construction industry’s environmental impact through innovative lower-carbon aluminium products that deliver significantly lower emissions than standard alternatives.
DECO Australia has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable building materials, addressing the construction sector’s responsibility for 37 per cent of global carbon emissions.
Industry data shows that embodied carbon emissions of materials used in Australian construction account for 30 to 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, representing approximately five to ten per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions.
Founded in 2004 by Ross Doonan and now operated as a family business with wife Alison and daughters Meika, Ella and Clare, the company’s approach centres on quality manufacturing processes and sustainable supply chain partnerships that prioritise long-term environmental benefits over short-term cost savings.
DECO was recently recognised as Family Business of the Year at the 2025 Family Business Association Awards, with the company also taking out the Established Family Business Award.
The manufacturer’s partnership with Capral Aluminium uses LocAl Green lower-carbon aluminium, which carries ASI traceability certification for supply chain transparency.
The partnership began in June 2023, enabling the company to save up to 4400 tonnes of carbon annually whilst maintaining the durability and performance standards required for Australian conditions.
The partnership with Capral Aluminium, Australia’s largest aluminium extruder, gives the company access to lower-carbon materials whilst maintaining product quality standards.
The switch delivered immediate results, with DECO Australia general manager Richard Hamber saying the partnership represents “an important part of DECO’s ongoing Sustainability Framework, which has a core environmental focus of reducing carbon emissions across our entire business and product offering.”
In the first three months of implementation, the switch to LocAl Green aluminium saved DECO the equivalent of one million kilograms of carbon dioxide.
The company’s product range includes cladding and screening systems that leverage aluminium’s recyclability credentials.
Industry data shows 75 per cent of all aluminium ever produced remains in use today, supporting circular economy principles within the construction sector.
Recycling aluminium also uses just five per cent of the energy required for primary production, with emission savings from aluminium recycling doubling since 1990 and expected to increase by a further 50 per cent over the next decade.
The material’s longevity reduces maintenance requirements and replacement frequency, contributing to overall project sustainability.
DECO’s timber-look aluminium products offer an alternative to traditional timber applications, eliminating logging requirements whilst removing volatile organic compounds associated with timber stains and paints.
These products are non-combustible and energy efficient, and suitable for commercial and residential developments.
DECO’s energy-saving measures go beyond the product range. The manufacturer has implemented energy-saving measures at its Minto facility, including the installation of more than 950 solar panels by Macarthur Solar.
This brings total solar capacity to over 500kw, powering approximately 60 per cent of operations.
The facility also incorporates water recycling programmes and infrared technology for powder coating processes.
The company’s commitment to quality assurance extends to its newly established NATA-accredited Testing Laboratory and Innovation Centre.
The facility reinforces DECO’s focus on product development and manufacturing standards.
LocAl Green lower-carbon aluminium delivers carbon emissions of eight kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of aluminium, representing a significant reduction compared to the current global average for primary aluminium.
This technical specification maintains the same performance characteristics as standard primary aluminium whilst significantly reducing environmental impact.
Quality assurance remains central to DECO’s sustainability strategy, with products engineered for Australian conditions to withstand the country’s diverse environmental challenges.
The company uses the highest quality Class 2 marine grade powders, which offer optimal performance in coastal locations and under the harsh Australian sun.
The manufacturing process includes Qualicoat international certification, ensuring compliance with building standards whilst maintaining product durability and longevity.
This focus on quality manufacturing directly supports sustainability objectives, as longer-lasting products reduce replacement frequency and minimise environmental impact over the building’s lifecycle.
The company’s cradle-to-cradle philosophy extends beyond manufacturing to include customer education on responsible disposal and recycling practices.
This approach addresses the complete product lifecycle, from raw material sourcing through to end-of-life management.
DECO’s sustainable initiatives reflect broader industry trends towards lower-carbon building materials.
The company’s focus on quality manufacturing and renewable energy adoption demonstrates how traditional family businesses can adapt to meet contemporary environmental challenges whilst maintaining competitive positioning.
The integration of sustainable practices with quality manufacturing processes positions DECO as a supplier capable of supporting developers’ environmental targets without compromising on performance or aesthetic requirements.
The company’s low-maintenance products offer value to property developers, who can invest upfront to ensure longevity and reduce costs over the building's lifecycle.
The company’s emphasis on durability and longevity aligns with sustainable building practices that prioritise long-term value over initial cost considerations.
Hamber says the company is now “at the forefront of sustainable aluminium building products and finishes”.
“And we are dedicated to advancing our practices and partnering with others who share our commitment to sustainability.”
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