Workplace desk setup with desktop, pencil. pen, coffee, and cleaning supplies

Sustainable Office Essentials: Smart Way to Shop on Green Friday

With Green Friday, the thoughtful alternative to Black Friday just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to rethink your choices. Instead of chasing steep discounts on single-use or waste-heavy office items, why not invest in essentials that are both practical and eco-friendly.
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Black Friday often means crowded stores, long lines, and shopping carts full of single-use, waste-heavy products. But what if there was a smarter, more sustainable way to stock your workplace?

Green Friday is the eco-friendly alternative to Black Friday. With Green Friday deals and Green Friday sales happening across Australia, it’s the perfect time to rethink your office supplies and make choices that align with your values. 

At COS (Complete Office Supplies), we make ethical shopping simple. Discover sustainable brands and eco-conscious office essentials designed to reduce waste and support a greener workplace. From recycled stationery and refillable pens to sustainable kitchen, cleaning, and packaging supplies, every small choice adds up.

This Green Friday in Australia, stock up on sustainable office products that are practical, responsible, and planet-friendly. Whether it’s notebooks made from responsibly sourced materials, ethically sourced coffee, or smart waste solutions, you can stay productive while supporting a healthier planet. 

Why Choose Green Workplace Supplies?

Workplaces in Australia produce significant waste from used paper and plastic bin liners to single-use hygiene products, making day-to-day operations have a real environmental impact. Swapping just a few key items for environmentally friendly products can add up to meaningful change.

By choosing sustainable brands and products that are sustainably sourced, certified, or made from post-consumer recycled materials, you’re making a conscious decision to support ethical shopping. Small changes in your workplace can contribute to a greener, more responsible future while maintaining the functionality and practicality your team needs.

Sustainable Office Essentials to Consider:

1. Sustainable Paper Choices

  • New Future Opti by UPM 

Want to make your workplace a little greener? New Future Opti by UPM is FSC-certified, using fewer raw materials and less energy during production and transport. Its plastic-free, biodegradable wrapper and strong, recyclable paper strap make it a guilt-free choice for eco-conscious offices. Best of all? It works seamlessly with copiers, faxes, and all printers, so going green doesn’t mean giving up convenience.

  • COS 100% Recycled Paper 

Why choose between quality and sustainability when you can have both? COS Premium Copy Paper delivers super-white, crisp results and a 200-year archival life, all while reducing your office’s environmental footprint. Packaged in strapless, plastic-free cartons, it keeps hundreds of thousands of pieces of plastic out of landfill each year. Even better, every purchase supports the Think Pink Foundation, helping breast cancer patients and their families.

  • Muru 100% Recycled Copy Paper 

For everyday printing that feels responsible, Muru 100% Recycled Copy Paper is a standout. Made entirely from post-consumer recycled fibres,  PEFC and Carbon Neutral certified it gives smooth, reliable results and comes in plastic-free, strapless packaging. Beyond sustainability, every purchase supports First Nations families, creating social and economic benefits with each purchase.

2. Smart Waste Solutions

  • SULO Recycling Bins 

Built to last, SULO bins are made in Australia from recycled plastics, giving new life to end-of-life materials. Designed to withstand UV rays, frost, heat, and chemicals, they’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Lightweight and available with wheels, they make collection easy and quiet. Plus, with DIN-standard compatibility and compliance with AS4123 and EN840, SULO bins meet all the practical requirements of a busy workplace.

  • Method Recycling Bins

Smart, Sustainable, and Insightful Method Recycling bins combine clever design with sustainability. Brightly coloured lids and clear labels make sorting waste effortless, while the bin bottoms use locally sourced recycled materials. Certified as both a B Corp and NABERS, Method bins can even integrate with InSight weight sensors, giving businesses real-time insights into the types of waste they generate, peak disposal times, and how much is being diverted from landfill.

  • Source Separation Systems

From offices to schools, Source Separation Systems offer practical recycling options. Their bins, ranging from 24L to 90L, feature coloured tops and unique openings to simplify sorting. With a focus on composting and supporting circular economy principles, these Australian-made bins make it easier to reduce waste, improve recycling rates, and handle compostable materials responsibly.

  • TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes

Some items just don’t belong in the regular bin but TerraCycle makes it possible. From snack wrappers and coffee capsules to pens and even PPE like masks and gloves, their Zero Waste Boxes allow businesses, schools, and households to recycle what’s usually considered impossible. It’s a simple way to expand your recycling efforts and make sustainability accessible for everyone.

3. Compostable Bin Liners

  • BioPak Compostable Bin Liner

Say goodbye to conventional plastic without sacrificing convenience. BioPak’s compostable bin liners are made from Ecopond bioplastic, offering an eco-friendly alternative for your waste. They’re certified home compostable under European standards and meet Australian standards AS5810 and AS4736, making them suitable for both home and industrial composting.

While bioplastic bags with handles are banned as carry bags in QLD, VIC, NSW, and WA, they’re legal and practical for uses like bin liners or dog waste bags. B Corp certified, these liners are a smart way to combine everyday practicality with sustainability, helping your home or workplace reduce single-use plastic waste, one bin at a time.

4. Eco‑Friendly Hygiene & Cleaning Supplies

  • Power Fresh Antibacterial Hand Soap

Gentle on hands but tough on germs, this hand soap is made from 100% plant-based surfactants and enriched with moisturisers. SLS-free, phosphate-free, and biodegradable, it’s safe for all skin types and kind to the planet. With a light, fresh scent and antibacterial properties, it’s perfect for shared washrooms, busy hygiene stations, or anywhere clean hands matter.

  • Power Fresh Disinfectant Wipes

For a quick, hospital-grade clean, these wipes are a standout. Made from plant-based, plastic-free materials and fully biodegradable, they kill 99.99% of germs, including E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and even COVID-19 within 60 seconds. Alcohol-free and safe for delicate surfaces, they’re ideal for workplaces and facilities committed to high hygiene standards.

  • Power Fresh Multi-Purpose Cleaner

One bottle, endless uses. This industrial-strength cleaner tackles dirt, grease, and grime across floors, countertops, appliances, and more. With a biodegradable, plant-based formula free from harsh chemicals, it’s safe for daily use and packaged in a 100% recyclable 5L container, making it a practical, eco-conscious cleaning solution.

  • Power Fresh Bleach Cleaner

When you need strong disinfecting power, this hospital-grade bleach cleaner delivers. Its 4% chlorine formula removes stains, mould, and grime while killing 99.9% of germs. Biodegradable and phosphate-free, it’s greywater and septic-safe, and comes in fully recyclable packaging, giving workplaces a reliable, environmentally friendly option for tough cleaning jobs.

  • Power Fresh Floor Cleaner

Tackle grease, oil, and everyday grime with this industrial-strength floor cleaner. Safe for timber, tiles, vinyl, linoleum, and rubber, it’s ammonia-free, biodegradable, and phosphate-free. Greywater and septic-safe, it’s packaged in a recyclable 5L container and works perfectly with the COS Empty Decant Squeeze Bottle for easy use in high-traffic areas.

  • Power Fresh Plastic-Free Dishwasher Tabs

Make dishwashing effortless and sustainable. These all-in-one tablets fight dried-on food, grease, and limescale while including built-in rinse aid and glass protection for streak-free results. Wrapped in soluble, plastic-free film and phosphate-free, they’re a convenient, environmentally conscious choice for everyday cleaning.

5. Eco-Friendly Toilet Rolls

  • COS Recycled Toilet Roll

Made from 100% recycled materials, COS Recycled Toilet Rolls offer a simple, eco-friendly upgrade for your facilities. Individually wrapped for hygiene and convenience, the 2-ply construction delivers reliable everyday performance across all workplace washrooms.

  • Shh!t Happens Changemaker Toilet Roll

Looking for a toilet paper that does more than just the basics? Shh!t Happens offers 3-ply, 360-sheet rolls made from 100% recycled materials and packaged plastic-free. Safe for sensitive systems and septic tanks, this Australian, female- and disability-owned social enterprise reinvests every purchase into hygiene donations and programs that empower women with disabilities, making it a socially conscious, sustainable choice.

  • WHO GIVES A CRAP (WGAC) Recycled Toilet Roll

For extra comfort and strength, WGAC Toilet Paper delivers double-length, 3-ply rolls made entirely from recycled paper. Beyond sustainability, the brand donates 50% of its profits to improve sanitation in developing countries, giving your workplace a socially responsible way to stock up while supporting global initiatives. All products are forest-friendly, making them an environmentally conscious choice for everyday use.

6. Smart, Sustainable First Aid Solutions

  • Vision Workplace First Aid Station

The Vision Workplace First Aid Station is made from 100% recycled and fully recyclable plastic, so it’s eco-friendly without compromising on safety. Wall-mounted and built from durable, easy-to-clean ABS plastic, it features a dustproof lid to keep everything inside protected. The clever wall panel layout makes it easy to see and grab what you need in an emergency because when seconds count, every detail matters.

  • Aura First Aid Kit Station

The Aura First Aid Kit Station is a modular solution designed to fit the specific safety needs of your workplace. Made from 100% recycled, recyclable materials, it reduces plastic use and packaging while keeping supplies neat and accessible. You can tailor the kit based on your workplace risk assessment, ensuring you have exactly what you need safely, sustainably, and efficiently.

7. Sustainable Mailing Solutions

  • HEAPSGOOD Ecomailer Bag

Switching to sustainable packaging is simple with HEAPSGOOD Ecomailers. Made in Australia from corn starch, PLA, and PBAT, these plant-based mailers are waterproof, durable, and strong enough to pack almost anything. Fully home compostable, they naturally break down within 3-6 months (or 90-180 days in commercial composting), producing far less CO₂ than traditional polypropylene mailers. Both the mailers and their packaging are plastic-free and certified to Australian home (AS 5810) and industrial (AS 4736) composting standards, so you can ship with confidence, knowing your parcels are planet-friendly.

  • HEAPSGOOD Rigid Mailer

For items that need extra protection, the HEAPSGOOD Rigid Mailer is a smart choice. Made from 400gsm recycled, FSC-certified paperboard with a matte finish, it combines durability with eco-conscious design. Hard corners, expandable edges, and a water-resistant finish keep contents safe during shipping, while the fully recyclable construction and easy-open strip make packing and unpacking simple. Its horizontal design is perfect for bulky items, giving you practicality without compromising sustainability.

8. Write, Plan, Create With Eco-Friendly Notebooks

  • Muru Recycled Hardcover Book

The Muru Hardcover Notebook feels thoughtful from the moment you pick it up. Its textured, kraft cover and sturdy binding make it durable for daily use, and with 200 lined pages, it’s perfect for everything from class notes to work projects. Beyond its practical design, every purchase supports First Nations communities, helping create real social and economic benefits.

  • COS Recycled Book

For a simple, everyday option, the COS Recycled Book strikes the right balance between practicality and sustainability. Made from post-consumer recycled paper with covers partly recycled, it’s a reliable choice for anyone who wants their notebook to last while reducing environmental impact.

  • Pukka Pad Notebooks

The Pukka Pad Notebooks are compact and designed for people on the move. Made from 100% recycled paper, and even the shrink-wrap uses recycled content. It’s small, practical, and a quiet nod to eco-conscious choices.

9. Smarter, Greener Writing Instruments

  • GoGreen Recycled Ballpoint Pen

Everyday writing can be eco-friendly. The GoGreen Easyclick Ballpoint Pen is made from recycled bottles, turning what could be waste into something useful. Smooth ink, a practical design, and a comfortable feel make it perfect for notes, meetings, or just jotting down ideas, showing that small choices can add up.

  • Pentel EnerGel BL17 Gel Pen

Quick-drying, long-lasting, and made from over half recycled materials, the EnerGel BL17 blends performance with purpose. With a soft rubber grip and smooth ink, it’s ideal for signing documents, sketching, or taking rapid notes, proving that eco-conscious tools can also be professional and reliable.

  • Pilot B2P Rollerball Gel Pen

The Pilot BeGreeN B2P literally turns recycled bottles into a pen. Its gel ink writes with precision, while the refillable design keeps it in use for longer, cutting down waste. It’s a great example of how everyday office tools can quietly support more responsible habits.

  • Pentel EnerGel X BL107 Rollerball

Vibrant, smooth, and made from recycled materials, the EnerGel X BL107 feels just as good as it looks. Refillable and available in eight colours, it’s perfect for anyone who writes often but wants to make smarter choices for the planet.

  • Pilot VBoard Whiteboard Marker

In classrooms, offices, or collaborative spaces, these markers combine bright, long-lasting ink with recycled construction. Consistent flow and visibility meet sustainability, making them a reliable choice for spaces where ideas come alive.

10. Sustainable Sips for Busy Workdays

  • Grinders Crema Coffee Beans

For coffee lovers, Grinders Crema Coffee Beans are a treat for all the senses. This medium roast delivers a smooth, creamy cup with hints of cocoa, malt, and honey, balanced acidity, and a silky finish. Beyond the taste, every bean is 100% Rainforest Alliance–certified and blended and roasted in Australia, so you can enjoy your coffee knowing it’s ethically sourced and sustainably produced.

  • Zoetic Organic Tea

If tea is your go-to, Zoetic Tea offers a delicate, antioxidant-rich brew that’s both refreshing and responsible. Made from 100% certified organic leaves, free from chemicals and pesticides, each individually wrapped tea bag is Fairtrade certified. With 100 bags per pack, it’s an easy, ethical, and environmentally conscious choice for everyday enjoyment, perfect for those mindful tea breaks during a busy workday.

Green Friday Smart Shopping Strategies

Picking sustainable products is only part of the equation. Here’s how to approach Green Friday strategically when shopping:

1. Use COS’s Eco Filters

COSnet makes it easy to find greener options. When you select a category, check out the filters on the left-hand side. You can sort by things like eco-conscious products, plastic-free packaging, or recycled content. Need a little guidance? There’s even a short video tutorial showing how to use the filters on COSnet.

2. Look for Trusted Certifications

A quick way to know if a product is genuinely sustainable is to check for certifications. For example, COS recycled paper carries FSC or PEFC certification, and the packaging is often recyclable or plastic-free. These labels help you shop smarter and more confidently.

3. Think Long-Term, Not Just Discounts

Green Friday is full of tempting deals but don’t just chase the cheapest option. Investing in fewer, high-quality, eco-certified products often saves more in the long run. A few reams of recycled paper or a pack of compostable bin liners can last much longer than cheaper, single-use alternatives.

4. Bring Your Team Along

Sustainability works best when everyone’s on board. Use emails, posters, or quick team sessions to explain why you’re choosing eco-friendly products and how colleagues can support recycling and composting initiatives in the workplace. Small actions, when done together, make a big difference.

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