Life at SK Tes - Bede Wolf

I’m Bede Wolf, and I lead sustainability efforts for SK Tes in Australia and New Zealand. From my home base in Sydney, I have the privilege of working across a wide range of initiatives—from advancing material recovery to helping shape industry-wide best practice. It’s a broad role, and one I’m deeply passionate about.

A Journey Through Numbers, Systems, and Sustainability

My path to this point has been anything but linear. I started with a mechanical engineering degree, working on building services for commercial high rises. But there was an itch I hadn’t quite scratched—so I decided to study applied mathematics, driven by a fascination for patterns, systems, and problem-solving.

Eventually, I found what I was really looking for: purpose-driven impact. That came through remanufacturing print equipment—an industry where I learned about product stewardship, manufacturing discipline, and the realities of challenging throwaway culture. Along the way, I met Alvin Piadasa, and when the opportunity to join SK Tes came up, I didn’t hesitate.

Today, I wear many hats: lobbying for industry reform, building client programs, supporting grant projects, and finding ways to recover more materials from the waste stream. No two days are alike, and that’s exactly what I enjoy.

Freedom to Shape, Space to Grow

One of the best things about my role is its open scope. It allows me to contribute across departments, agencies, and client initiatives. That diversity brings energy and constant learning, and I’ve been supported every step of the way.

Being the only sustainability professional in our local business has its challenges—there’s no blueprint to follow—but I’ve had strong backing both from the team here and from our global sustainability leads, who’ve welcomed me with open arms. Through training, association memberships, and a healthy dose of collaboration, I’ve been able to turn theory into action.

Leading Through the Learning Curve

Like any journey worth taking, there were a few bumps early on. I landed in a position taking on the full weight of QEHS and compliance—an area that wasn’t quite my strength. But with honest conversations and some reshuffling, we found the right fit. That experience taught me a lot about resilience, adaptability, and the value of trust within a team.

Flexibility that Works

Since joining SK Tes, I’ve worked part-time to spend more time with my young family. As life shifted, so did my contract—and we’ve been able to maintain that flexibility while staying focused on what matters most. That mutual understanding is something I really value.

Life Beyond the Office

Outside of work, I like to stay hands-on—whether that’s watching football, sailing, or experimenting with 3D printing projects. Recently, our crew won a sailing trophy after 20 years of trying. A small win, perhaps, but one that speaks to dedication and perseverance—qualities I try to bring into my work every day.

Moments that Matter

One of the most rewarding moments so far has been co-developing and securing a government grant to launch our first Australian battery recycling operation, coming in late 2025. It’s a major milestone not just for us, but for the entire region—and we’re proud to be delivering it with the support of the EPA.

Another highlight has been supporting Sustainable Product Stewards, a spin-off initiative that partners with disability enterprises to create dignified, stable employment for disadvantaged Australians. That kind of social impact is what sustainability should be about.

What Makes SK Tes Special

There’s a loyalty here that runs deep. People genuinely care—about the mission, about each other, and about doing things the right way. That makes all the difference, especially when you’re working on big, complex challenges.

Values That Align

For me, working in sustainability isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to doing what’s right for the planet and its people. At SK Tes, that mission is front and centre. It’s work that regenerates, improves, and endures. And at the same time, it appeals to the engineer in me: it’s about optimisation, performance, and pushing the limits of what’s possible.

In short, I believe we’re on the right side of history. And I’m proud to be doing my part to help move the dial.

Connect with Bede Wolf

Looking to make a difference?

At SK Tes, we’re redefining what’s possible in sustainability—and we’re always looking for curious, capable people to help us lead the change.