How to use tools to meet National Packaging Targets

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), in partnership with the Australian Packaging Covenant (APCO), has developed a new training course entitled ‘Tools to help you meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets: PREP & ARL’.

The APCO Packaging Recycling Label Program is a nationwide labelling program that provides designers and brand owners with the tools to inform responsible packaging design and helps consumers to understand how to correctly dispose of packaging. Led by APCO, in collaboration with Planet Ark and PREP Design, the program aims to increase recycling rates, educate consumers and contribute to cleaner recycling streams. The two elements of the program are the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) and the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL).

Tool 1: PREP

PREP provides a way for brand owners, manufacturers and designers to assess whether an item of packaging could be classified as ‘recyclable’ through kerbside collection in Australian and New Zealand. PREP produces a report for each project that is evaluated. A project will list the recyclability classification for each separable component, and the user can nominate a scenario where the separable components are joined at the time of disposal (eg, bottle and cap). Combining technical recyclability and collection coverage, PREP provides the evidence base for applying the ARL on-pack.

Tool 2: ARL

The ARL is an evidence-based, standardised labelling system that provides clear and consistent on-pack recycling information to inform consumers of the correct disposal method. It is designed to be used in conjunction with PREP.

Aimed at packaging technologists and designers, the half-day training course will help attendees gain a better understanding of how using PREP and the ARL can help their business to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets.

Participants will start the course by visiting a materials recycling facility to obtain a realistic view of the current recycling capabilities in Australia, before heading to the classroom to learn about the APCO Recycling Label Program and consumer recycling behaviours. They will then deep-dive in to the purpose of PREP, gain an understanding of the governance and data collection process behind PREP, review samples and material templates, and work through sample assessment templates.

As well as learning how to convert PREP outcomes to an ARL artwork and how to apply the ARL on-pack correctly, attendees will also be able to undertake a hands-on interactive session using PREP to complete an evaluation, review a report and understand the reasons behind the assessment.

The first two courses will be held on 24 July in Victoria and 7 August in New South Wales.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Sergey