Progress on sustainable packaging design

The Australian Government will be seeking targeted views in early 2025 on a proposed Design for Kerbside Recyclability Grading Framework.

The framework shows how recyclable different packaging materials are, based on:

• availability of collection;
• sortation;
• recycling and reprocessing services; and
• end markets.

Further work is needed in 2025 to evaluate additional packaging types and alternative collection pathways. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will engage with stakeholders on this work.

The peak body for food and grocery manufacturers, AFGC, said it welcomed the government’s progress towards implementing clear, integrated and consistent changes to packaging across Australia. It is encouraged by the Commonwealth’s commitment to consult with all levels of government and industry in early 2025 on new packaging design guidance to improve recyclability.

The government said the proposed framework does not represent a decision on regulation. Design is one tool to improve circularity; it is also considering other mechanisms. These include:

• reduction and reuse;
• removing harmful chemicals from packaging;
• increasing the amount of recycled content to help drive domestic end markets; and
• consumer and business education.

Introducing uniform recycling system design standards will address inconsistencies and fragmentation in how the recycling system is regulated nationwide.

The AFGC said it looks forward to reviewing the details of the proposed plan to ensure it minimises unintended consequences, such as increased food or product waste.

“Australia is embarking on a seismic transformation of packaging. While we welcome consultation on design standards, we need greater clarity on what these standards will mean for industry and the environment,” said AFGC CEO Tanya Barden.

Food and grocery manufacturers are committed to advancing circularity and urge the government to consider the entire supply chain and the full lifecycle of packaging materials.

Changes to sustainable packaging design require research and development to ensure consumer safety and maintain product quality and life. They also require changes to manufacturing capital equipment such as packaging lines. The AFGC therefore encourages the government to collaborate closely with industry on transition timeframes, grant programs and tax incentives to support the industry’s move to a circular economy amid cost-of-living pressures.

“We can achieve an improved packaging system more rapidly with greater clarity, national consistency and partnership with government. To position Australia as a global leader in circularity and sustainability, all states, government bodies, and industry players must work in unison,” Barden said.

The AFGC looks forward to continued collaboration throughout the consultation process.

While reforming regulations, the government said businesses should make their packaging more recyclable. Resources are available to support industry to adopt sustainable packaging design from APCO and AIP.

Image credit: iStock.com/miniseries