Most Australians want ARL on packaging

A report released by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has revealed that around three-quarters of Australians want the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) to be featured on all packaging.

The ‘Australasian Recycling Label Consumer Insights Report’ was published by APCO in partnership with Planet Ark and was developed to better understand the attitudes and behaviours that people have towards recycling.

The report found that most people are aware of the ARL, which functions to increase the information about how to recycle a product’s packaging, and want more information about what can and cannot be recycled. Importantly, a majority of people surveyed see recycling as an important component in helping the environment.

“The importance of the Australasian Recycling Label Consumer Insights Report cannot be overstated,” said Brooke Donnelly, APCO CEO. “Having a comprehensive understanding of consumers’ awareness, perceptions, trends and confusion related to recycling behaviours is integral to creating valuable change.

“The continued growth of the ARL Program since its launch in 2018 has been tremendous. The program now counts hundreds of Australia’s best-known businesses among its membership and has been widely endorsed by all levels of government, along with being recognised as a world-leading consumer education initiative in a report by the UN Environment Programme.

“We are incredibly thankful to each of the program’s members who are helping consumers correctly recycle their household packaging and are looking forward to welcoming many more as we encourage brand owners and packaging manufacturers to register with the ARL Program.”

According to Rebecca Gilling, Planet Ark co-CEO, the report highlights that consumers want to recycle properly and that it is important to increase the information they have access to.

“Misinformation and confusion are critical factors to overcome when it comes to improving recycling behaviour. Bad habits and beliefs take time to untangle. That is why trust, strategic education and the Australasian Recycling Label are such important elements for changing behaviour at the bin,” Gilling said.

“Awareness of the ARL has dramatically increased over the past four years, with 3 out of 4 Australians now recognising the label. That is thanks to the huge growth in the amount of packaging showing the ARL, investment in promotions through digital and non-digital platforms, as well as local government waste educators championing the program. But there are still plenty of knowledge gaps to fill.”

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