The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has expressed its approval of the government’s progress towards implementing clear, integrated, and consistent changes to packaging across Australia.
The AFGC supports the commonwealth’s decision to engage with all levels of government and industry in early 2025 regarding new packaging design guidance aimed at improving recyclability.
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The introduction of uniform recycling system design standards is expected to address the inconsistencies and fragmentation currently present in the regulation of the recycling system nationwide.
The AFGC looks forward to reviewing the specifics of the proposed plan to ensure that it does not lead to any unintended negative outcomes such as increased food or product waste.
AFGC CEO Tanya Barden said: “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.”
“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.”
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By GlobalDataFood and grocery manufacturers are dedicated to advancing circularity and have urged the government to consider the entire supply chain and the full life cycle of packaging materials.
The AFGC emphasises that sustainable packaging design changes necessitate thorough research and development (R&D) to ensure consumer safety while maintaining product quality and longevity.
Moreover, these changes require updates to manufacturing capital equipment, including packaging lines.
The AFGC has therefore encouraged the government to work closely with the industry on transition timeframes, grant programmes, and tax incentives to support the industry’s shift towards a circular economy, especially amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The AFGC said it looks forward to continued collaboration throughout the consultation process, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in achieving sustainable packaging solutions.
In March this year, the 7-Eleven and Metcash companies joined the National Plastics Recycling Scheme, developed by AFCG.
