The Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) has welcomed government progress towards implementing clear, integrated and consistent changes to packaging across Australia.
The Commonwealth has committed to consult with all levels of government and industry in early 2025 on new packaging design guidance to improve recyclability.
Uniform recycling system design standards will address inconsistencies and fragmentation in how the recycling system is regulated nationwide, says the AFGC CEO Tanya Barden, adding the AFGC will review 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,” she said. “While we welcome consultation on design standards, we need greater clarity on what these standards will mean for industry and the environment.”
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, say the AFGC. 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,” Ms Barden said. “To position Australia as a global leader in circularity and sustainability, all states, government bodies, and industry players must work in unison.”
