In partnership with ABA and AORA, APCO has announced the National Compostable Packaging Strategy, a new approach to creating a sustainable solution for compostable packaging.
The strategy has been released in the lead up to the 2025 National Packaging Targets, which are:
- 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging;
- 70% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted;
- 50% of average recycled content included in packaging (revised from 30% in 2020); and
- the phase out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics packaging.
The announced strategy aims to create greater opportunities and highlight the risks of compostable packaging, while also emphasising changes that need to be made to achieve the 2025 targets.
Current challenges for compostable packaging include limited collection and processing facilities, market confusion and misinformation. The strategy considers the current challenges and offers solutions to create a packaging lifecycle.
Brooke Donnelly, CEO of APCO, said the strategy will enable businesses and the waste sector to greater understand the challenges and rewards of compostable packaging.
“With more businesses looking to do the right thing and meet the 2025 targets, it is critical that they receive accurate and consistent information about compostable packaging,” Donnelly said.
“We also need to ensure that the critical processes and infrastructure are in place to collect it and process it.”
Approximately 11,000 tonnes of compostable packaging were placed on the Australian market in 2018-19.
The full report is available now on the APCO website.
Related stories:
- Queensland Waste Sector Boost Highlighted In State Budget
- NSW Announces $356M Investment To Tackle Plastic Waste
- International Companies To Explore Wind Turbine Recycling