The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has welcomed the Meeting of Environment Ministers commitment to see 100 per cent recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025.
State and territory governments will work with APCO, representing over 900 companies to deliver this target. Ministers endorsed the development of targets for the use of recycled content in packaging and this will be closely monitored.
APCO CEO Brooke Donnelly said the China issue presents a significant opportunity for Australia to shift to the next level in packaging resource recovery, recycling and end use.
“Today’s announcement is a monumental call to action and one of the most ambitious and decisive environmental targets to be supported in Australia. We applaud the federal, state and territory governments for stepping up as key players in the global movement to create sustainable packaging solutions that drive accountability, transparency and shared value for consumers, industry and government,” she said.
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“We will support more innovative packaging design, enhance consumer education, as well as bolster the reuse and incorporation of recycled content within end markets.
“Across these initiatives, it’s essential that we take a consistent national approach. One that will promote domestic recycling and resource recovery to reduce the amount of waste going into landfill and deliver a smaller, cleaner waste stream in Australia.”
Nestlé Australia CEO Sandra Martinez said the company recognises businesses must step up and find improved solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle.
“Nestlé is proud to be a member of APCO and is working collectively alongside industry to achieve 100 per cent recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025,” she said.