The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) this week released its FY26-27 Business Plan, setting a clear pathway for packaging stewardship.
The plan was developed in collaboration with industry and informed by extensive member consultation; and sets the direction and pace for the wider system. Chris Foley, APCO Chief Executive Officer, said it’s about stepping up.
“We are strengthening the systems and processes needed to support looming regulatory reforms,” Foley said.
“Our members were clear in their feedback: they support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), but it must come with stronger, consistent regulation that sets clear rules and protects early action.
“Our members are already leading the shift to better packaging outcomes, and APCO’s role is to back that leadership – to provide clarity, protect investment and ensure the system evolves in a way that is practical, nationally consistent and built on the real progress industry is already making.”
The FY26 plan outlines a 36-month program of work focused on five core areas:
- Packaging Standards and Design – clearer, more practical guidelines backed by Material Stewardship Committees and updated Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) that will support better design decisions.
- Australasian Recycling Label – strengthening of the program, including enhanced governance and alignment with global best practice.
- Reporting and Packaging Data – simpler processes and better data tools that make reporting easier and more accurate.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Soft-Plastic Stewardship – a coordinated industry-led pathway with Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA) and development of APCO’s Stewardship Assurance Framework to give members confidence in how they invest in recovery initiatives and support stewardship approaches.
- Government Relations – stronger national advocacy and engagement to reduce inconsistency and ensure member priorities shape future regulation.
Across FY26–27, APCO will strengthen the foundations for a nationally aligned, future-ready packaging system – one grounded in accurate data, credible stewardship pathways and clearer design standards.
By FY28, industry will be positioned to operate confidently under a regulated EPR framework.
Related stories:
.png){kind=small}
