The Federal Government’s ReMade in Australia campaign has been lauded by peak industry and government bodies.
The Australian Retailers Association, Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) and Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) have thrown their support behind the campaign, which champions the recycling industry.
Launching ReMade In Australia this week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was a critical step in giving Australians the confidence to recycle more and to buy products manufactured with recycled content.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA), has welcomed the campaign, as part of a broader investment in the circular economy through the Recycling Modernisation Fund.
Paul Zahra, ARA Chief Executive Officer said Australian consumers are doing the right thing by recycling more, the ReMade in Australia campaign will help establish critical new markets for recycled packaging and products.
“There are many ways consumers and retailers can demonstrate their commitment to the environment, but recycling is often most front of mind because it’s something we do daily,” Zahra said. “It is also a low complexity starting point for businesses and individuals on a broader journey towards deeper environmental commitments.
“The Remade in Australia campaign will continue to promote the importance of recycling, encouraging the community to recycle more and incentivising greater investment in the local waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.
“More importantly though, the campaign will fast-track the growth of new markets in recycled content, enabling more producers to move away from virgin materials for their packaging and products.”
Suzanne Toumbourou, ACOR Chief Executive Officer, said the campaign is a great start to showing Australians how and where recycled materials are used.
“Australia’s recyclers are working hard to transform end-of-life items into new commodities and goods,” Toumbourou said. “Our industry delivers so many benefits: from job generation, to diversion from landfill, to emissions reduction.”
“ReMade in Australia is an important initiative to boost confidence in recycling and demonstrate how more and more products are being produced with locally made recycled content. Our community expects that if it can be recycled, it should be recycled.
Linda Scott, ALGA president said the campaign will support the work of local governments that is directed at accelerating Australia’s transition to a circular economy.
Scott said a recent report by consulting group PwC stated that designing out waste and ensuring that products and resources are kept at their highest utility and value will delivery an almost $2 trillion boost to the economy over the next 20 years.
“Local governments are well placed to lead the transition to a circular economy and to help identify and implement frontline solutions in that journey,” Scott said.
For more information, visit: www.awe.gov.au