The peak body for food and grocery manufacturers has welcomed government progress towards implementing clear, integrated and consistent changes to packaging across Australia, but says greater clarity is needed on design standards.
Following the meeting of the Environment Ministers on 10 December, the Australian Food & Grocery Council issued a statement to say it is “encouraged” by the Commonwealth’s commitment to “consult with all levels of government and industry in early 2025 on new packaging design guidance to improve recyclability”.
The AFGC believes that introducing uniform recycling system design standards will address “inconsistencies and fragmentation" in how the recycling system is regulated nationwide. It said, however, that it looks forward to reviewing 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. While we welcome consultation on design standards, we need greater clarity on what these standards will mean for industry and the environment,” said AFGC CEO Tanya Barden.
The industry body emphasised that food and grocery manufacturers are committed to advancing circularity and urged the government to consider “the entire supply chain and the full lifecycle of packaging materials”.
The AFGC's position is that changes to sustainable packaging design require research and development to ensure consumer safety and maintain product quality and life. 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. To position Australia as a global leader in circularity and sustainability, all states, government bodies, and industry players must work in unison,” Barden said.
