• APCO CEO Chris Foley: Strengthening the systems and processes needed for support with looming regulatory reforms.
    APCO CEO Chris Foley: Strengthening the systems and processes needed for support with looming regulatory reforms.
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The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has opened consultation on a new proposal to support and deliver industry-led Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, intended to bridge existing gaps in the packaging value chain.

APCO says it welcomes feedback from members and signatories to “ensure this model delivers fees that are fair and reasonable and leads to the best outcomes” for members, the economy and the environment. It says the model is also designed to provide members with the guidance they may need to prepare for regulatory change and make informed decisions.

The consultation is open until midnight AEST on Friday, 16 May 2025. APCO is seeking feedback on the proposals outlined in this Consultation Paper, which include:
• activating APCO’s 2030 Strategic Plan to support and deliver industry-led EPR activity for packaging, managed by APCO to co-ordinate and leverage the benefits of collective action; and
• increasing membership contributions through a new fee model, that establishes a new mechanism for APCO members to co-invest in solutions that drive system impact.

To provide further opportunity for members to explore the proposal and ask questions, APCO will be holding a series of information sessions across the country and online.

The dates for these sessions are as follows:
• Perth – 09 April 2025
• Adelaide – 10 April 2025
• Melbourne – 15 April 2025
• Sydney – 16 April 2025
• Online – 16 April 2025
• Brisbane – 02 May 2025

To support members in reviewing the proposal, APCO has prepared a Consultation Survey. For more information about the consultation and upcoming roadshow you can visit the consultation webpage now.

 

Food & Drink Business

CSIRO has launched the latest round of its Innovate to Grow program, a free eight-week program to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop research-driven solutions focused on Farm and Food Technology.

Suntory has appointed Ashish Gandham as managing director for Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, following the launch of the company’s $3 billion multi-beverage business in July 2025.

The federal government has established a new Trade Diversification Network, consisting of 40 peak industry bodies, as part of its $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. The member groups will work with government to support global diversification for exporters.