• 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.
Close×

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

The winners of the 2026 Hive Awards have been recognised and celebrated as some of Australia's most innovative food and beverage manufacturers over the past year. The awards were presented on Thursday 21 May during a long lunch at Linseed House, Sydney, to a room of over 100 industry leaders abuzz with excitement.

Mars Food & Nutrition Australia is increasing its support for Foodbank Australia once again, helping to provide 4.4 million meals to Australians experiencing food insecurity in 2026, as frontline charities struggle to cope with rising demand.

As frontline food charities struggle to cope with rising demand, the Victorian government is supporting Neighbourhood Houses across the state with dedicated food relief funding.