With the packaging industry in Australia under mounting pressure to meet sustainability targets as it waits to see how the pending government packaging regulations play out, interest is increasing in packaging materials that meet stringent environmental and performance criteria.
One such product gaining traction is Foopak Bio Natura, a food-grade paperboard developed to be both compostable and recyclable.
Distributed globally and now available in the Australian market, Foopak Bio Natura has received certification from the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) for both industrial and home compostability, meeting AS 4736 and AS 5810 standards. These certifications support its use in applications where end-of-life performance is under growing scrutiny – particularly in the food and beverage sectors.
Read More: Foopak Bio Natura: Revolutionizing Sustainable Packaging in the Quick Service Industry
The compostability factor
Foopak Bio Natura is engineered for direct contact with food and beverages, offering functional performance along with sustainability credentials, according to the company. It is made from certified wood sources and is free from plastic or PFAS additives, responding to increasing demand for safe and non-toxic food packaging materials.
The material holds multiple certifications, including:
- FDA and EU food safety compliance
- BfR XXXVI compliance for high temperature migration
- EN 13432 recyclability certification
- ABA certification for compostability (AS 4736 and AS 5810)
The paperboard is used in a variety of applications, such as hot and cold cups, food containers and paper straws.
Progress and pressure
The push toward compostable and recyclable solutions comes amidst industry-wide recognition that Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets are not achievable in the current time frame. Despite industry efforts since their introduction in 2018, overall progress has been slower than anticipated, particularly in boosting plastic recycling rates and recycled content uptake.
According to APCO CEO Chris Foley, “It is time for many businesses to do more to reduce the impact of their packaging and improve its recoverability.”
While the targets remain voluntary, businesses with over $5 million in annual turnover must either sign on as APCO members or demonstrate compliance through alternate regulatory pathways. In New South Wales, the bar has been raised even higher, with the EPA enforcing mandatory packaging stewardship requirements, including financial penalties for non-compliance.
Paperboard outlook
The momentum behind fibre-based materials continues to grow. According to market projections, the Australian paper and paperboard packaging market is expected to reach 6.90 billion tonnes by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.33 per cent from 2025.
Adaptability across formats, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to meet both consumer preferences and regulatory demands are all contributing to the growing role of paperboard in packaging portfolios.
Meeting the market
As the regulatory landscape tightens and environmental expectations rise, materials like Foopak Bio Natura offer a certified and scalable option for brand owners seeking to reduce plastic dependence and meet customer demand for packaging with a measurable environmental benefit.
For businesses in food and beverage, where packaging must balance safety, durability and environmental impact, having access to certified compostable substrates could be a key step toward achieving both compliance and consumer trust.
