ANZPAC has released its second impact report, covering the year 2022. The report evaluates the progress made towards the ANZPAC 2025 Regional Plastics Targets, which aims to create a circular economy for plastic packaging in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
The report provides key insights into the efforts of 45 ANZPAC members, including 36 brand owners, five recyclers and after-use companies, and four government and supporter members.
It highlights the challenges and achievements in moving towards a circular economy, using aggregated data from member reports to track progress.
Key targets outlined in the report include:
- Eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastic packaging through redesign, innovation, and alternative delivery models.
- Ensure 100 per cent of plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
- Increase plastic packaging collected and effectively recycled by 25 per cent for each geography within the ANZPAC region.
- Achieve an average of 25 per cent recycled content in plastic packaging across the region.
The report reveals that while progress has been made, the ANZPAC region is not on track to meet these targets by 2025. For instance, ANZPAC members reported placing 474,935 tonnes of plastic packaging on the market in Oceania. However, significant challenges, such as geographic remoteness, limited collection and recycling infrastructure, and a lack of consumer awareness, hinder the achievement of these goals.
Each target in the report includes data insights, examples of successful initiatives, and future actions. For example, Asahi Beverages announced that over 100 million soft drink bottles in Australia will now be made from 100 per cent recycled plastic (excluding the cap and label) annually, covering popular brands like Pepsi, Solo, and Schweppes.
Looking forward, ANZPAC has outlined priorities for 2023 and beyond, focusing on:
- Supporting the elimination of unnecessary and problematic plastic packaging.
- Simplifying packaging design to enhance recyclability and reusability.
- Encouraging investment in infrastructure and systems to boost collection and recycling.
- Increasing the uptake of recycled content and addressing the availability of high-quality feedstock.
You can read the 2022 ANZPAC Impact Report here.
