I was delighted to today attend the Australian Packaging Covenant's Collective Action Group meeting, and acknowledge the important leadership role they will play in delivering the ambitious National Packaging Targets.
The Australian Government has endorsed these industry-led targets for more sustainable packaging. Under the targets:
- 100% of all Australia's packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 or earlier;
- 70% of Australia's plastic packaging will be recycled or composted by 2025;
- 30% average recycled content will be included across all packaging by 2025;
- problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging will be phased out through design, innovation or introduction of alternatives.
Industry leadership on these national packaging targets, which were agreed last year by the Commonwealth and all States and Territories, is critical in delivering the 2018 National Waste Policy. The Collective Action Group is putting the targets into action and finding practical solutions to tackle packaging waste.
The Australian Government has committed up to $1.1 million in funding for the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation to help increase recycling rates for packaging through improved consumer education. This forms part of the Australian Government's $167 million total commitments for new recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
With governments, industry and communities working together, there is a tremendous opportunity to create a more sustainable future for Australia's packaging industry.
