We are committed to keeping you informed about significant developments in packaging sustainability that impact your business. Recent updates to the 2025 APCO targets have highlighted some critical areas that require improvement, specifically regarding flexible plastics like those found in pouches.
“While it has been clear for over twelve months that the 2025 Targets will not be met within the timeframe, it’s essential that we continue to conduct a regular pulse-check to understand the state of packaging in Australia and identify what needs to change in order to address the critical structural issues in the market. This report provides a critical picture of where we’re at and informs decisions going forward”, APCO CEO Chris Foley.
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Target 1: 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging:
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Result: The proportion of recyclable packaging decreased from 86% to 84%.
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Target 2: 70% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted:
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Result: The plastic recycling rate increased from 18% to 20%.
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Target 3: 50% of average post-consumer recycled content included in packaging (30% PET plastic packaging):
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Result: The average recycled content increased from 39% to 40%.
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Target 4: The phase-out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging:
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Result: This has been reduced by 33% from the 2017-18 baseline.
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Material Fact Sheet Highlights:
- Paper and Paperboard:
This material represents more than half of all packaging placed on market. More paper and paperboard goes to landfill than total plastic packaging placed on market. - Rigid plastics:
The recovery rate of rigid plastic has exceeded the growth of what is placed on market. - Flexible plastics:
There is a need to support both packaging-to-packaging and other end markets to boost the demand for recycled flexible plastics.
Find out more about the 2025 National Plastics Plan: HERE