AUS | The peak body for Australia’s food and grocery manufacturing industry (AFGC) has welcomed the announcement from Environment Ministers around design standards for packaging and a focus on traceability.
The announcement is fundamental for a closed loop on packaging, particularly soft plastics in Australia. Notably, the fact that a circular economy is being discussed means all supply chain sections need to collaborate and move forward together.
Any increase in the use of recycled content relies on sufficient collection and processing of that material here in Australia. Mandatory design standards are essential for a circular economy but require a recycling system to process the material Australians collect at home. Traceability of recycling material will provide confidence for Australians to recycle, give brands the confidence to procure recycled content and give the broader supply chain the confidence to invest in recycling infrastructure, creating local jobs.
A circular economy for soft plastics is a massive opportunity for Australia economically and environmentally. The AFGC looks forward to being part of the solution and continuing to collaborate with the entire supply chain to reduce landfill, create jobs and close the loop on soft plastics.
The entire industry congratulates Ministers on the step forward today and looks forward to more progress in months to come.
