Responsible Consumption and Production is one of The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focused on doing more with less and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.
One of the specific targets by which to achieve this goal is: “By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.”
We're just one of a rapidly growing number of companies globally who have recognised our role in helping curb the impact of single-use packaging. In line with the national packaging targets set by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, the Australian packaging industry is working toward being 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
Of the 5.5 million tonnes of packaging material on the market in Australia,
88% is recyclable
yet only
49% is recovered
Paper and cardboard top the materials recovery leaderboard at about 63%, yet just 16% of plastic packaging is recovered in Australia, so there’s potential for a big improvement if we all act.
Since July 2021 the export of mixed plastics has been banned under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, so there is no time to lose. We are members of several APCO working groups and are supporting our liquid paperboard suppliers to help establish a local recycling industry in Australia.
Source: Our Packaging Future: A collective impact framework to achieve the 2025 National Packaging Targets - APCO, 2020