Award Winning Members
2023 AWARD WINNERS
The APCO Annual Awards celebrate Australian organisations that are leading the way in sustainable packaging excellence and innovation.
All shortlisted businesses display a deep dedication to delivering Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets through circular packaging design, improved recycling systems and education, and driving uptake of recycled content in packaging. Finalists and award winners are also recognised for their commitment to collaboration with the wider supply chain and clear leadership among their peers and competitors.
Open to all of industry, the awards are based on exceptional performance, as well as packaging sustainability achievements that demonstrate commitment to the 2025 National Packaging Targets and a circular economic approach to packaging. The categories include industry sector-focused awards and packaging future categories that recognise outstanding achievement by teams and individuals. Awards are assessed on criteria developed to drive continual improvement and align with the Packaging Sustainability Framework, a 13-part evidence-based framework covering leadership, outcomes, and operations.
2023 Industry Sector Award Winners
Agriculture and Nurseries - Rivalea (Australia)
In this reporting period, Rivalea has demonstrated that it is committed to making all its primary packaging recyclable through existing post-consumer recovery systems. Signing up to become a Member of the Big Bag Recovery (BBR) scheme has allowed the company to return the livestock feed bags it produces back into the circular economy. Rivalea has also reviewed its packaging against the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and made changes to achieve the highest possible recyclability for its product packaging. As a result, no Rivalea product waste goes to landfill.
Chemicals, Hardware, and Machinery - Clorox Australia
Clorox has made fantastic progress this reporting period to optimise material use and reduce plastic packaging by removing the perfume on its products and as a result, the shrink-wrap which had previously been keeping the perfume in place has also been removed. This change resulted in a 10-tonne reduction of plastic usage for the company. Whilst all of Clorox’s packaging contains on-pack labelling for disposal, this past year the company has greatly increased its use of the ARL logo on all new packaging and is committed to continue with this until all SKUs are updated. This progress is underlined by the company’s clear Packaging Sustainability Strategies and policies in place.
Electronics - Belkin Limited
This reporting year, Belkin has demonstrated a significant commitment to the 2025 National Packaging Target of 50% average recycled content being included in packaging. The company introduced screen protection packaging made from 100% recycled PET water bottles and began updating various charger SKUs to include 73%-75% post-consumer recycled plastic. Belkin is aiming to eliminate single-use plastics across all its product categories, which is being facilitated via consistent reviews against the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) Belkin is dedicated to incorporating packaging sustainability within its greater environmental goals and initiatives via the newly established Belkin Sustainability Committee.
Food & Beverage - The Arnott’s Group
The Arnott's Group continues to work towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets as it progresses its broader Sustainability Strategy. The company has established an internal roadmap in order to meet these targets, which is complimented by its commitment to address the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) at every point of the packaging value chain. The Arnott's Group is heavily involved in industry-wide collaboration to further recycling and sustainability initiatives across the supply chain. This co-operation and constant review to optimise packaging has enabled the company to experience great progress this reporting round, such as the material savings of 500 tonnes of cardboard and 20 tonnes of plastic, and the transition of 85% of film wrappers to meet the SPGs and Ceflex guidelines. Furthermore, the company has adopted the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) across 93% of its SKUs, but is aiming for 100% by 2023.
General Merchandise and Apparel - HBI Holdings Australasia
Hanes Australasia is committed to 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging, the phase out of single-use plastics in product packaging, reducing its packaging footprint, as well as increasing the use of recycled & renewable content in its packaging. Over the past five years the company’s packaging reviews have resulted in the re-design of packaging to reduce weight and volume of materials, eliminate unnecessary packaging and secondary materials, switching paper and cardboard to FSC Mix renewable content and eliminating single-use plastic where possible. In 2022 the company has further reviewed items previously considered optimised to eliminate plastic and reduce cardboard weight. Over the last reporting period the company has reduced its packaging by 87 tonnes in card and 29 tonnes in plastic through a combination of supply chain transit carton initiatives and removal of plastic from product packaging. A further 13 tonnes of cardboard was also saved by removing structural packaging and recognising an opportunity to review its warranty cards.
Healthcare & Scientific - Coty Australia
This reporting year, Coty has implemented a new packaging and sustainability strategy, which has enabled the company to set out distinct goals that align with the 2025 National Packaging Targets. Coty has outlined two targets that will greatly improve the company’s packaging sustainability namely, to increase its use of post-consumer recycled materials by at least 30% by 2030 and to have 100% of its folding box board by FSC or PEFC certified by 2025. As a member of the Sustainable Packaging Initiative for Cosmetics (SPICE), Coty has demonstrated a great commitment to collaborative industry-based change.
Logistics and Warehousing - CHEP AUSTRALIA
As a supplier of reusable packaging, CHEP Australia is committed to providing sustainable B2B packaging options that contribute to a more circular economy. Recently, the company undertook a significant refresh of its service center network, investing in new and upgraded facilities located in major capital city hubs. These investments improved accessibility, consistency and added new capacity through the application of new technology to service their customers' supply chains.
The company consistently reviews its packaging against the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) for all its baseline metrics and seeks opportunities to utilise alternative materials such as recycled content. CHEP also offers Sustainability Certificates for its customers to assist with reporting and reducing environmental impacts. The certificates are calculated using Life Cycle Assessments that quantify a company’s contribution to a sustainable packaging supply chain. Through its certificate, CHEP Australia encourages its customers to report against APCO packaging requirements.
Packaging Manufacturer and Supplier - Ball and Doggett
Ball and Doggett have continued to lead the way for sustainable packaging this reporting period, bringing products to market that allow brands to drive sustainability goals. The company has reviewed its SKU range against the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) and works closely with its suppliers and customers throughout the value chain to educate and guide on how to minimise materials through lightweighting and down gauging. This reporting period, Ball and Doggett launched ecoporium by Ball & Doggett. An online resource and podcast that empowers stakeholders through an educational based platform that brings to light industry pundits sharing their intelligence to elevate and educate.
2023 SME Industry Sector Award Winners
Agriculture and Nurseries - Quintis (Australia)
Quintis Sandalwood demonstrated great commitment towards packaging sustainability in its first reporting round. The company reviewed its packaging against the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines in monthly meetings and significantly increased the use of recycled content within its primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging. The company’s bulk packaging is now made from recycled paper, and its plastic bottles and tubes are now made of 100% and 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, respectively. Overall, Quintis also decreased the use of virgin plastic in packaging by 8%. The company’s implementation of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) logo has shown further commitment to the recoverability of its packaging.
Chemicals, Hardware, and Machinery - Insulect Australia
Insulect Australia has made great achievements as a first-time reporter, including reducing virgin packaging in its crates by up to 44%. Insulect’s Supplier Management Procedure ensures that the packaging it procures uses recycled content in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. The company also requires suppliers to avoid using any unnecessary packaging.
Electronics - COMSOL
Comsol’s dedication to sustainable packaging has led it to transition to 100% recyclable retail packaging during the reporting period, effectively eliminating single-use plastics through innovative cardboard and paper-based solutions. Comsol’s ‘2023 Packaging Impact Report’ showcases its progress, in line with the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs).
A key pillar in Comsol’s business ambition lies in its ‘Closing The E-Loop’ e-waste education program, a collaborative effort with Cleanaway and COOL.ORG. This program, addressing critical e-waste challenges, including packaging and products, specifically illustrates how key tools such as the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) and SPGs can drive positive change. Comsol's journey towards a more sustainable future has been guided by invaluable tools provided by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). As a market leader, Comsol has embraced the SPGs and the ARL, shaping its strategic transition with precision.
Food & Beverage - Berton Vineyards
Berton Vineyards has successfully implemented sustainable packaging measures, making its primary packaging to be 100% recyclable. This is supported by the company’s effective use of the PREP tool and the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) logos. Berton Vineyards also has an on-site reuse and recycling systems in place.
The company continues its efforts in increasing the recycled content across primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging. This progress is guided by the company’s Sustainable Packaging Policy and its consistent SKU reviews to maximise material inputs, reducing the environmental impact of its packaging.
General Merchandise and Apparel - KeepCup
KeepCup Pty Ltd has made significant efficiency improvements to its packaging sustainability over the last reporting period. Utilising its Sustainability Plan, which is based on the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, KeepCup focused on reducing material waste, improving transport and shipping efficiency. Working with international suppliers, KeepCup designed 100% recyclable/home compostable glass pallet packaging that is fibre molded, stackable, and then 100% reused as cradle inserts in retail packaging for Brew & Brew Cork range. This has resulted in increased glass volume on pallets, improved product protection in transit, and an estimated 50% reduction in cardboard material waste to recycling at warehouse facilities. The company also engaged with other manufacturers in China to transition from cardboard pallet packaging to using KeepCup cartons, which are then reused for packing. This has further improved transport efficiency, eliminating cardboard material waste to recycling at warehouses and the need for purchase of extra cartons.
Healthcare & Scientific - Advanced Skin Technology
Advanced Skin Technology (AST) has successfully used the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines in its strategy and business procedures to increase the amount of recycled content used in packaging. The company has transitioned its 100ml airless bottle range from virgin plastic to 50% recycled content, amounting to 1517kg of recycled plastic. AST also uses Forestry Stewardship Council certified board in its product boxes with vegetable-based inks and recycled paper as void fill to maximise recyclability. For its new brand Aspect Platinum, AST has also contracted clinics to return a percentage of empty vessels to the company for processing and recycling. This is a first-of-its-kind closed loop initiative due to the scale and expectations of all stakeholders involved.
Packaging Manufacturer and Supplier - O F Packaging
O F Packaging has demonstrated that packaging sustainability is embedded within the core strategies of the business and is committed to achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets. The company regularly reviews its packaging against the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines with clients. This has led to positive packaging transformations, such as the sale of flexible packaging pouches which contain post-manufactured recycled PET and PE. These pouches can be reused through a closed loop service by clients in the personal care and domestic household markets. Furthermore, O F Packaging has taken part in a litter education school campaign and is active in the industry education space through the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP).
Our Packaging Futures Award Winners
Improved Recycling Systems - Tetra Pak Oceania & saveBOARD
saveBOARD Carton Recycling Facility
Tetra Pak and saveBOARD worked in partnership to launch Australia’s first beverage carton recycling facility in Warragamba, New South Wales in February 2023. The facility has the capacity to process up to 4,000 tonnes of material annually and employs up to 12 local staff to operate the plant. Supported by the Australian Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund and the NSW Government’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, the facility is the first of its kind in Australia to manufacture construction products entirely from used beverage cartons that would otherwise end up in landfill. The sturdy, lightweight alternative to conventional plasterboard, plywood or particle board is also 100% recyclable at the end-of-life. The ambition was to implement a sustainable recycling solution to the packaging waste problem by implementing a local, scalable upcycling technology that turns locally collected food and beverage cartons into locally distributed, high performance, low-carbon sustainable building materials. The result is saveBOARD, an impact resistant board with similar performance to plywood, oriented strand board and particle board that can be used for interior and exterior applications. Each board saves on average, more than 500 used beverage cartons from landfill.
Industry Education - Coles Group
Coles Supplier Packaging Enablement Program
The objective of the Coles Supplier Packaging Enablement Program is to address key supplier knowledge gaps in packaging sustainability education. The educational campaign was developed following a project with MSAC Solutions (2020-23), in consultation with APCO and PREP Design, where detailed packaging data from the Own Brand supplier base was gathered. Throughout the data remediation projects key areas for supplier development and packaging sustainability education were identified.
Reaching over 700 Own Brand suppliers across Australia and overseas and touching over 7500 products, the Program gives Coles the opportunity to work collaboratively with suppliers to better understand their current packaging and identify opportunities to improve its sustainability. In turn this drives implementation through knowledge sharing and capability building. The wide-spread reach of Coles has driven their product suppliers to engage with packaging manufacturers to progress towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets and encouraged them to set their own sustainability targets.
Consumer Education - Officeworks
People and Planet Positive Product Range
Throughout FY23, Officeworks rebranded its ‘Greener Choices’ product range, refreshing and relaunching it as the ‘People and Planet Positive’ product range. The ‘People and Planet Positive’ product range makes it easier for customers to identify more sustainable and socially conscious products when they’re shopping at Officeworks. By choosing products with a ‘People and Planet Positive’ attribute, customers can shop more sustainably and make a positive difference to people and the planet through the purchases they make. A strict framework was developed to ensure product eligibility, incorporating learnings and insights from the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) and PREP. As part of the refresh, Officeworks introduced a Reuse and Refill category, and a Recyclable category.
Officeworks developed a series of icons that feature across the Officeworks website, Officeworks app and on private label product packaging, highlighting which of 11 different criteria the product falls under.
EDMs were also utilised, with an EDM sent in April 2023 reaching an audience of 3.4 million, with the Reuse and Refill category receiving the highest click through rate from both B2C and B2B customers. Overall, this educational campaign has resonated with customers and driven awareness and understanding of more sustainable product options and circular economy concepts.
Recycled Content - SC Johnson
Windex Recovered Coastal Plastic
SC Johnson is a leading manufacturer of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products.
As part of their commitment to addressing the global plastic crisis, SC Johnson’s developed Windex® Original and Windex® Ammonia-Free bottles made from 100% Recovered Coastal Plastic (plastic collected on land within 50km of an ocean) thanks to the partnership between SC Johnson and Plastic Bank.
One of the key components of the initiative was the collaboration with various stakeholders involved in the plastic recycling ecosystem. By leveraging the expertise and resources of each partner, SC Johnson were able to streamline the collection and processing of plastic waste efficiently. To ensure a consistent supply of high-quality recycled plastic resin, rigorous quality checks were also implemented throughout the end-to-end process of the supply chain.
Reuse - CHEP Australia
Reuse Network for Today and the Future
CHEP Australia continues to design and build the infrastructure that supports its circular packaging pooling system. A successful reuse model relies on the under-pinning network. In the last 3 years, CHEP has commissioned 6 new service centres and infrastructure upgrades in all major capital cities to meet the growing needs of industry for more sustainable transport packaging, geographically efficient and accessible issue and return hubs. The objective was to build a network of the future that supports industry needs whilst eliminating emissions through careful planning, site selection, technology and the provision of products that support sustainable supply chains. New and significantly upgraded service centres with state-of-the-art technology to repair, wash and condition CHEP pallets, bins and containers were opened in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, adding to the 55+ locations across Australia.
These critical service centres are the focal point of enabling the supply chain to support thousands of companies to deliver their goods every day. CHEP is proud to equip these facilities with the latest repair technology, superior yard layouts, paperless systems and sustainable building technology and practices.
SPGs Implementation - Brother International Australia
Driving Meaningful Change in Product Packaging Practices
Brother International Australia (BIA) operations in Australia predominantly involve product distribution, where stringent packaging standards are imperative due to the nature of the products and long-haul distribution. In response to this and the sustainability call to action, BIA embarked on an aggressive and transformative journey to pioneer sustainable packaging practices.
As a committed Member of APCO, BIA leveraged the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) as a guiding framework. The SPGs directed problem-solving processes by emphasising the need to reduce packaging waste at the design stage. Two key Principles of the SPGs used were:
- “Design for Recovery”, which drove BIA to create packaging with a clear recovery solution in mind, adhering to the 2025 National Packaging Target of 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025.
- "Use Recycled Materials," which saw BIA actively seek opportunities to incorporate recycled content into packaging, the usage rate of recycled content is 100% for pulp and minimum 70% for cardboard.
Reviews of packaging using the SPGs supported the delivery of a key initiative which involved a concerted effort to eliminate expanded polyethylene (EPE) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) materials from its packaging. The result was the removal of 5,711 cubic meters of EPE/EPS (known problematic materials) from April 2022 to March 2023, the equivalent of 2.3 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Sustainability Champion Award Winner
Bryan McKay (Woolworths)
Bryan McKay has been at the forefront of packaging sustainability in the FMCG and retail industry for 20 years. At Woolworths Food Company (WFC) Bryan has developed and implemented the WFC Packaging Sustainability Strategy, leading the delivery of this across Woolworths Group. Under Bryan's leadership, Woolworths own brand packaging has had problematic plastic materials such as PVC and polystyrene removed in many categories 2 years ahead of 2025. Bryan’s efforts to scale sustainable packaging initiatives has materially contributed to packaging circularity within the FMCG industry whilst also working to test and learn from innovations and partnerships. He uses his platform to educate and 'call to action' the whole of the supply chain to make packaging sustainability a business imperative. He advocates for this by speaking at numerous industry events, and working strategically with packaging manufacturing companies to drive the packaging sustainability agenda in Australia. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Packaging, Bryan is also actively engaged with APCO working groups and is a representative on the ACAG for the ANZPAC Plastics Pact. In summary, Bryan represents a key player for packaging sustainability who always advocates for continuous improvement, delivery of targets and being part of the solution to solve industry wide challenges.
Sustainable Packaging Excellence Award Winner
Belkin Limited
Belkin is an accessories market leader delivering power, protection, productivity, connectivity, audio, security, and home automation solutions for a broad range of consumer electronics and enterprise environments. Designed in Southern California and sold in more than 100 countries around the world, Belkin has been a market leader and innovator for 40 years. Its dedication to people-inspired design and quality informs everything from user testing and prototyping processes to regulatory compliance, manufacturing, and warranty programs. In 2018 Belkin International merged with Foxconn Interconnect Technology to broaden its global influence while maintaining its steadfast focus on R&D, community, education, and sustainability.
Under the guidance of APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, Belkin enhanced its digital, mechanical, and user aspects to transition seamlessly to a new packaging design in line with its corporate core pillars and environmental goals. This includes streamlined package redesign, eradication of single-use plastics and the utilisation of FSC paper, a recyclable material that aligns with recycling practices. According to 2022 APCO performance summary results, Belkin moved from an overall performance level in 2021 of 55% (Advanced) to 80% (Leading).
Belkin's sustainability journey mirrors its devotion to innovation, ensuring a brighter future for both people and the planet.
Previous award winners