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Consultation on a strengthened industry-led EPR approach for packaging

Page last updated: 10 April 2025


Background

Despite voluntary commitments and industry progress, the National Packaging Targets (NPTs) remain out of reach. APCO’s Review in 2023 identified economic gaps that hinder recycling, reuse, and circular economy solutions.


Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging through a new membership fee structure offers a solution to bridge these gaps in the packaging value chain. APCO’s transition to a new Member fee model is being carefully planned to give Members and Signatories ample time to prepare.  


This includes a Member consultation to provide APCO with the information it needs to ensure that Member fees are fair and reasonable. It is also designed to provide Members with the guidance needed to prepare for change and make informed decisions.


Member and Signatory consultation and roadshow

This consultation process is now open.


Consultation period: 7 April 2025 – 16 May 2025 (Midnight AEST)

Consultation Type: Consultation Paper


The consultation process is now open. APCO encourages all Members and Signatories to participate and provide feedback.


Note: All responses must be submitted via the official survey link above.


To help with understanding the proposed Member fee changes, APCO has prepared a Consultation fee model calculator. This calculator forms part of the APCO Member Consultation Paper April 2025 (the Paper) and is to only be used in conjunction with the Paper. All disclaimers in the Paper apply to this calculator and are also disclosed in the calculator.


APCO is seeking feedback on the proposals outlined in this Consultation Paper, which include:

  • Activating APCO’s 2030 Strategic Plan to support and deliver industry-led EPR activity for packaging, managed by APCO to co-ordinate and leverage the benefits of collective action.
  • Increasing membership contributions through a new fee model, that establishes a new mechanism for APCO members to co-invest in solutions that drive system impact.

Roadshow and Registration Details

The roadshow will take place across the country and online. You can register for tickets here: 


Preparatory webinar series

Through February 2025, APCO shared insights from its 2024 consultation work with the broader membership. APCO has been conducting whole-of-system consultation via the Collective Action Group, Material Stewardship Committees, Member Reference Group and targeted meetings with industry associations and businesses across the packaging value chain. Through a series of three introductory webinars, APCO shared the progress made on the development of a cost-recovery model to set up extended producer responsibility for packaging in Australia. Details on the webinars can be found below.  


These resources are Member and Signatory only:

  1. Introduction to downstream intervention options Recording | Slides
  2. Introduction to fee model features and options Recording | Slides
  3. Deep dives on elements of interest to Members Recording | Slides | Q&A

Timeline

  • August 2024: Strategic Plan released, and Member Reference Group established
  • February 2025: Preparatory webinar series
  • April 2025: Member and Signatory Roadshow
  • March – May 2025: Consultation open
  • Proposed: July 2025: New Member fees announced
  • Proposed: July 2026: New Member fees come into effect 

Stay informed

📩 Sign up to the APCO newsletter for updates.


Not an APCO Member or Signatory and want more information?

📧 Contact: apco@apco.org.au.