Frequently Asked Questions
About APCO
Developed in 2011, the Collective Impact Framework is a powerful cross-sector collaboration tool that is being used to tackle complex social and environmental challenges in communities all over the world.
The model recognises that behind any social issue, there is usually a diverse range of organisations that are working to deliver change, often in isolation from one another. The Collective Impact Framework calls upon these different actors to collaborate in a structured way towards shared outcomes.
To find out more, please click here.
The Packaging Sustainability Framework is a series of thirteen independent criteria that belong to three separate categories. APCO Brand Owner Members report against the Framework through their APCO Annual Report, due on the 31st March each year.
The Framework was developed in partnership with The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Dr Helen Lewis of Helen Lewis Research.
The Collective Action Group (CAG) is a team of leading industry representatives from across the supply chain and government who oversee the strategic delivery of the 2025 National Packaging Targets.
Made up of a team of third-party experts representing the packaging value chain, the CAG oversees the design of a systemic model for how Australia can transition to an advanced sustainable packaging ecosystem.
To find our more about the CAG, please click here.
APCO’s Working Groups bring together representatives from government, industry, academia and the community sector to drive progress on Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets.
To find out more about their work, please click here.
You can submit a Consumer Packaging Complaint to APCO via our Consumer Packaging Complaints Form.
Please note, APCO is only able to forward complaints to APCO Member organisations. Not sure if the company is an APCO Member? Please use our search directory.
The APCO 2030 Strategic Plan was unveiled on 19 August 2024. This plan provides economic incentives for material circularity, establishes mechanisms to achieve National Packaging Targets, and enhances the social license for brands using packaging.
How does this model align with existing government regulations?
Implementation of the 2030 Strategic Plan is happening concurrently with the reform of packaging regulation by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). The Consultation Paper released by DCCEEW in late 2024 established that:
- Full implementation of APCO’s 2030 Strategy is the base case that will remain in place until the reform process is completed and will provide the transitionary pathway to the reformed framework
- Full implementation of the 2030 Strategy with stronger regulatory support by governments is reform Option 1
- Reform Option 3 is a Commonwealth-regulated EPR scheme with strong parallels to the 2030 Strategy.
DCCEEW’s report on the outcomes of the reform consultation process showed strong support for reform Option 3. Specifically: - 80% of respondents preferred Commonwealth regulation of packaging, rather than a state and territory-based approach, and - 65% support Option 3.
APCO is working closely in support of the reform process and will remain closely engaged with governments to ensure that implementation of the Strategy can be aligned as required as the reform process continues.
Will the 2030 Strategic Plan affect my Membership fees?
Following targeted consultation, APCO member fees will be calculated using a cost recovery model. This will incentivise those brand owners that eliminate and reduce packaging, adopt reuse models, and transition to materials and formats that are easier to recycle.
How will the new fee model determine material fees?
Fees for materials placed on the markets will consider two things:
-The cost to be borne to deliver required outcomes for those materials in the downstream system (e.g. supporting the establishment and operation of a collection and recycling pathway for soft plastics). This will be specific to each material and the intention will be to avoid cross-subsidisation between materials.
-Incentivising and rewarding better packaging design, for example through lower fees for materials that are highly recyclable at kerbside relative to materials that are often contaminants or problematic in recycling systems.
Where will fees raised be used?
Fees raised through the new fee model will be invested in the downstream system to overcome economic barriers that have hindered progress towards national packaging targets. This direct support for high-quality collection, recycling and packaging stewardship activities that, additional to business-as-usual, will enable the achievement of recycling targets and the production of high-quality Australian recycled content.
How will the new fee model be phased overtime?
Downstream outcomes and the cost recovery model to support them will be phased in over several years, both in relation to the scale of outcomes sought in the downstream system and the scope of the cost recovery model. Subject to consultation, the model introduced for FY27 will aim to enable programs for the delivery of measurable downstream outcomes to be commenced by the end of FY27 across all key streams, while also enabling members to manage the adjustment to the new model. For example, for FY27 the model could require reporting of data on key material streams and enable CDS-recycled material and reusable packaging on a second or subsequent rotation to be reported and excluded. More sophisticated reporting, for example a more detailed breakdown of materials and recyclability and exclusion of packaging reported under other EPR and brand owner recycling programs, could be phased in as soon as practicable after FY27. It is also possible that the model could include a base fee similar to APCO’s existing member fee, plus an EPR component that is modulated by material type.
For a full list of 2030 Strategic Plan FAQs click here.