APCO Launches a new resource to scale up reusable packaging
9 February 2022
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has today published Scaling Up Reusable Packaging, a new resource which outlines the importance of reuse and how businesses and users can benefit from reusable packaging models.
Following avoidance or reduction of packaging materials, the waste hierarchy places reuse as the next best pathway to achieve the highest potential environmental value for packaging.
The document outlines the many opportunities for reusable packaging in both the B2C and B2B market, with a number of case studies outlining how many businesses have already successfully adopted reuse models.
The resource also provides a framework for organisations which are seeking to develop or shift their product into a reusable packaging model, including key questions to consider and answer.
Brooke Donnelly, CEO, APCO, said: “Accelerating the uptake of reusable packaging and working with businesses to expand the range of applications for its use is a critical element of not only achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets, but the development of a true circular economy for packaging.
“At its core, the work to transition Australia towards the use of sustainable packaging is based on finding more sustainable alternatives to our current packaging landscape. Put simply, reuse is one of the most effective ways we can achieve this. The ongoing phase-out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics is a clear demonstration of the fantastic potential of reusable alternatives. It’s vital businesses engage with reusable packaging now and assess how it could help them to achieve the 2025 Targets.”
In the development of this document, APCO engaged with a variety of stakeholders across a range of sectors in both the B2C and B2B markets, who provided valuable insights into the opportunities, benefits and considerations identified within.
Scaling Up Reusable Packaging is available to download on the APCO website. A special webinar delving into the new resource will take place on 23 February.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
MEDIA CONTACT
Alex Whitaker: alex@horizoncg.com.au / 0423410353
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN PACKAGING COVENANT ORGANISATION
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is the agency charged by government to make all packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. To achieve this goal, APCO is working closely with government and industry to deliver a range of sustainable design, recycling, waste to landfill reduction and circular economy projects. Recognised as one of Australia’s leading product stewardship organisations with a strong national and global collaborative network, APCO is committed to reducing the environmental impact of packaging on Australian communities by moving towards a circular economy.
Further information: www.apco.org.au.