APCO and AIP Join Forces

Monday 27 November 2023

The Power of Collaboration: APCO and AIP Join Forces

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the Australian and New Zealand packaging landscape, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) have jointly announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement signifies a collaborative effort to align sustainable packaging practices throughout industry.

Under this agreement, the two peak bodies have formed a strategic partnership that aims to improve packaging and sustainability knowledge in the Australia and New Zealand region. It will provide proof points for sustainability professionals regarding their packaging and sustainability credentials. This will be achieved through AIP facilitation and delivery of APCO focused educational courses which will be available to industry in 2024. The focus of the courses is on uplifting skill levels, and recognising knowledge in APCO and packaging sustainability related topics such as the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Program.

'This strategic partnership is a pivotal moment for APCO, reinforcing our commitment to building capability in Australia’s packaging system to transition to a circular economy’, said APCO CEO, Chris Foley, ‘Together, we aim to elevate industry knowledge, empower our Members as well as the broader industry, and drive positive change towards a more environmentally conscious future.'

Chloe Rose, APCO Head of Communications and Engagement said, ‘It’s important that sustainability professionals can provide proof points on their expertise in packaging recyclability. This is an especially important step for organisations who need guidance on who has the knowledge, skills and experience in assessing recycled content in packaging. We are very pleased to be able to offer this APCO capability evidence to the industry.’

AIP’s Executive Director, Nerida Kelton FAIP, added, 'The AIP is excited about the transformative impact that this strengthened partnership will offer the packaging industry. After serving the industry for 60 years this agreement not only highlights our commitment to education but also signifies a pivotal step toward a more sustainable circular economy for Australasian packaging. Together, AIP and APCO aim to elevate packaging knowledge and training and improve core technical competencies across the industry. This will drive positive change and set new standards for designing better packaging for the region.’

With a history of collaboration between APCO and the AIP, the formalisation of this partnership will contribute to stronger alignment of industry and the promotion of a circular economy for packaging.