REDcycle/ 'Return to Store' Labelling (Australia only)
Tuesday 1 July 2025
APCO reminds all members participating in the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Program that REDcycle/ 'Return to Store' labelling must be removed from all soft plastic packaging. Throughout the transition period, businesses have been encouraged to take proactive steps to update these labels across the market. This is particularly important given that organisations displaying outdated REDcycle/ 'Return to Store' labels, whether on packaging, in-store materials, or digital marketing, may be at risk under Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
We understand that this transition has required time and effort, and we remain committed to supporting members in managing this change while helping to reduce unnecessary waste.
Businesses with Remaining REDcycle Stock
If your business will continue to hold stock with REDcycle/ 'Return to Store' labels beyond 1 July 2025, please notify our Compliance Team at arlcompliance@apco.org.au.
This is required for tracking and determining next steps, regardless of whether 1 July is being used as a manufacturing or on-shelf cut-off date.
If your business cannot fully transition by this date, please provide:
- A clear timeline for when affected SKUs will be updated
- An estimated date by which affected stock will no longer be available for sale
To support compliance, we recommend maintaining internal records of any challenges related to managing outdated stock, such as:
- Printing dates
- Purchase orders
- Inventory records
These may be requested if compliance issues arise.
REDcycle Transition Survey
If your business has ever used REDcycle/ 'Return to Store' labels, please complete the REDcycle transition survey. The survey closes on 30 September 2025.
As with previous REDcycle surveys, aggregated, de-identified data will be shared with the ACCC to track industry progress.