APCO and New Zealand’s Recycling Leadership Forum strengthen brand confidence in the ARL
More than 230 brand owners now use the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) across both Australia and New Zealand, making it a critical recycling guidance tool for trans-Tasman brands and consumers.
Consumers are increasingly looking to on-pack labels for recycling guidance. As ARL awareness and adoption grows across both markets, the process behind the label becomes more important for consumers, brands, and the recycling system.
As packaging regulation tightens, recycling claims face greater scrutiny and recycling systems continue to evolve, the ARL’s value depends on trust: consumers need clear recycling instructions they can act on, and brands need a consistent, evidence-led framework for communicating recyclability responsibly.
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and New Zealand’s Recycling Leadership Forum (RLF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen how New Zealand recycling system insights are provided, considered and managed as part of the ARL Program.
The agreement builds on the RLF’s existing role in coordinating New Zealand input into the ARL. It does not change how brands use the label. It strengthens the process behind it.
The ARL is more than an on-pack label. It sits at the intersection of packaging design, consumer education and recycling system performance, giving consumers practical instructions while supporting brand owners to design and communicate packaging recyclability responsibly.
Under the agreement, the RLF will provide coordinated input on New Zealand collection, sorting, reprocessing, market and policy conditions. As the owner of the ARL, APCO will retain responsibility for the program’s governance, technical settings, and final decision-making.
APCO CEO Chris Foley said the agreement would help ensure the ARL remains practical, trusted and fit for purpose as recycling systems change.
“The ARL helps translate a complex recycling system into practical instructions people can use at the point they are making a disposal decision. For brand owners, it supports responsible packaging decisions and the work of designing out waste where possible. But brands do not control every part of the downstream recycling system, from collection and sorting through to reprocessing and end markets.
“That is why strong governance matters. As stewardship schemes mature, infrastructure improves and investment flows into recycling systems, the ARL must remain evidence-led and connected to real-world system performance. New Zealand and Australia also have different recycling settings. New Zealand has moved to nationally standardised household kerbside recycling settings, while Australia continues to operate across different state, territory and local collection arrangements.
“This agreement gives New Zealand system input a formal pathway into the ARL Program, while preserving the consistency brands need across both markets.”
Rachel Reese, Independent Chair of the RLF, said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting the ARL as New Zealand’s preferred recycling label.
“The ARL plays an important role in giving New Zealanders consistent recycling information on pack. This agreement recognises the value of New Zealand system expertise and formalises how that
expertise supports the ARL as our recycling system continues to mature.
“The RLF brings together perspectives from across New Zealand’s packaging and recycling system. Through this agreement, that expertise can help ensure ARL guidance remains practical, credible and
aligned with local collection, sorting and reprocessing realities. It is a positive step for consumers, for brands and for the continued use of the ARL”
For ARL members operating in New Zealand, there is no change to how the label is currently used. The agreement supports continued confidence in the ARL across the trans-Tasman market by strengthening the process behind how New Zealand system input is considered.
Further information
- ARL Consumer Insights Report 2023.
- Ministry for the Environment: Australasian Recycling Label in New Zealand.
- Recycling Leadership Forum Annual Progress Report.
- New Zealand Standard Materials for Kerbside Collections Notice 2023.