APCO Policy Platform
Australia's packaging transition needs certainty.
Packaging is designed years before it reaches supermarket and other retailer shelves. Recycling infrastructure takes years to finance and build. Businesses and investors need confidence about where the system is heading. APCO was disappointed by the Commonwealth Government's decision not to introduce a national packaging scheme in the current term. We respect government's decision, and our support for a nationally consistent EPR approach does not change.
In the meantime, our priority is to make the current framework work harder for members and to build the practical capability needed for the future. APCO's Policy Platform sets out the principles and policy positions we believe should guide the transition. Our Year in Review reflects on the progress made over the past year.
Download the Policy Platform | Read APCO's statement in response to the Ministerial announcement on Commonwealth packaging scheme
A year of delivery
Australia's packaging system is changing. Over the past year our members, industry, governments and the recycling sector have continued building the foundations for a more circular economy.
APCO has been focused on strengthening programs that deliver value to members today while building the systems and capability needed for the future approach. Whether this is delivered through the existing co-regulatory arrangement or through new regulation, the practical requirements remain the same.
Why this matters now
The case for national consistency
State-by-state regulation would increase cost and complexity for businesses operating nationally. A nationally consistent approach, whether through new regulation or the existing framework of the National Environment Protection Measure and Covenant, offers the lowest-cost, most effective long-term path.
APCO's Policy Platform outlines practical design principles for the future framework that:
- Support investment certainty.
- Encourage nationally consistent implementation.
- Improve system transparency.
- Reduce unnecessary cost.
- Strengthen accountability.
- Support better environmental outcomes.
How these positions support Australia's priorities
Designed to support every stakeholder
The Policy Platform recognises that successful reform depends on every participant in the packaging value chain working within a coordinated national framework.
Evidence-informed
Reflecting on the year. Building readiness for what's next.
Our Year in Review looks back at the progress industry has made together. Our Policy Platform looks forward, outlining the practical foundations needed to support Australia's next phase of packaging reform.
