Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)

🔋 NSW has commenced a trial to address the disposal of problematic embedded batteries, commonly found in vapes, toys, and electric toothbrushes. The trial aims to reduce fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which have caused a rise in fires—193 incidents reported in 2024 alone. With designated bins at 21 community recycling centres, residents can safely dispose of these batteries at no cost.  Running until September 2026, the initiative will gather data on battery disposal and recycling, supporting broader efforts to enhance product stewardship and minimize landfill impact while protecting community safety.    Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gAsymnNU    #Batteries #Safety #Landfill 

Did you know Australians use 1.2 million tonnes of plastic packaging per year? In this episode of Planet Shapers, APCO CEO Chris Foley discusses APCO's role between industry and government. The episode also highlights how APCO Members are adopting circular practices in packaging, such as APCO Member PakTech, who has designed innovative plastic carry handles made from 100% recycled plastic. PakTech’s plastic carry handles, used for alcoholic beverages, are not only sourced from recycled materials but are also 100% recyclable, with clear disposal instructions provided through the ARL. Watch the full episode below. #APCO #ARL #PlanetShapers

🚨 Packaging Regulatory Reform Consultation is Now Open! 🚨 The consultation paper for the packaging regulatory reform is now live on the DCCEEW website. 🗓 Public Consultation Dates: Open: Friday, 27 September 2024 Closes: 5:00pm (AEDT), Monday, 28 October 2024 We strongly encourage all APCO Members to take part by reading the consultation paper, completing the survey, and submitting feedback. Your input will help shape the future of packaging regulation in Australia. 👉 Have your say here: https://lnkd.in/g9qF88z2 Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water #PackagingReform #CircularEconomy #APCO #HaveYourSay

☕ APCO Member, Nestlé, is encouraging consumers to reuse and refill their NESCAFÉ instant coffee jars with a new product line which also boasts reduced packaging!    The jars and lids, both recyclable, can now be reused and refilled with a new line of alternatively packaged products, selling the same product in lighter, reduced volume packaging to top up at-home Nescafe coffee jars.    The brand also promotes customers to give new life to their already used air-tight jars, with tips for upcycling them for dry or wet food storage, and more.    Congratulations on Nescafe for encouraging more circular consumer practices!    Keep an eye out for the new packaging option in-store, or find out more about reuse here: https://lnkd.in/gJUwaSJm    #Reuse #Refill #CircularEconomy

Today the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) held a Stakeholder update on the public consultation process for Packaging Regulatory Reform. They are consulting on the options to better understand their impacts, benefits and costs. APCO and its Members are supportive of packaging regulatory reform. We encourage all APCO Members to participate in this consultation process. For more information on APCO’s 2030 strategy and the regulatory reform, click the link in the comments. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water #PackagingRegulation #SustainablePackaging

📚Coles Group is teaming up with Planet Ark to give Australian schools the chance to win $5,000 to help create or grow a sustainability initiative to celebrate #NationalRecyclingWeek in November.    $100,000 will be distributed across successful primary and secondary schools who apply with any environmental initiative before September 30. From composting or waste sorting systems, to installing food gardens or habitat boxes, schools can 'Join the Cycle' for National Recycling Week and enter the chance to win big.    The initiative must exist on school grounds and could include:    📌A community recycling drop-off hub  📌Implementation or reinvigoration of school-wide composting system  📌Food garden  📌School canteen audit  📌Swap-day event  📌Waste sorting system  📌Habitat boxes  📌Wildlife garden or litter clean ups    Applications close 11.59pm AEST 30 September 2024.   Find out more or enter here: https://lnkd.in/gPeBdbvb    #Recycle #Reuse #Reduce

We’re pleased to be speaking at Edge Impact's Future of Packaging webinar on 26 September 2024. APCO CEO , Chris Foley will be discussing APCO’s 2030 Strategic Plan and the evolving regulatory packaging landscape. Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm AEST Where: Online Register to attend the Future of packaging webinar below. #Packaging #Future #Industry

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is inviting APCO members to an online stakeholder webinar on the Commonwealth’s national reform of Australia’s packaging regulation. Due to overwhelming interest there will be two seminars covering identical content held on:   ◆ Wednesday 25 September 2024, 11am – 12pm AEST (FULLY BOOKED) ◆ Thursday 26 September 2024, 11:30am – 12:30pm AEST (Register here: https://shorturl.at/M0q1l) Please note registrations are limited to two spots per organisation. The webinar will be recorded and made available on the DCCEEW website for businesses that are not able to attend and for members of the public to support the public consultation process.   The webinar is intended for stakeholders involved, or interested in, the production, use and recovery of packaging in Australia. Topics covered in the webinar will include:   ◆ a presentation on the consultation paper, including the proposed options for reforming packaging regulations ◆ how to participate in the consultation process; and ◆ continuation of the current co-regulatory arrangement while the reform is being developed.   There will be a moderated interactive Question and Answer session for attendees following a presentation by DCCEEW. We encourage all APCO members to attend and be involved in the consultation process. #APCO #Webinar #Members

📣 Following the release of the 2030 Strategic Plan, APCO members are invited to register for the 2030 Strategy Member Reference Group (MRG) by Sunday, 22 September. The MRG will be used to: 1.    Test the proposed eco-modulated fee model 2.    Ensure we understand different member business models 3.    Understand barriers to effective reporting We will seek involvement through a series of questionaries and webinars conducted remotely, taking up no more than a few hours of your time! A survey will be shared with participants to facilitate the most convenient times for these sessions. Please register your interest by emailing: governmentpartnerships@apco.org.au Or view the full 2030 Strategic Plan below. #ReferenceGroup #APCO #APCOMembers

APCO CEO, Chris Foley had the pleasure of sitting down with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)’s Alicia Barry last week to discuss the recently released 2030 strategy, and how it will help industry get closer to achieving the national packaging targets.   The new strategy introduces structures to make it “more attractive to design better and use more recycled content” for businesses in the region. Watch the full episode or access the 2030 Strategic Plan below.   #APCO #2030Strategy #News