Page 64 - Plastics News - April 2026
P. 64
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
AUSTRALIA PACKAGING REFORM TO BOOST
PLASTIC RECYCLING AND RECYCLED CONTENT
insufficient to match existing recycling capacity.
According to the Australian Packaging Covenant
Organisation (APCO), the issue is not a lack of
processing capability but weak end-market de-
mand. Lower-cost imported virgin resin contin-
ues to compete strongly, while locally produced
recycled plastic can cost significantly more.
This imbalance limits the commercial viability
ustralia is introducing packaging reform of recycling operations and makes it harder for
to boost plastic recycling and recycled companies to scale the use of recycled content
Acontent amid a growing supply–demand in packaging.
gap.
National rules to create consistency
Australia is advancing national packaging reform The proposed national packaging reform fo-
to increase plastic rec. cycling and recycled con- cuses on creating a consistent regulatory frame-
tent, as policymakers and industry seek to ad- work across all jurisdictions. The aim is to align
dress a widening gap between recycling capac- packaging requirements and reduce fragmenta-
ity and market demand.
tion for businesses operating nationally.
The reform package, agreed by state and fed- Chris Foley said: “Australia has built more recy-
eral environment ministers in 2023, aims to in- cling capability, but demand for locally recycled
troduce consistent national rules on packaging plastic has not kept pace.”
design, recyclability and recycled content.
He added that reform, including Extended Pro-
The measures are intended to support a more ducer Responsibility (EPR), is needed to “close
stable circular economy for plastic packaging the market gap” and “set consistent national
and create clearer operating conditions for busi- rules that lift performance across the whole mar-
nesses. ket.”
Demand gap slows recycling progress
EPR is expected to establish a clearer baseline
Australia uses more than 1.3 million tonnes of for industry participation. By setting consistent
plastic packaging each year, with over 1 million obligations, it aims to prevent uneven contribu-
tonnes ending up in landfill or as litter. At the tions and provide greater certainty for invest-
same time, demand for recycled plastic remains ment across the packaging value chain.
66 PLASTICS NEWS April 2026
