Australian retailers will find it easier to recycle in future, with the new Australasian Recycling Label officially launched at the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation’s Towards 2025 event in Melbourne.
Australian retailers have moved quickly to respond to the recycling challenges set by Australian governments with more than 50% of businesses now using new recycling label on their packaging.
The new labelling system developed by Planet Ark, PREP Design and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) provides easy-to-understand recycling information. The label removes confusion, reduces waste and assists in preventing incorrect waste from contaminating the recycling stream.
The national packaging targets were also announced, with a commitment decided at the April Meeting of the Environment Ministers to make 100% of all packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 or earlier.
The industry-led waste targets will see 70% of Australia’s plastic packaging being recycled or composted, with a 30% average of recycled content across all packaging and phasing out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging. All of this will build towards the 100% target set for 2020.
APCO, Woolworths and business leaders including Coca-Cola Amatil, Goodman Fielder, Nestle, Pact Group, Simplot and Unilever have all been instrumental in moving to tackle Australia’s waste challenges and support the targets.
These are critical steps as Australia moves toward a more circular approach to resource use, where waste is treated as a resource for as long as possible.
About The Australian Retailers Association
The ARA aims to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. The ARA is passionate about supporting careers in Australian retail industry and secure skilled staff to ensure the longevity of Australian Retail. By implementing these service strategies into your business, your business will thrive amongst digital and bricks and mortar competitors. Service is key to the future success of retail and therefore offering a positive experience will ensure customer satisfaction, loyalty and the longevity of your business. Visit www.retail.org.au
