Australian Packaging Covenant

The Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) is Australia's commitment to smart packaging, less waste and a cleaner environment.

PACIA supports the APC as a foundation signatory to the first Covenant in 1995 and the strengthened Covenant in 2005. PACIA members are committed to the sustainable management, use and recovery of packaging and works with partners in government, industry and communities to create improvement.

The Covenant was developed in response to calls from the community and government for companies to take more responsibility for the environmental impact of packaging. Rather than legislation which may have had a negative impact on businesses, the Covenant allows companies to use their strengths, expertise and knowledge in partnership with all levels of government and the community to create sustainable improvement. The Covenant is an important example of co-regulation to support voluntary cooperation between industry and government and ensure that eligible companies play their part and don't free-ride.

Plastic packaging is a particularly efficient method of preserving, transporting, storing, preparing and serving food and has contributed to a wide variety of packaging types to meet the increasing demands of modern, safe living. Trays, bags, tubs, bottles, films and seals extend the shelf life and prevent tampering of our food. Plastics are also one of the most energy and material efficient methods of packaging - they protect over 50% of the consumer goods yet account for only 16% of packaging by weight.

PACIA has a policy of working to eliminate plastic packaging going to landfill and the Australian Packaging Covenant is an important commitment to this goal.

PACIA's Action Plan

• Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan 2010-2015
• National Packaging Covenant Mk2 Action Plan 2008-2010
• National Packaging Covenant Mk2 Action Plan 2005-2008

Polypropylene Technical Trial

Technical feasibility recycling trials of post consumer Polypropylene and Polystyrene packaging determining if these contaminated materials can be recycled into recyclates of commercial value. Project Team: Basell Australia; Qenos; Huhtamaki and Sealed Air Cryovac.

• Project Report: An investigation into the technical and market feasibilty of recyling post-consumer polypropylene

Polystyrene Technical Trial

Technical feasibility recycling trials of post consumer Polypropylene and Polystyrene packaging determining if these contaminated materials can be recycled into recyclates of commercial value. Project Team: Polystyrene Australia; Brickwood Holdings; Huhtamaki; Sealed Air Cryovac; National Foods and Nestle.

• Project Report: Recycling of Post Consumer Rigid Polystyrene Plastic Containers

More Information

• www.packagingcovenant.org.au