Record Plastics Recycling Figures on Target

27th November 2008

The plastics and chemicals industries have welcomed an independent national survey released today showing a record recycling rate for plastics packaging in Australia. The report titled the "2008 National Plastics Recycling Survey‟ reveals that during 2007, Australian consumers and industry recycled a record 32.7% of plastic packaging which is on target and within the band set under the National Packaging Covenant. The recycling rate for packaging made from polymers coded 4-7 increased again from last year to 25.4%, and is also above the target for 2010.

Margaret Donnan, Chief Executive of the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association said:

“We are extremely pleased to see the plastic packaging recycling rate on target at 32.7% and within the band provided for under the National Packaging Covenant.

“It demonstrates that the current system works.

“This record result is good news for Australian communities and even better news for our environment”.

The 2007 National Plastics Recycling Survey was undertaken by independent research group Hyder Consulting. It was commissioned by the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) as a collaborative effort with funding support from Sustainability Victoria, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency, Western Australia‟s Department of Environment and Conservation, Zero Waste SA and the National Packaging Covenant.

Margaret Donnan said:

“The report remains the authoritative insight into Australian plastics consumption, recovery and recycling.

“The 2008 results show that industry, government and the community can work together collaboratively to achieve tangible results for the environment.

“It is great to see the numbers on target. However, we can and will do more to keep plastics out of the landfills and put back to good use; because they are too valuable to waste”

Media enquiries:

John Osborn, Manager Strategic Communications, (03) 9426 3809.