Consistency in product packaging guidance to maximise recyclability and ensure sustainability are important stresses the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC).
The representative body for food and grocery manufacturers welcomes government progress towards implementing clear, integrated and consistent changes to packaging.
The organisation also praised the Commonwealth’s commitment to consult with all levels of government and industry on new packaging design guidance to improve recyclability.
It added that introducing uniform design standards will be necessary to address inconsistencies and fragmentation in related regulations.
According to AFGC CEO Tanya Barden, food and grocery manufacturers are committed to advancing circularity and urge the government to consider the entire supply chain and the full lifecycle of packaging materials.
“We can achieve an improved packaging system more rapidly with greater clarity, national consistency and partnership with the government,” Barden said. “To position Australia as a global leader in circularity and sustainability, all states, government bodies, and industry players must work in unison.”
As changes to sustainable packaging require careful research to ensure consumer safety and product quality, the AFGC encourages the government to collaborate closely with industry on transition timeframes.
The organisation also proposed programs and tax incentives to support the industry’s move to a circular economy amid cost-of-living pressures.
- Further reading: Nuffin adds new flavours with sustainable packaging
