With the Federal election likely to stall any progress on packaging reforms, industry and environment groups have released a joint statement in support of an Extended Producer responsibility (Product Stewardship) Scheme for Packaging. The statement signed by the Boomerang Alliance, ACOR, WMRR, APCO and Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia calls on the next Government (whoever that might be) to introduce a scheme by 2026, including for soft plastics.

The Commonwealth Government recently released results on its packaging reform consultation. This confirmed significant support for an EPR scheme. According to government figures 80% of respondents support Commonwealth regulation on packaging, with 65% supporting an EPR with mandatory requirements. Only 4% supported the current co-regulatory approach.

Whilst the scope and design of an EPR scheme still need to be negotiated, these schemes when effectively implemented, work to reduce waste and increase recovery. They can be instrumental in establishing a circular economy system for packaging. 

The container refund schemes now operating in most States and Territories is a good example. Prior to its introduction container collection for recycling in most jurisdictions was less than 30%, and less than 20% in some others. The national average recovery rate for containers is now above 65%.