Mike Twemlow, Senior Sustainability Manager at Edge Impact
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Australia prepares for tough new packaging laws for all businesses trading locally
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Just half of big businesses currently meet APCO’s sustainable packaging guidelines
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Amid widespread non-compliance, experts warn tougher laws and hefty fines
As fast-fashion giants flood the Australian market with cheap, disposable goods, major Australian cities are racing towards landfill capacity by 2030. A leading sustainability consultancy says this kind of waste is partly why Federal Government will strengthen its packaging reforms in Australia – with businesses forced to comply or face hefty fines.
Award-winning Australian sustainability consultancy Edge Impact, an RSK company, predicts that new national regulations will apply to all companies trading in Australia – from global e-commerce platforms to homegrown brands. These businesses will be required to overhaul their entire approach to their packaging ecosystem.[1] Every step will need to be reviewed from product design and material selection to consumer disposal and recycling, ensuring each component is sustainable and resource efficient.
Edge Impact helps businesses navigate complex packaging compliance requirements. With expertise in circular economy strategies, waste minimisation, and regulatory frameworks, Edge Impact works with companies to design sustainable packaging solutions that meet Australian and global compliance standards while reducing environmental impact.
Australia’s landfill emergency
Landfills across Australia are fast approaching crisis levels, Perth is most critical and expected to reach capacity this year,[2] Melbourne’s Hampton Park by 2028,1 Sydney by 20301 and Brisbane’s is also stretched with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) aiming to target a diversion of one million tonnes of landfill waste by 20301.
Wishcycling is a hidden treat in Australia’s waste crisis
Adding to the problem is wishcycling – the well-intentioned but incorrect recycling of materials. Confused consumers often throw non-recyclable packaging into the recycling bin, contaminating entire batches and contributing to approximately 21 per cent of the recycling materials sent to landfill.[3]
“We’re dealing with a public awareness gap,” says Mike Twemlow, Senior Sustainability Manager at Edge Impact. “Many consumers believe they’re doing the right thing, but inconsistent labelling and non-recyclable materials make proper disposal impossible. This is why businesses must go beyond compliance and invest in clear, packaging instructions to help consumers correctly dispose of waste,” he says.
New packaging laws are coming
The Government’s new mandatory packaging regulations are on the horizon, which will require businesses to comply with mandatory sustainability standards. The new regulations will likely include design standards to ensure all packaging is recyclable or compostable, minimum recycled-content requirements to reduce reliance on virgin plastics, bans on harmful chemicals in packaging materials and even eco-modulated fees where businesses are charged based on their environmental impact.
Australia needs to embrace a circular economy model
The reforms, which aim to cut waste, are also key to move Australia towards a packaging circular economy.
“A circular economy is about breaking the ‘take, make, waste’ model that dominates our supply chains,” says Mike. “It’s about creating closed-loop systems where packaging can be reused, repurposed, or fully recycled without degradation.”
Businesses must act now
With these new regulations on the horizon, Mike says that businesses can no longer afford to delay action.
“At the least, businesses should be complying with current APCO sustainable packaging guidelines,” he says. “This will make it easier for businesses when the tough reforms are in play. Businesses need to audit their packaging materials, redesign wasteful supply chains, and clearly label products to eliminate consumer confusion. Otherwise, they’ll be left scrambling when these regulations take effect.
“Fast-product platforms are fuelling a disposable culture that Australia simply cannot sustain. But any company using non-recyclable packaging is at risk. The government is done waiting, it’s only a matter of time before the compliance crackdowns are here.”
About RSK
RSK (www.rskgroup.com) is a well-established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions. We recognise the urgent need for sustainable change and know that this will be achieved by delivering meaningful action, not just words. We are committed to supporting our clients and societies as they navigate these complex challenges, while making a positive impact.
The business was founded in 1989, originally focused on providing environmental consultancy services to global energy clients. Today, while we remain a leader in environmental consultancy, the business is significantly more diverse. RSK delivers an unrivalled breadth and depth of environmental and engineering services, either as stand-alone projects or as large and integrated multidisciplinary solutions.
The group believes this emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for successfully addressing complex global challenges. This is why we have brought together pragmatic advice, forward-thinking engineering, cutting-edge innovation, digital solutions and best-in-class delivery services.
RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy. It now comprises more than 200 companies and employs over 15,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY24 was £1.9 billion.
About Edge Impact
Edge Impact is an award-winning B Corp certified global sustainability consultancy. For more than 16 years, Edge Impact has empowered organisations to be impact-focused, resilient and future-ready. We combine science, strategy and storytelling to help business, government and industry leaders achieve extraordinary environmental and social outcomes. Edge Impact empowers passionate changemakers to drive transformation for a healthy, sustainable future.
[1] The Future of Packaging: Driving business-wide sustainability | Edge Impact
[2] https://www.wa.gov.au/system/
[3] https://www.dcceew.gov.au/
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