AUSTRALIA – In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the packaging landscape in Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) have jointly announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement signifies the formation of a strategic partnership between the two apex bodies, geared toward enhancing packaging and sustainability expertise across the Australia-New Zealand region.
It’s designed to offer validation for sustainability professionals in their packaging and sustainability credentials. The APCO will facilitate and deliver targeted educational courses in collaboration with the AIP, set to be accessible to the industry by 2024.
These courses will concentrate on elevating skill sets and acknowledging expertise in APCO and packaging sustainability-related subjects, including the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Program.
“This strategic partnership marks a pivotal moment for APCO, underscoring our dedication to nurturing capability within Australia’s packaging system for a transition toward a circular economy,” stated Chris Foley, CEO of APCO.
“Our collective aim is to enhance industry expertise, empower our members, and drive positive strides toward a more environmentally conscious future.”
Chloe Rose, APCO Head of Communications and Engagement, emphasized the importance of sustainability professionals being able to substantiate their proficiency in packaging recyclability.
“This step is particularly significant for organizations seeking guidance on individuals with the expertise to assess recycled content in packaging. Offering this APCO capability evidence to the industry is a key initiative for us,” said Rose.
Australasian Recycling Label Consumer Insights Report
Earlier, APCO unveiled its Australasian Recycling Label Consumer Insights Report for the fiscal year 2023. The comprehensive study delved into the attitudes of consumers towards recycling in Australia and New Zealand, shedding light on noteworthy trends and perceptions.
The report unearthed that 74% of Australians regard recycling as the foremost action they can take to enhance the environment.
Surprisingly, 61% of Australians perceive recycling as more impactful than using reusable shopping bags, while 43% view it as more effective than utilizing refillable containers.
Despite this recognition of recycling’s significance, there’s a prevalent sense of confusion among Australian households, with 50% expressing uncertainty about what items can or cannot be recycled at home.
Notably, two-thirds of respondents indicated a desire for more comprehensive information about the recycling process.
When seeking guidance on recycling, packaging labels emerge as the primary source for consumers, with 62% of Australians checking labels at least once. Additionally, 52% rely on bin signage or online resources for recycling information.
The data also highlighted that 83% of Australians find home recycling to be convenient, reflecting a positive sentiment towards domestic recycling practices.
In New Zealand, 76% of respondents similarly view recycling as a crucial environmental action, with 29% expressing interest in accessing a wider array of bins or disposal services.
Recycling surpasses the perceived impact of reusable supermarket bags for 57% of New Zealanders and refillable containers for 48%.
However, akin to Australia, 50% of New Zealanders encounter confusion regarding recyclable items, with 69% desiring more guidance on proper recycling methods.
This quest for clarity underscores the need for enhanced educational initiatives to streamline and clarify the recycling process for consumers.
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