APCO unveils FY26-27 plan to guide packaging sector through regulatory shifts

AUSTRALIA – The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has unveiled its FY26–27 Business Plan and Statement of Intent, outlining a three-year initiative to enhance national coordination, standardize packaging guidelines, and upgrade data infrastructure. 

This move comes as the industry gears up for stricter regulations set to take effect by FY28.

Developed after broad consultations with stakeholders, the plan addresses the ongoing transformation in Australia’s packaging landscape, where companies are already adapting designs for better recyclability and bolstering tracking mechanisms.

APCO CEO Chris Foley emphasized the proactive steps underway. 

“Australia’s packaging system is evolving, and across the country our members are leading that change,” he stated. 

Foley added that the organization is building robust support structures to handle impending reforms, ensuring businesses receive practical guidance during the transition.

A key focus of the plan involves preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which gained strong backing from industry participants in APCO’s 2025 consultations.

Members called for uniform national rules to avoid inconsistencies across states that currently complicate compliance. 

The plan commits to advocating for these consistent standards, including simplified tools for design and reporting, clearer labeling requirements, and reliable pathways for materials like soft plastics. 

APCO aims to foster greater certainty in stewardship processes, helping companies navigate fragmented state-level differences.

In a related development, the UK packaging sector recently sought financial relief for small and medium-sized enterprises facing EPR rollout costs, according to industry reports from late November 2025. 

This request highlights similar pressures on producers to manage rising expenses under new waste management mandates, with calls for government aid to support compliance without stifling innovation. 

Such efforts mirror global trends, as seen in RecyClass’s certification of nitrocellulose-free inks on November 29, 2025, which targets barriers in recycling flexible packaging materials. 

These advancements enable better sorting and processing, potentially reducing contamination rates in waste streams.

Foley’s comments captured the industry’s readiness. He noted that early adopters deserve safeguards for their investments, with APCO working to embed recognition of prior actions into future policies. 

The plan also prioritizes data improvements to track progress on recyclability targets, allowing for more accurate reporting and resource allocation.

Overall, APCO’s strategy equips over 300 member organizations to meet heightened obligations while driving systemic improvements. 

By FY28, these enhancements should streamline operations and cut environmental impacts from packaging waste. 

As Foley put it indirectly, the focus remains on amplifying industry efforts to create a more efficient, nationwide framework. 

This approach not only aids compliance but also encourages ongoing investments in sustainable materials and processes.

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