Australia’s soft plastics scheme advances with new advisory council

AUSTRALIA – Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA) has appointed members to its inaugural Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC) to guide the development of a national soft plastics recycling scheme. 

This step marks a significant milestone in establishing an industry-led recycling framework, pending full authorization from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The SAC comprises experts from government, local councils, recycling, retail, policy, and consumer engagement sectors. 

Their role is to provide strategic advice to ensure the scheme is effective and transparent.

Interim co-CEO Barry Cosier emphasized the council’s importance, stating, “This Council brings together a remarkable range of experience in recycling systems, packaging sustainability, policy, and consumer engagement.”

“It’s not just a box-ticking exercise – the SAC will provide real strategic input to help us build a scheme that works in practice and earns public trust.”

The council includes notable members like Alexandra Geddes from the NSW EPA, leading circular economy initiatives, and Elenor Robson from the Australian Local Government Association, representing councils in national waste policy. 

Other appointees include Bill Pemberton, known for pioneering kerbside recycling, and Graham Knowles from iQRenew, with over 30 years in recycling operations. 

Two additional members will be announced soon to complete the skills-based council.

SPSA’s model focuses on a comprehensive stewardship program rather than just collection. Cosier noted that the scheme would only collect what can be recycled and reused, ensuring transparency. 

The SAC will help maintain accountability to this commitment.

Interim co-CEO Dee Milosivic highlighted the council’s diverse expertise, saying, “Bringing them together is about tapping into that collective expertise. They will help SPSA address the soft plastics issue from every angle – whether it’s technology, consumer behavior, or policy.”

This collaborative approach aims to address past challenges, such as the 2022 REDcycle collapse, which left significant plastic stockpiles.

Meanwhile, recent developments indicate progress in soft plastics recycling. 

A new facility in New South Wales, operated by iQRenew, has processed thousands of tonnes of REDcycle stockpile and can handle up to 24,000 tonnes annually, supported by $9.1 million in government funding. 

This facility sorts soft plastics for recycling into new products, addressing a key gap in Australia’s recycling infrastructure.

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