As a REDcycle partner, we are aware of the situation and are in communication with both their team and The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) about the future of Australia’s soft plastics recycling initiatives.

Despite these short-term challenges a movement towards higher quality and more easily recyclable packaging remain encouraged. Multiple organisations are working together to formulate a strategy that will improve our soft plastics recycling system and prevent future plastic from ending up in landfill. Limits are being set on materials deemed problematic for soft plastic recycling that align with international guidelines developed by CEFLEX and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) Project Barrier, along with guidelines from the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR). APCO has commenced an independent review of soft plastics recycling and will soon have further information and a better idea of a roadmap for a resolution.

At RollsPack we’re focused on innovating for the future and will continue to seek every opportunity to implement eco-friendly practices and engage with initiatives designed to create a more sustainable future for packaging. All parties involved are working toward a solution and we’ll provide updates as that process progresses.

Did you know food waste is the largest contributor to Australia’s landfills? Over 7.3 million tonnes of food are wasted each year (equating to 300 kg per person annually). Over 92% of this waste goes directly to landfill where it decomposes releasing greenhouse gasses 25x more potent than carbon dioxide. While the issues facing plastic recycling are pressing problems that we must (and will) solve, plastic remains the most effective tool for prolonging our food’s shelf life to help prevent Australia’s food wastage situation from worsening.