Australian Packaging Industry Fails to Meet its Recycling Goals

The Australian packaging manufacturers industry has decided to cut down its recycling targets.

This move was triggered by a recent internal review that showed the import of plastics to be far higher than expected. This caused waste reuse to fall shorter of predetermined targets.

It’s interesting to note that the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC), along with the federal and state governments, had set target of recycling 70% of all used packaging over the 5 year plan till June 30, 2015.

However, a leaked excerpt of a report suggests that the industry would be unable to meet the recycling target.

Therefore, it has requested the council to drop this target.

One of the main reasons of the packaging industry’s failure to meet the recycling target is its miscalculation of the amount of plastic imported to Australia. It has been observed that this miscalculation has also caused underestimation of the consumption of plastics by around 50% in the year 2013-14.

Jeff Angel, Boomerang Alliance’s convenor, said that in the last financial year, plastic consumption was around 527,000 tonnes, while the recycling rate was just 44% compared to the set target of 70%.

What’s the Future of the Australian Packaging Industry?
Mr. Angel also said that the growing problem of plastic pollution, to a large extent, is the failure to recycle packaging. He said it’s time for the government to intervene.

Taking a cue from Mr. Angel, Stan Moore – Chief Executive of APC says that dropping the target of 70% won’t be a very good idea as it would be an admission of defeat.

Environmentalists say that the packaging manufacturers should understand that plastics are a major concern for the environment.

Millions of plastics are entering water bodies and land every year, resulting in the death of many marine animals along with the birds.

No wonder that some green activists demand a ban on single-use light-weight plastic shopping bags to protect the environment and reduce plastic consumption.

There’s a growing flexible packaging demand too with a focus on the use of natural resources to bring down wastes and encourage recycling.

Only time will tell if the packaging industry focuses on more meaningful waste reduction activities to combat Australia’s growing waste problems.

Outlook the Packaging Industry in Australia
The Australian population might exceed 28 million by year 2030. This population growth comes with an increase in the demand for more consumables. These consumables include packaged drinking water, meals and other food supplies.

Often, packaging manufacturers prefer plastic packaging over non-plastic alternatives because it is lightweight and portable. Additionally, this decade may see an increase in demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials as consumers become more aware of the environmental impacts of their buying choices. However, plastics still have a significant advantage over these materials in terms of cost-effectiveness and durability, so they are likely to remain the dominant packaging choice in Australia for the foreseeable future.

Still Failing As Reported by APCO
Despite having some of the most expansive and scenic coastline in the world, Australia is struggling when it comes to plastic pollution. A new report from the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation details the country’s failure to meet plastic reduction goals. In the report, Australia has just reached 16%, considering half of the country’s packaging is recyclable.

The report attributes the lacklustre recycling rates to a lack of infrastructure and investment, as well as a lack of consumer education about what types of plastics can be recycled. With plastic pollution becoming an increasingly pressing global issue, it’s clear that Australia needs to do more to reduce its reliance on this damaging material. Hopefully, this report will help to jumpstart much-needed change.

Sharp Wake-up Call
A recent report from the Australian Marine Conservation Society has found that Australians are still using far too much plastic, and that not enough is being recycled or composted. The report should serve as a reminder to the business sectors and federal government. These sectors should do more to reduce plastic waste in the country.

Australia has set some ambitious targets for reducing plastic use, but we need to do more to meet them. Businesses need to find ways to reduce their reliance on plastic packaging, and consumers need to be better educated about recycling and composting. Unity should also be part of Australia’s goal so it can achieve a future without so much plastic pollution.

Ways Australian Packaging Industry Can Win the War on Waste
The war on waste is one that demands the involvement of many different players, including the packaging industry. In Australia, there are a number of ways that the packaging industry can help to win the war on waste. One is through investment from the government. The government can provide financial incentives for businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging practices. Incentives can also be offered directly to recycling firms and others who can help in meeting the goals.

Another way is through domestic manufacturing. By producing packaging domestically, businesses can reduce their reliance on imports and help to create jobs in the local economy.

Additionally, by exporting only a small percentage of waste, businesses can ensure that most of their waste is recycled or reused.

Finally, regulated packaging requirements can ensure that all packaging is sustainable and fit for purpose. By setting minimum standards for recyclability and durability, the packaging industry can help to reduce waste and protect the environment.

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