Australia is advancing national packaging reform to create consistent rules that improve packaging recyclability, increase recycled content use, and support a circular economy for plastics and other materials.
The initiative, outlined in a media release by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) on 13 January 2026, follows a 2023 agreement by federal and state environment ministers to implement reforms that strengthen packaging standards and reduce waste.
Australia produces more than 1.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging annually, with over 1 million tonnes going to landfill or litter each year, highlighting ongoing struggles with waste management and recycling infrastructure.
Imported virgin plastic resin often remains cheaper than locally recycled alternatives, dampening demand for recycled content and constraining investment confidence.
APCO notes that the supply chain possesses recycling capability, but demand for recycled materials has lagged behind investment, slowing progress to circular outcomes.
To tackle these market mismatches, the reform package emphasises Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their packaging.
