APC reaches record numbers of signatories

There are now 810 signatories to the Australian Packaging Covenant. Most of the new signatories are a result of a brand audit through which APC is identifying and contacting non-signatories to the APC.

However, the total number of signatories that have joined APC who would otherwise be excluded from regulation is now at 39, which is a reflection of the increasing recognition by industry of the importance of product stewardship.

Signatory contributions 2012-13

APC has simplified the signatory contributions for the new financial year (2012-13). The industry classifications have been reduced from two to one classification, which will provide a savings relief for packaging manufacturers. We have also introduced a new concessional contribution rate for voluntary signatories (those with a turnover of under $5 million) to the Covenant.

The fixed amount for organisations such as industry associations, community groups and local government associations wishing to join the APC will remain the same.

Reporting results, planned support and auditing

Annual reporting results are being distributed this week to all signatories. Comprehensive industry sector-focussed support for any action plan changes will be provided by the APC later in the year.

APC will also be conducting random audits to verify the reported actions, which will commence in August.

If you have any questions in relation to your commitments as a signatory, please contact apc@packagingcovenant.org.au.

Design for Recovery and Recycling Workshop in Melbourne and Adelaide

Design for Recovery and Recycling Workshops were held in July at SKM Recycling (Melbourne) and Integrated Waste Services (Adelaide). Aimed at improving recycling rates and ensuring packaging is designed and procured for better recovery, recycling and re-manufacture, both workshops were well attended and included a technical tour of the facility and a detailed design for recyclability workshop.

A key feature of the events is the cross-sector interaction that a workshop setting is able to promote.  Attendees left the sessions with a much greater understanding of the recovery and recycling process.  More importantly, they are able to take this knowledge and share it within their own organisation.

If you are interested in attending future workshops please contact Brett Giddings.  We are currently finalising dates and details for Brisbane and Sydney workshops.

Packaging Design for Sustainability Tools

The APC-supported Packaging Design for Sustainability Tools Workshop is to be held in Sydney (Rydges Rosehill) on Wednesday 8 August and Melbourne (Cliftons City) on Friday 10 August.

Understanding the environmental and social impacts of a product or package is essential to minimising these impacts in the design process. The assessment of packaging is also a key requirement of all signatories to the APC.  Run by the Sustainable Packaging Alliance (SPA) in conjunction with Global Product Stewardship Council (GPSC), Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and the APC, these interactive workshops are designed to assist you in improving your approach to packaging assessment using the SPGs and other assessment tools to identify opportunities for improvement.

Cost is $199 +GST per person for APC members, $299 +GST for others. 

Please register your interest with SPA via the registration form

Ascot Vale Estate Recycling Project Launch

APC CEO Stan Moore attended the launch of a household recycling program at the Ascot Vale housing estate on 11 July 2012.

The scheme involves Moonee Valley Council establishing recycling points throughout the Ascot Vale housing estate, with the help of funding from the Australian Packaging Covenant and the Victorian government. The Wingate Avenue Community Centre has put together a community education program delivered in several languages to educate residents about recycling.

The project is a great example of how industry can work collaboratively with governments and the community in delivering product stewardship for packaging.

School Waste Minimisation Project: ‘Do the right thing, use the right bin’

From 9 July 2012, Queensland schools will be able to apply for free waste minimisation infrastructure and awareness-raising materials including:
• 120 and 240 litre wheelie bins
• colour-coded wheelie bin lids (yellow, red, green and blue)
• classroom and office recycling bins (mixed recycling and paper)
• A4, A3 and A2 stickers
• promotional items.

Introducing new waste minimisation systems into Queensland schools will reduce overall waste generation, educate students about proper waste reduction practices, and foster a sense of leadership and environmental responsibility. Habits built during school only require further reinforcement, rather than trying to completely change behaviours in later years. School children are also very effective at communicating waste minimisation messages at home and in the wider community.

Evidence from evaluations of the school waste reduction program in Victoria indicates that successful waste management outcomes are achieved when schools adopt a whole-of-school approach, integrating waste management into:
• school plans
• school operations
• curriculum engagement.

Following the 'whole-school approach,' the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection is partnering with the Department of Education, Training and Employment and the Australian Packaging Covenant to introduce full waste minimisation systems into Queensland schools.

Among all the stakeholders in creating more sustainable packaging, package designers often wield the most influence, especially when it comes to their choice of materials.

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The Returned and Services League (RSL) is actively lobbying health ministers to initiate action on the issue of packaging accessibility, writes Gavin Williams, CEO of the Packaging Council of Australia.

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Dutch stroller manufacturer Joolz has printed instructions on the packaging of its products to encourage customers to turn the boxes into something new and useful.

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Looking Outwards from the Box:  Commentary on the Current Business Environment affecting NPCIA Members

The NPCIA’s latest background paper examines a range of issues that have the potential to impact the packaging supply chain. This includes the general economic outlook, carbon price introduction, rising energy prices, the high A$, consumer habits, competitiveness, productivity and bankruptcies.

By using industry sectors such as manufacturing, retail, food and grocery, winemakers, petroleum, packaging, waste management and recycling, each of the issues is examined. The paper also takes a look at the current regulatory environment and its effect on business.

Read the paper

Used nappies could be turned into garden furniture or roof tiles under an imaginative recycling scheme being trialled in Scotland.

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The cost of business sustainability initiatives, like most investments, are readily apparent, but some of their indirect benefits are difficult to quantify.

A new report from PwC Sustainability valuation: An oxymoron? describes approaches companies can take to value the benefits of sustainability intitiatives.