A reminder that declaration forms need to be completed and returned by 28 September to signatory@packagingcovenant.org.au. APC contributions invoices will be sent out from 1 October.

APC Signatory Survey

There were 213 respondents to the APC Signatory Survey we recently conducted. A summary of the results is below, including what we are doing in response to your concerns.

The main message we received was simplification – as a result, the APC is reviewing documents and communications to ensure that they are as simple and targeted as possible.

There is currently sound support for the annual reporting process, although the APC will continue to refine this to make reporting more streamlined and easier.

There were also calls for more examples, case studies, templates, workshops and training of various kinds; requests for more communication, information and guidance; and interest in better access to other signatories. There are a number of projects currently underway or scheduled for attention in these areas, including the action plan improvement workshops (see events item below), from which a number of written resources will be created.

The APC is also investigating ways to facilitate greater interaction between signatories. There was a suggestion that workshops be hosted onsite at signatory premises; as such, we are giving signatories the opportunity to do so for the upcoming action plan workshops (see below).

Many signatories requested more information on recyclability and choice of materials, principally during the packaging review stages. Smaller businesses in particular indicate a lack of resources as a key concern and a desire for the APC to provide affordable assessment tools and practical/cost-effective expert advice and guidance in this area.

Finally, thank you to all respondents – your feedback is greatly appreciated.

FREE action plan improvement workshops

The APC will be hosting a range of sector-focussed workshops across the country, commencing late October.

Action plans are considered a live document and we encourage all signatories to review their plans on a regular basis to promote a process of continuous improvement and ensure currency with business systems. 

If you do not have a registered action plan yet, these workshops are also for you.

The sessions will be customised so that workshop participants are from similar organisations.

Attendees to each workshop will receive free guidance and business-specific templates from experts regarding how to develop or revise action plans to ensure they are easier to report against and deliver measurable results. 

Each workshop will provide:
- An improved approach to developing and implementing action plans
- Industry-specific tools tailored to suit your organisation’s level of supply chain control
- A forum for signatories with commonalities to network, connect, problem-solve and discover opportunities
- An improved understanding of how to do what is required by the APC whilst moving beyond a compliance approach

Lastly, if your company is interested in hosting a workshop for up to 35 people, the APC would like to hear from you: apc@packagingcovenant.org.au.

Design for Recovery and Recycling Workshop in Brisbane and Sydney

Design for Recovery and Recycling Workshops were held in September at Thiess Services (Brisbane) and Sita Australia (Sydney). 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 will be holding future Sydney and Melbourne workshops, subject to demand.

SPA Roundable - The next recycling challenge: the recovery of flexible plastics packaging

This event will profile some exciting new developments in the recovery and recycling of flexible plastics from municipal, industrial and agricultural waste streams, and visions for the future recovery of these materials.

Melbourne: 26 October 2012
Sydney: 24 October 2012

Register now

The APC Packaging Line provides consumers with a mechanism to make enquiries and complaints and receive advice and help about the consumer packaging of APC signatories.

It provides brand owner APC signatories with an opportunity to engage and respond to the public about use of the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines in their packaging decisions. On the  website (www.pack-line.org.au), signatories are able to download an information pack to assist them with their obligations in responding to enquiries.

For more information visit the Packaging Line website at
www.pack-line.org.au.

Two APC Signatories - CHEP and AMCOR have been featured in a series by Ferret.com.au focussing on practical ways manufacturers can reduce packaging use and embrace more environmentally sustainable packaging materials in warehouses,
factories and distribution centres.

Amcor Australasia reinvents chilled goods packaging

CHEP beverage trays reduce cardboard packaging waste, provide a 'one-touch' packaging solution

The National Litter Index (NLI) released in August shows that the overall litter count is continuing a downward trend in line with the targets of the Australian Packaging Covenant.

The Keep Australian Beautiful NLI confirms that the APC, as a mechanism that deals with all packaged materials, achieves results.

The overall average number of items per 1,000m2 across all 983 sites surveyed in the 2011/12 National Litter Index was 58, down from 61 in 2010/11. Littering trends showed an overall decrease when collated across Australia, in comparison to figures since the first report in 2005/06.

The National Litter Index report can be found at on the Keep Australia Beautiful website.

The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities today released Beneficial reuse and resource recovery of waste materials.

The Beneficial reuse and resource recovery of waste materials report provides an inventory of the approaches, over-arching objectives and guiding principles used by the states and territories to encourage reuse and resource recovery.

Beneficial reuse and resource recovery of waste materials can be accessed on the Department’s website.

Recycling empty plastic bottles might seem humdrum when you’re tossing them into the recycling bin, but what they can become after that might surprise you.

Read more

The Carbon Trade Exchange is the world’s first and largest online trading platform of voluntary carbon credits. Carbon Trade Exchange’s global marketplace enables companies to offset their carbon emissions by purchasing credits online. With its head office in Sydney, the exchange is now assisting Australian companies to gain a competitive advantage and efficiencies through carbon offsetting.

Visit www.carbontradexchange.com to find out more.