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Signatory and Member Services

A reminder that Signatory Action Plans and 2012 Annual Reports need to be uploaded to signatory websites. Please email a link to these reports to signatory@packagingcovenant.org.au.

APC contributions invoices will be sent out on 1 October.  Declaration forms need to be sent back by 28 September to signatory@packagingcovenant.org.au.

APC Signatory Survey

Thank you to all those who took the time to complete the recent APC survey, and provided feedback about APC support services.

We received a total of 213 responses, which has provided us with great insights into what we can do to better support our members. Some signatory concerns and suggestions are already being addressed with projects that are currently underway and nearing completion; others will inform future processes and the form of APC guidance.

We greatly appreciate your help in improving the APC experience.

The Impacts of Packaging Consultation Update

Packaging was a priority for environmental ministers in Canberra on Friday. Ministers agreed to develop a Decision RIS to undertake a more detailed analysis including regional and other distributional impacts.

In response to consultation feedback, ministers agreed that in addition to the options considered in the Consultation RIS, three further options be included in the Decision RIS:

  • an industry co-regulatory stewardship scheme focussing on beverage containers only
  • an approach similar to the APC, with a substantial increase in industry funding for initiatives, and
  • a container deposit model based on the South Australian system.

For more information see the COAG Standing Council on Environment and Water Communique.

Featured Project: Increasing recovery of EPS across NSW

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) recycling rates are currently very low in Australia (around 7%) and it can pose a significant litter issue because it is easily blown out of bins or away from waste collection points and does not readily degrade in the natural environment.

It is technically feasible to recycle EPS however issues contributing to its low recycling rate include lack of collection infrastructure, low transport efficiencies (given its low density) and limited processing capabilities. New technology in the form of EPS heat are now available which beneficiate EPS at or close to the point of generation of the waste into a form which makes it suitable for transportation to secondary markets. 

This project funded by APC intends to engage waste contractors and local governments to roll out 22 heat compaction units across regional and metropolitan areas of NSW. Recipients of the funding include Sydney Fish Markets, Challenge Disability Services, Dial-A-Dump Industries, Fuji-Xerox and a number of local councils.

Forty partcipants were trained in the use of the heat compaction units over 2 days (22-23 Aug) in Sydney, the training was organised by the NSW EPA.

The project will achieve immediate EPS recovery rates in the participating local government areas and document results to guide future application of EPS heat compaction units across NSW and nationally.

The project will result in the diversion of around 600 tonnes (40,000 m3) of EPS from landfill annually.

EPS heat compaction unit
Training participants
Training participants
Heat compaction unit

APC: A Global Perspective

APC has developed a complementary publication to APC twelve years of achievements.  APC within a global perspective seeks to compare the regulation of consumer packaging and outcomes between Australia and Europe, UK and USA.  By most accounts, Australia has a world best practice model which achieves results.  Under the co-regulatory model, the APC has the flexibility to address future packaging developments as well the ability to be adjusted to meet community and political objectives. 

Download APC within a global perspective at www.packagingcovenant.org.au

Events: Upcoming workshops

The APC continues its series of Design for Recovery and Recycling Workshops, with two more scheduled for September – 18 September (Brisbane) and 24 September (Sydney). Each workshop includes a technical session, a tour of a recovery facility and a workshop to review packaging design and procurement, allowing you to improve the recyclability of your consumer packaging.  The workshop series will be delivered by the APC and waste management and recycling experts Anne Prince (APC Environmental Management) and Lee Smith (Mobius Environmental).

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

  • Current and future waste management practices
  • How sorting technology discriminates between different types of packaging
  • How your organisation’s packaging performs through the recovery process
  • The business benefits of ensuring products are ‘recyclable’
  • The use of the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines to maximise packaging recovery

An administration fee of $150 (+gst) per attendee will be charged.  Places are limited to 30 at each workshop.
 
For more details contact Natalie at apc@packagingcovenant.org.au

APC Signatories at Work

FP Mail Pty Ltd

FP Mail Pty Ltd exclusively provides Francotyp Postalia equipment, service and supplies specialising in mail processing within the state of Victoria.  FP Mail have begun to supply Cardboard Box Recycling Systems which turn cardboard boxes into packaging material which is perfect for protection and void fill for all types of goods whilst helping the environment by recycling. To find out more visit: www.fpmail.com.au

Buderim Ginger: Recycling at The Ginger Factory just got easier

One of the Sunshine Coast’s leading tourist attractions, the Ginger Factory – the tourism arm of Buderim Ginger - has jumped on board the ‘Do the Right Thing, Use the Right Bin’ campaign and officially launched the installation of new recycling systems throughout the venue. 

The new waste and recycling bins are the result of a joint venture between the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Packaging Stewardship Forum and Buderim Ginger Ltd. The recycling bins are expected to divert more than 15 tonnes of beverage containers from landfill annually – that’s equivalent to more than 600,000 small plastic drink bottles!

If you are an APC signatory and would like to tell us about your work please email comms@packagingcovenant.org.au

New Publication: 8 Step Guide to Supply Chain Sustainability

The 8 Step Guide to Supply Chain Sustainability is a new tool developed for PACIA. This tool will help your organisation to deliberately engage with your supply chain partners, in a way that goes beyond the traditional procurement relationship. Read more

Centre has green credentials

Recycled glass and baleage wrap might not be the materials you would expect to find in the Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre, but they both play a part in making it very much a "green" building. Read more

Recycled stool helps clear the seas of plastic debris

UK-based Studio Swine has produced the Sea Chair, a seat made entirely of materials reclaimed from the sea. Read more

Training Event: Staff Engagement – Strategies that Work

Due to high demand the Metropolitan Waste Management Group is running this training session again this year. A highly interactive full day workshop designed to help you create working strategies to engage and motivate staff to ‘recycle right’ at work. Only 12 spaces available.  Register now online.