APCO | Change is coming for packaging in Australia and it’s time to get organised

In this episode, join Kiarne as she sits down with Chris Foley, CEO of APCO (the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation), as they dive into the evolving landscape of packaging regulations in Australia. As 2025 approaches, regulations are set to reshape how businesses approach design, manufacturing, and end-of-life of packaging and materials and this episode is essential listening for everyone involved.

Key Discussion Points:

• Government Mandates and Industry Alignment: The transition from voluntary to mandatory circular packaging regulations and the efforts of governments and industries to align and enforce compliance.
• Challenges and Opportunities: What are the barriers hindering Australia's progress towards circularity in packaging? The pair discuss the low-hanging fruit, opportunities for innovation alongside industry-wide inertia and underutilised infrastructure.
• Lessons from Experience: Drawing from his extensive background in environmental and sustainability roles, Chris shares candid experiences from his time at major retail organisations like Target and Kmart. Discover how circular design principles can drive environmental impact, cost savings, and customer satisfaction when implemented effectively.

Prepare your business for the inevitable change that is coming! As Chris says, the Genie is well and truly out of the bottle. Whether you're a designer, manufacturer, or distributor involved in packaging, tune in for actionable advice on how to cut through the confusion and take meaningful steps towards circularity.

MENTIONS:

About APCO

APCO 2025 National Packaging Targets

Australasian Recycling Label

Visy

What Are PFAS?

ARL Marketplace

Task Force On Climate-Related Disclosures

LINKS:

Browse sustainability information from all your favourite brands: SustainabilityTracker.com

Hear from sustainability experts and leading brands, plus listen to past episodes: The Sustainable Transformation Podcast

Join a growing network of passionate sustainability professionals and like-minded enthusiasts: Leaders in Sustainability Network

Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok

Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial

CREDITS:

Host: Kiarne Treacy

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

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