National packaging reform seeks consistency across Australia

Australia is advancing national packaging reforms led by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation to improve packaging recyclability, increase recycled content and support a circular economy for plastics. Independent analysis cited by APCO projects environmental and economic benefits by 2030, including lower emissions and reduced landfill.

Australia is advancing national packaging reform intended to create consistent rules on recyclability, recycled content and circular use of plastics and other materials. The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) set out the initiative in a media release on 13 January 2026. The reforms follow a 2023 agreement by federal and state environment ministers to strengthen packaging standards and reduce waste. The package emphasises Extended Producer Responsibility to make producers accountable for end‑of‑life management. Key facts: - APCO published a media release on 13 January 2026 outlining the national packaging reform. - Australia produces more than 1.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging each year, with over 1 million tonnes sent to landfill or litter annually. - The reform package highlights Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to set a baseline for business contributions and address uneven participation. - Independent analysis in APCO's overview projects that by 2030 the reforms could avoid about 700,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and reduce landfill by around 370,000 tonnes per year. - Economic modelling cited in the overview estimates A$220 million in private investment, about 19,000 jobs supported and nearly A$2.5 billion added to the Australian economy. Summary: The reforms are intended to increase packaging recyclability and boost demand for recycled content while supporting domestic recycling markets. Implementation will progress through 2026 with consultation and regulatory work; specific final rules are undetermined at this time.