Plastic wraps up by 2025

Packaging to be ditched

THROWAWAY plastic packaging on fresh food, groceries and other items will be gone within seven years as Australia tries to deal with 1.3 million tonnes of waste it previously shipped to China.

An ambitious target that 100 per cent of packaging be recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025 or earlier to cut down on single-use plastic waste was agreed by Federal and State environment ministers yesterday.

More than 100 countries are affected by China’s new restrictions that exclude 99 per cent of the recyclables Australia used to send to China.

It accounts for 4 per cent of Australia’s recyclable waste, but 35 per cent of plastics and 30 per cent of paper and cardboard.

The target will be overseen by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation working with its 950 member companies.

More than 60 of the world’s biggest companies — including Nestle, Coca-Cola and Unilever — support the ban and have put plans in place.

Governments will also move to increase the buying of paper, road base and construction materials that use recyclable materials.

Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg said solutions for the 1.3 million tonnes of recyclable waste was an “urgent and important” issue that would require a coordinated approach.

“This is an important step forward, and will have a real, positive impact on our environment,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“It is also an opportunity for Australia to develop its capabilities and capacity in recycling through effective cooperation and collaboration among the three levels of government.”

APCO chief executive Brooke Donnelly said the China issue presented a significant opportunity for Australia to shift to the next level in packaging resource recovery, recycling and end use.

“(The) announcement is a monumental call to action and one of the most ambitious and decisive environmental targets to be supported in Australia,” Mr Donnelly said.

“It’s essential that we take a consistent national approach, one that will promote domestic recycling and resource recovery to reduce the amount of waste going into landfill and deliver a smaller, cleaner waste stream in Australia.”

Municipal Association of Victoria chief executive Rob Spence said initiatives to increase consumer awareness were also welcome.

“In order to achieve the best outcomes, the primary goal should be waste avoidance, followed by reuse and recycling,” Mr Spence said.