APCO Priority Projects 2019 - Version 3 - Australian Packaging Covenant
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APCO Priority Projects
2019
Version 3
AUSTRALIAN PACKAGING COVENANT ORGANISATION | 19 JUNE 2019Page |1
Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Background ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Unpacking problematic packaging materials.................................................................................................. 2
2. Scope .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
3. Outcomes................................................................................................................................................................ 2
4. Key Themes............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Priority Projects for 2019 ................................................................................................................................... 3
Attachment 1. APCO Priority Projects ................................................................................................................. 6
Project 1.1 Consumption and Recycling Data ................................................................................................................ 6
Project 1.2 Infrastructure Mapping ................................................................................................................................ 7
Project 1.3 Economic Analysis of Alternative Packaging Collection systems and End Markets........................................ 10
Project 2. Public Statements on Specific Materials .................................................................................................... 13
Project 3. White Paper on Problematic and Unnecessary Packaging.......................................................................... 14
Project 4: Scenarios for the future: options to deliver resource recovery systems for used packaging materials in Australia
....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Project 5.1 Quickstarts: Design Guidelines for Recycling (x5) ...................................................................................... 17
Project 5.2 Soft Plastic Packaging Guidelines ............................................................................................................... 17
Project 5.3 Compostable Packaging Guidelines ........................................................................................................... 18
Project 5.4 Wine Packaging Guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 19
Project 6. Food Service Packaging Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 19
Project 7. Compostable Packaging Labelling Program ................................................................................................ 20
Project 8. Recycled Content Labelling Program ........................................................................................................... 22
Project 9. Lifecycle Assessment Guide ......................................................................................................................... 22
Project 10. National Consumer Education Campaign.................................................................................................. 23
Project 11. Analysis of Problematic Packaging Materials ............................................................................................. 24
Project 12. Pulpability Trials ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Project 13. Packaging Supply Chain Training ............................................................................................................... 28
Project 14. Models for Phase Out of Single Use Plastics .............................................................................................. 29
Project 15. Compostability Trials .................................................................................................................................. 30
Project 16. Regional Model for Soft Plastics Recycling................................................................................................ 31
Project 17. Remote and Regional Waste Collection Partnerships............................................................................... 32
Project 18. Government Procurement of Recycled Materials and Products .............................................................. 33
Project 19. Supply Chain Procurement of Recycled Plastic Products ........................................................................... 34
Project 20. EPS Collection and End Markets Pilot ....................................................................................................... 35
Project 21. Circular Economy Hub ............................................................................................................................... 36
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |2
Introduction
In 2018 APCO convened five working groups to investigate barriers and opportunities to improve the recovery of
five ‘problematic’ packaging materials: glass, polymer coated paperboard (PCPB), soft plastics, biodegradable and
compostable packaging, and expanded polystyrene (EPS). The groups worked to establish a shared understanding
of the problem and to identify projects to be undertaken by stakeholders in the packaging value chain to support
achievement of the National Packaging Targets for each material category.
These projects have been reviewed, prioritised and combined with other initiatives to develop a list of projects for
implementation in 2019. Further consultation has been conducted in Q1 2019 with feedback on the 2019 Priority
Projects document being provided by the participants in the 2019 Working Groups, the 2019 Collective Action
Group and the APCO Board.
Background
1. Unpacking problematic packaging materials
In early 2018 APCO invited Members and other stakeholders to join one of five working groups on problematic
packaging materials. Over 80 representatives were appointed from across the value chain and all levels of
government.
2. Scope
The packaging materials and formats covered by each working group are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Packaging materials covered by the 2018 Problematic Packaging Material Working Groups
Working group Scope
All glass packaging including packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceutical
Glass
and cleaning products
Gable top containers, aseptic containers, hot cups, cod cups, other
Polymer coated
takeaway containers, cartons for refrigerated storage at home, composite
paperboard
cans, fresh produce boxes, glassine
Retail shopping and produce bags, consumer bags, pouches and film,
commercial and industrial film (stretch and shrink wrap) and bags, agricultural
Soft plastics film (bale wrap, cotton film, mulch film) and grain bags, building films used to
protect items such as
timber, plasterboard, bricks, etc.
Biodegradable and compostable plastics packaging, paperboard packaging with a
Biodegradable and
compostable plastics coating, paper/cardboard packaging contaminated with
compostable packaging
food waste and therefore suitable for organics recycling
All foamed plastic packaging including EPS, expanded polypropylene (EPP) and
Expanded polystyrene expanded polyethylene (EPE). Single-use food packaging, consumer fresh
(EPS) produce packaging e.g. trays, B2B loose fill ‘peanuts’, moulded dry bulky food
packaging, specialist applications e.g. for temperature-controlled packaging
3. Outcomes
Each working group produced a research report to summaries the findings from the years’ worth of work:
Glass
Polymer Coated Paperboard
Soft Plastics
Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging
Expanded Polystyrene
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |3
4. Key Themes
Key themes that emerged from the problematic packaging material working groups include:
The need for more accurate and detailed data on packaging consumption and recycling
Suggestions for reduction or elimination of problematic and unnecessary packaging
Additional resources to support sustainable packaging design and procurement
Consumer education on packaging reduction and correct recycling
The need for targeted industry education on packaging design, procurement and recycling
Collection and recycling infrastructure gaps and lack of local end markets
Government procurement to support end market development
Priority Projects for 2019
Priority projects for implementation in 2019 are summarised in
Table 2 with further details provided in Attachment 1. The individual projects aim to support the achievement of
the National Packaging Targets by addressing packaging design, consumer engagement, recovery systems and end
markets (Figure 1).
Figure 1. APCO's priority projects linked to the National Packaging targets
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |4
Table 2. APCO 2019 priority project summary
APCO Working
Theme Project Description Start Period
Group
Data analysis 1. Packaging 1.1 Packaging consumption and Q1 2019 National
& strategic Baseline data recycling Packaging
planning 1.2 Infrastructure mapping Q1 2019 Targets
1.3 Economic analysis of Q1 2019 Implementation
alternative collection systems Working Group
and end markets
2. Public statements Five reports and webinars on Completed
on specific outcomes of 2018 problematic
materials packaging working groups
3. White paper on Paper to identify target Q1 2019
problematic and products/materials and build the
unnecessary case for phase-out
packaging
4. Scenarios for the Strategic analysis of current Q2 2019
future: Options to resource recovery systems to
deliver resource identify opportunities to
recovery systems nationally align and improve
for used packaging recovery rates for used
materials in packaging materials in Australia.
Australia
Packaging 5. Resources to 5.1 Quick Starts: (i) recovery Q1 2019 Design Working
design support the pathways, (ii) glass, (iii) polymer Group
Sustainable coated paperboard (PCPB), (iv)
Packaging EPS, (vi) PET, (vii) labelling
Guidelines 5.2 Design for soft plastics Q3 2019
packaging (build on CEFLEX)
5.3 Design for compostable Q4 2019
packaging
5.4 Wine packaging guidelines Q2 2019
6. Food service Engagement workshops, Q1 2019
packaging guidelines & case studies
guidelines
7. Compostable Verifying composability claims and Q2 2019
packaging labelling corresponding on pack label –
program potential to align with ARL
8. Recycled content Verifying recycled content Q2 2019
Labelling program percentage and corresponding on-
pack label – potential to align with
ARL
9. Life cycle Co-branded training course with AIP, Q1 2019
assessment (LCA) corresponding guideline to support
guide Member
Consumer 10. Consumer Nationally consistent messaging to Q2 2019 Systems &
education education consumers on ‘how to recycle right’ Education
– including the ARL
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |5
Industry 11. Analysis of Trials to investigate specific Q2 2019 Working
engagement problematic issues of sorting and recycling Group
packaging materials, including PCPB,
materials composite cans and glass
12. Pulpability trials Trials to investigate Q2 2019
recyclability/pulpability threshold
for fibre-based packaging that has
polymer coatings, wet-strength
additives, non-wood
fibres etc.
13. Packaging supply Training in collaboration with Q1 2019
chain training AIP
PREP and the ARL
14. Models for i. Working with Boomerang Q1 2019
phase out of Alliance to deliver the Plastic Free
single use Places model to councils /
plastics communities to reduce/replace
plastics
ii. Voluntary protocol phase out of
heavy weight plastic bags
Collection & 15. Composting Trials to test compostability of Q2 2019
processing trials different certified materials
under various conditions,
addressing regulatory and
historical concerns
16. Regional model for Working with Plastic Police to Q2 2019
soft plastics evaluate and promote a regional
recycling collection and market
development model
17. Remote/ regional Workshop on potential Q2 2019
waste collection partnership-based solutions to
partnerships packaging waste collection in
remote and regional Australia
Procurement 18. Government Supporting government to buy Q2 2019 Materials
procurement of recycled including case studies and Circularity
recycled products technical information or Working
considerations Group
19. Supply chain Case studies and workshop with Q2 2019
procurement of APCO Members to identify end
recycled plastic market opportunities for soft
products plastics
20. EPS collection and Working with EPSA to document Q3 2019
end market pilot and share models to collect and
Reuse/recycle EPS locally
21. Circular Economy An online platform to assist in the Q2 2019
Hub purchasing of waste resources.
The Hub will also include
information on Education and
Knowledge Sharing, and a Thought
Leadership Program.
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |6
Attachment 1. APCO Priority Projects
NATIONAL PACKAGING TARGETS IMPLEMENTATION
WORKING GROUP
Project 1.1 Consumption and Recycling Data
Summary
Detailed packaging consumption and recycling data will be analysed to establish a baseline to benchmark
performance against the 2025 National Packaging Targets. Building on APCO’s 2019 Packaging Material Flow
Analysis (MFA) published in early 2019, this project will address specific data gaps identified by the five working
groups for problematic materials and in the MFA report.
Objective
To gather baseline data to inform the 2025 National Packaging Targets
Engage government and industry to ensure transparency and collaboration
Deliverables
Draft report on baseline data to support the 2025 National Packaging Targets
Final report incorporating feedback from APCO and key stakeholders
Details
The following services have been requested of a consultant. The focus will need to be on collection of new primary
data (e.g. from packaging manufacturers and recyclers) to update previous surveys and provide a more detailed
breakdown of packaging consumption and recycling data. APCO will provide an overview of existing data sources to
support the research.
Consumption survey
Survey packaging manufacturers and importers and consult with other stakeholders as required, to collect the
following data. All data should be for 2017-18.
Total consumption of packaging in Australia for 2017-18 (tonnes) including imports (empty packaging and
packaging with products), disaggregated by:
o material type: glass, aluminium, steel, plastics, paper/cardboard
o source sector (municipal, C&I, C&D, CDS)
Consumption of plastic packaging (tonnes) disaggregated by:
o polymer type – PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, PS, EPS, , bioplastic, other, unknown
o whether it can be classified as ‘rigid’ or ‘soft’
Estimated consumption of degradable plastics packaging (tonnes) disaggregated by oxo-degradable (and
other fragmentable), biodegradable and certified compostable
Estimated consumption of polymer coated paperboard (tonnes) with estimated breakdown by:
o material composition (including wax vs. polymer layers, type of paper, presence of wet strength
additives etc.)
o source sector (at home, away from home)
Estimated amount of recycled material in packaging consumed in Australia (tonnes) disaggregated by
material type
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |7
Estimated average percentage of recycled content by material type (%)
An estimate of the quantity of packaging that could potentially be manufactured from a compostable
material (e.g. food packaging that is currently non-recyclable in a conventional material recycling system),
and relative to the forecast quantity of waste organics
Estimated quantity of packaging consumed in Australia that has been tentatively classified as ‘problematic
and unnecessary’ (pending consultation through Project 3): single use straws and plastic cutlery, oxo-
degradable materials used for packaging, EPS takeaway cups and containers, rigid PVC packaging
Forecasts for consumption by material type to 2025
Recycling survey
Survey MRF and CDS operators and reprocessors and consult with other stakeholders as required, to collect the
following data:
Total amount of packaging recycled (tonnes), disaggregated by:
o material type
o collection channel (municipal, CDS, C&I)
o whether recycled locally or exported for recycling
Top 5 ‘problematic’ packaging items (contaminants) received in their facility (description)
Estimated quantity of compostable packaging recycled (tonnes) disaggregated by material recycling and
organics recycling
Market destination for collected material including recycling technologies and end markets (%)
Forecasts for recycling by material type and channel to 2025 (tonnes, % change)
Next steps
1. Consultant contract signed – May 2019 (Envisage Works with SRU, ISF UTS, Rendell Consulting and Industry
Edge)
2. Data collection and analysis – June and July 2019
3. Draft report – end July 2019
4. Completion date - end August 2019
Project 1.2 Infrastructure Mapping
Summary
The project will involve mapping the existing infrastructure for collection, sorting and recycling packaging including
location, materials handled, and capacity. Specific information gaps have been identified by the five working groups
for problematic materials and in the MFA report to inform infrastructure planning. The project will be undertaken
in collaboration with jurisdictions and recycling industry partners, building on existing resources. Data from
individual organisations will be aggregated to protect confidentiality.
Objectives
To identify current infrastructure that will support the National Packaging Targets – municipal, CDS, drop-
off points, MRFs, material recyclers, organics recyclers.
To inform decisions about the design and procurement of packaging, including the role of compostable
packaging
Deliverables
Draft report on baseline data to support the 2025 National Packaging Targets
Final report incorporating feedback from APCO and key stakeholders
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |8
Details
The consultant has been requested to collect and analyse the following data:
Resource recovery Data requirements (project Existing resources that Options to fill data gaps
activity deliverables) could be utilised
Municipal Deliverables include a Department of Environment
collections database showing all councils and Energy (2018), Analysis
and what they collect/how of Australia’s municipal
(Kerbside/drop-off), and infrastructure capacity,
infrastructure analysis Australian Government,
Canberra – maps showing
availability of kerbside
services x material x local
government area (LGA)
Planet Ark ‘Recycling Near
You’ database - searchable
database on recycling
services x material x
postcode
Container Deliverables include a Most schemes have a Survey scheme operators:
deposit/refund database of drop-off and central information point on Return & Earn etc.
schemes processing facilities for location – e.g. NSW, ACT
packaging collected through
CDS schemes including
materials handled, current
volumes and current capacity,
and infrastructure analysis
Materials Recovery Deliverables include a Department of Environment Survey MRF operators in
Facilities (MRFs) database of known and Energy (2018) – location collaboration with
infrastructure including of MRFs on a map from the industry associations
materials handled, current Geoscience Australia
volumes and current capacity, database
materials processed on site,
ISF (2018), Characterising
end markets and
the material flows through
infrastructure analysis
the Australian waste
packaging system - High
level overview, data sources
& gaps identified (Ch 4)
Material recycling Deliverables include a Department of Environment Survey recyclers in
facilities (paper, database of known and Energy (2018) – map collaboration with
glass infrastructure including showing location of industry associations
(beneficiation, materials handled, current ‘reprocessing facilities’ (not
glass making, volumes and current capacity, defined)
engineered end markets, and
SRU (2018) Assessment of
products), plastics, infrastructure analysis
Australia recycling
metals
infrastructure – glass
Envisage Works (2018),
Assessment of Australia
recycling infrastructure and
2016-17 exports to China –
plastics
Industry Edge (2018),
Assessment of Australian
APCO Project Proposals 2019Page |9
recycling infrastructure and
2016-17 exports to China –
paper and paperboard
Randell Environmental
Consulting (2018),
Assessment of Australian
recycling infrastructure and
2016-17 exports to China -
Metals
Organics recycling A survey and interviews will State govt agencies have Survey organics recyclers
facilities be conducted in collaboration lists of facilities and contact in partnership with
(composting and with AORA and ABA to details (but may not be able industry associations
other) produce: to share due to
confidentiality)
a list of facilities that are
accepting compostable Australian Organics
packaging and/or would Recycling Association
be willing to accept (AORA) survey being
inquiries from potential undertaken by University of
suppliers of compostable Queensland (Centre for
packaging waste. Organics Waste and
for facilities that already Nutrients) in 2019:
accept compostable aggregated data only
packaging – an expected to be available
understanding of where Examples of similar
they accept it from and mapping/survey exercises:
any issues with
processing or end Beyond the Bin (2015),
products Assessing the
an understanding of the availability of
operator’s existing composting facilities for
knowledge and criteria events in New Zealand
for accepting Beyond the Bin (2017)
compostable packaging The availability of New
(e.g. certified, whether Zealand compost
animal waste is accepted, facilities to process
timescales for compostable coffee
composting, what sort of cups and food
evidence of packaging
compostability is needed Renewable Energy
etc) Association (2018),
an understanding of any Organics recycling and
infrastructure infrastructure,
requirements (e.g. presentation to BBIA
improved screening) or webinar, UK
other issues that need to
be addressed (e.g.
regulatory barriers) to
build industry acceptance
of compostable
packaging.
Deliverables include a
database with location,
materials processed, current
volumes and estimated
capacity by each facility,
whether they accept
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 10
compostable packaging and
any perceived regulatory or
other barriers to accepting
compostable packaging.
Drop-off points Location, current volume and Expanded Polystyrene Survey facility operators.
and collection estimated capacity, type of Australia (EPSA) – location EPSA, recyclers and
services for waste processing (e.g. hot/cold and list of manufacturers machinery suppliers can
expanded compaction), end markets with drop-off facility for potentially supply
polystyrene (EPS) (local/export) recycling information on the
location of drop-off
Deliverables include a Planet Ark ‘Recycling Near
facilities, which can be
database of drop-off and You’ database
cross-checked with EPSA’s
collection points, and
One Planet Consulting map and Planet Ark’s
infrastructure analysis
(2018), The recovery of database
expanded polystyrene in
Australia: current situation
and future opportunities,
extract from report to the
ACT Government
Mench Engagement (2014),
NSW 110/11 equipment for
recovery of EPS across NSW
2011-13, Final report
Drop-off points Location, capacity, materials REDcycle – drop-off points Survey collection program
and collection processed, end markets coordinators
Cross Connections / Plastic
services for soft
Deliverables include a Police
plastics
database of facilities with
Planet Ark ‘Recycling Near
current volume and estimated
You’ database
capacity, materials processed
and end markets, and
infrastructure analysis
Next steps
1. Contract signed – May 2019 (Blue Environment & close coordination with above project team)
2. Data collection and analysis – June and July 2019
3. Draft report – end July 2019
4. Completion date - end August 2019
Project 1.3 Economic Analysis of Alternative Packaging Collection
systems and End Markets
Summary
The project will involve an economic analysis of alternative collection systems and end markets for targeted materials
to identify opportunities for improved quality (e.g. source separated glass) or capacity (e.g. glass fines). It combines
several specific information requirements identified by the four of the working groups for problematic materials to
inform infrastructure planning.
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 11
Objectives
The objective of the project is to understand the system-wide costs and benefits of alternative collection systems
and end markets for particular packaging materials; and the financial costs and benefits to key stakeholders in the
recovery chain. This will cover both municipal and C&I recycling systems.
The project will involve an economic analysis of alternative collection systems and end markets for targeted materials
to identify opportunities for improved quality or capacity across the system. It combines several specific information
requirements identified by the 2018 Problematic Packaging Material Working Groups to inform infrastructure
planning.
Deliverables
A report with specific, targeted recommendations for collection infrastructure and end markets by material
and by jurisdiction including:
Cost/benefit and business case for each option (i.e. the circumstances and cost/price points that
would make them viable) – currently agreed to 8 options
Any additional costs and who would pay, including potential cost shifting
How any additional net costs could be met, e.g. council contracts, government grants, product
stewardship etc.
Recommendations for pilot projects or national roll-out for options supported by stakeholders
Details
The below targeted materials will be investigated through both the household level and C&I. The below image also
depicts the project plan that displays the approach of working backwards from end-markets and recyclate quality to
inform processing, collection and design.
Material Household C&I
Glass
Mixed paper incl.
PCPB
PET
HDPE
Mixed rigid plastics
Soft plastics
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 12
The project will investigate the feasibility, costs and benefits of strategies to improve material recycling rates and
viable end markets. These may include:
Compaction limits on commingled collection vehicles
A separate bin for kerbside collection materials
A separate bin for commercial and multi-unit residential collection
Expanded drop-off source separated collection systems
Expanded deposit/ refund schemes
Transport and logistic impacts (distance, volumes, compaction)
Changes to the infrastructure and systems at MRFs
Changes to reprocessing and manufacturing infrastructure
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 13
C&I collection and recycling
The project needs to consider:
Costs of any additional infrastructure e.g. bins, new equipment in MRFs
Impacts on operating costs at every stage of the recovery chain (e.g. number of collection vehicles
and bin lifts, staffing levels, reduced repair and maintenance costs at MRFs, impact of reduced
volumes on total MRF operating costs), availability of space in homes and multi-unit dwellings for
an additional bin
Impacts on yield, value and demand for collected materials in different end markets
Impacts on contamination levels (existing commingled bins and/or any additional systems)
Consumer participation and behaviour, and implications for consumer education programs
Stakeholder support e.g. willingness of councils, MRF operators and recyclers to collect and sort
Other business benefits – customer service, etc.
Commercial feasibility
Next steps
1. Contract signed – May 2019 (Anne Prince Consulting and CIE)
2. Workshop scenarios for detailed analysis – early July 2019
3. Draft report – early August 2019
4. Completion date - end August 2019
Project 2. Public Statements on Specific Materials
Project Completed April 2019
Summary
In 2018, each of the APCO Working Groups prepared a gap analysis and project opportunities report that unpacked
the recovery of five specific problematic materials: glass, polymercoated paperboard, soft plastics, expanded
polystyrene (EPS) and biodegradable and compostable packaging. This project will disseminate the outcomes of these
processes in one concise document to a broader audience; sharing knowledge and engaging stakeholders in the next
phase of the working groups.
Objectives
To disseminate the outcomes of the work undertaken in 2018 on five problematic materials
To inform other initiatives being undertaken by industry and government to address the same materials
Deliverables
Five documents summarising the conclusions and strategies for each material, published on
APCO’s website with the supporting documents.
A public 1 hour webinar on each material to share the outcomes and update on the next steps
(towards the delivery of the 22 projects). Recordings made publicly available.
Details
1. Final five documents released 20th March 2019, with media briefing kit including 5 one-page summaries on
each material
2. Webinars on each material delivered in April by Helen Lewis and Lily Barnett:
a. Glass - 1 April
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 14
b. PCPB - 4 April
c. Soft plastics – 8 April
d. Compostable – 15 April
e. EPS - 15 April
Recordings are available to the public on the APCO website.
Project 3. White Paper on Problematic and Unnecessary Packaging
Summary
One of the 2025 National Packaging Targets states that ‘Problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging
will be phased out through design, innovation or introduction of alternatives.’ Several packaging materials or formats
were identified by the working groups for consideration under this target, including oxo-degradable plastics and
expanded polystyrene takeaway food packaging. APCO will prepare a paper for consultation on proposed definitions
for ‘problematic and unnecessary single-use packaging’ and comprehensive list of products or materials prioritised
for consideration to be phased out.
Objectives
To propose definitions of ‘problematic’, ‘unnecessary’ and ‘single-use’ to support the target and align with
the global approach
To identify and prioritise specific packaging materials, formats or applications that may be considered
‘problematic’ and ‘unnecessary’
To seek input from key stakeholders in industry, government and the community on the definitions and
priority list
Deliverables
Release of a white paper to standardise the national approach to the target, identify and prioritise
products/materials and build the case for a phase-out of certain products/materials – for consultation
Details
The white paper will outline the following:
Summary of related government and voluntary industry initiatives undertaken in Australia and
overseas
Proposed definitions for the terms ‘problematic’, ‘unnecessary’ and ‘single use’
Methodology or a set of criteria to identify and prioritise ‘problematic’ and ‘unnecessary’ single-use
plastics
Identification and prioritisation of specific packaging materials, formats or applications that may be
considered ‘problematic’ and ‘unnecessary’
Suggested approach to phase-out of each identified material, in consideration of the following:
- life-cycle impacts and benefits
- whether or not there are viable alternatives
- any additional costs to consumers and businesses
- existing measures in place in Australia or overseas to phase-out the item
- any other relevant considerations (policy, education, etc.)
The approach should outline roles for different stakeholder groups including APCO, governments
(local/state/federal) and different industry sectors.
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 15
The consultant will be required to consider other approaches already in place or being developed in Australia and
overseas. It is expected the consultant will clearly state in the paper the rationale for following or departing from a
particular approach. APCO will facilitate background research by providing a list of background papers that will
need to be considered in the drafting process. This will include:
Consultation by the South Australian government on single use plastics
Proposed bans on single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks or
cotton buds in the European Union from 2021
APCO 2018 Working Group Gap Analyses
UK Plastics Pact Roadmap to 2025
Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment and Rethinking the future of plastics and
Catalysing action reports
APCO Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and proposed definitions
Relevant policy material shared by Australian jurisdictions (QLD & Vic)
Proposed structure:
Rationale for the target
Background – summary of local and international initiatives
Proposed definitions, with rationale
Proposed methodology for identification and prioritisation, with rationale
Products or materials that could be considered for a phase out, with rationale
Suggested approach to phasing out the identified products or materials
Next Steps
1. Contract signed - May 2019
2. Estimated final report – July 2019
Project 4: Scenarios for the future: options to deliver resource
recovery systems for used packaging materials in Australia
Summary
Building on the data collection from Projects 1.1, 1.2 & 1.3, the consultants will undertake a strategic analysis of
current resource recovery systems to identify opportunities to nationally align and improve recovery rates for used
packaging materials in Australia.
Objectives
The objectives of the project are:
To consider the findings of APCO projects 1.1, 1.2 & 1.3 within a broader systems and circular
economy framework
To identify the options for resource recovery, including which packaging materials and formats
should be recovered and in which collection systems (co-mingled, organics, in store, drop off points),
the role of product stewardship, consumer behaviours and the recovery systems for C&I packaging
Understand the costs and benefit of different options, policy implications, infrastructure needs,
design and education implications
Deliverables
A report on strategic options for resource recovery systems for used packaging in Australia based on
evidence, analysis and consultation.
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 16
Agreed scope of consultation sessions with key stakeholders as per the project proposal
Details
Building on the results of projects 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, this project will consider the strategic options for resource
recovery across all material streams and collection channels.
Phase 1: Planning
This phase will involve:
A literature review on government policies, research and industry initiatives relevant to the study
(e.g. APR Guide for Plastic Sorting)
Participation in meetingds for projects 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 (May/June)
Submission to APCO of an updated project plan and stakeholder engagement strategy for approval
Phase 2: Analysis of alternative scenarios
This phase will involve:
A one-day facilitated future scenarios workshop with APCO staff, working group members,
government and other consultants undertaking projects 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 (Aug), to identify:
o criteria for scenario building
o potential future scenarios
o stakeholder engagement strategies.
Selection of a short list of scenarios will be selected for further analysis based on the research and
workshop. Each of the options will be analysed to investigate:
o quantitative and qualitative costs and benefits
o impacts on stakeholders including residents, councils, waste management companies and
recyclers
o potential contribution to the 2025 National Packaging Targets
Phase 3: Stakeholder consultation
The aim of this stage will be to seek input from a broader stakeholder group on:
preferred options to manage each of the key packaging types, i.e. C&I, kerbside commingled
collection, kerbside organics collection, drop-off, container deposit systems etc.
what a resource recovery system might look like for different collection channels and materials
Phase 3: Report and further consultation
The draft report will be used as the basis for further consultation by APCO with key stakeholder groups.
Next Steps
1. RFP to consultant – June 2019
2. Consultant confirmed and begin work – June to estimated delivery in November 2019
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 17
DESIGN WORKING GROUP
Project 5.1 Quickstarts: Design Guidelines for Recycling (x5)
Summary
APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) were updated in late 2018 and are due for release in Q2 in 2019.
The reports from the five working groups on problematic materials included proposals for material-specific
guidelines (‘Quickstarts’), some of which have already been drafted.
Objectives
To provide Members with additional resources to support implementation of the SPGs
To provide targeted advice on specific materials
Deliverables
A decision support tree: a guide to choosing the most appropriate recovery channel (reuse, material
recycling or organics recycling)
A guide to labelling for disposal or recycling
Material-specific guides to design for recycling: Glass, polymer coated paperboard (PCPB), expanded
polystyrene (EPS), PET
Details
Drafts were completed end of 2018 and reviewed by the 2018 Problematic Packaging Material Working
Groups
Further consultation with industry experts is needed to confirm final version and general industry
agreement
Final documents will be finalised for distribution throughout 2019.
Next Steps
1. Release schedule as follows:
a. PET - May
b. Labelling - May
c. Recovery Pathways – May
d. Glass – June
e. EPS – June
f. PCPB – TBC based on results of project 12.
Project 5.2 Soft Plastic Packaging Guidelines
Summary
APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) were updated in late 2018 and are due for release in May in 2019.
The reports from the five working groups on problematic materials included proposals for material-specific
guidelines (Project 5.1) some of which have already been drafted.
Objectives
To provide Members with additional resources to support implementation of the SPGs
To provide targeted advice on the design of soft plastic packaging in alignment with global best practice
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Support the 2025 national packaging targets – design for recycling and end markets for soft plastics in
Australia
Deliverables
A guide to designing soft plastic packaging for recycling – adapted from the CEFLEX guidelines being
developed in the EU
Details
The CEFLEX guidelines are due for release by mid-2019 (delayed from the end of 2018). APCO will coordinate the
approach to delivering the guidelines by beginning background research and developing an approach to coordinate
a communications plan. Following the release of the guidelines, APCO will review and adapt the guidelines for the
Australian market, if required. These will be subject to review and approval by key industry stakeholders.
Next Steps
1. Await release of CEFLEX guidelines – estimated mid-2019
2. APCO and key stakeholder review CEFLEX guidelines and adapt for Australia
3. Release Australian soft plastic packaging design for recycling guidelines
4. Support implementation of the guidelines by Members
Project 5.3 Compostable Packaging Guidelines
Summary
APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) were updated in late 2018 and are due for release in May in 2019.
The reports from the five working groups on problematic materials included proposals for material-specific
guidelines (Project 5.1) some of which have already been drafted.
Objectives
To provide Members with additional resources to support implementation of the SPGs
To provide targeted advice on the design of compostable packaging
Support the 2025 national packaging targets
Deliverables
A material-specific guide to design best practice compostable packaging – certified and accepted by
end-markets
Details
This project is intended to align with Projects 7, 14 and 15 to provide a holistic approach to the role of compostable
packaging in achieving the national packaging targets. These design guidelines will be guided by the Australian
Industrial Composting Standard (AS4736) and will incorporate results from the trials in Project 15 and Project 14.
This will also inform the labelling system to be developed in Project 7.
Next Steps
1. Await completion of project 15
2. Develop draft guidelines based on current local and international guidelines
3. Stakeholder review and feedback
4. Align with Projects 6 and 7 and 14
5. Develop and implement a communication plan
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Project 5.4 Wine Packaging Guidelines
Summary
APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) were updated in late 2018 and are due for release in May in 2019.
The reports from the five working groups on problematic materials included proposals for material-specific
guidelines (Project 5.1) some of which have already been drafted.
Objectives
To provide Members with additional resources to support implementation of the SPGs
To provide targeted advice on specific materials and formats commonly used in the wine industry
Support the 2025 national packaging targets
Deliverables
A guide to designing sustainable wine packaging
Details
A Wine Industry Working Group was established in 2018 with key organisations in the sector. APCO is now
supporting the group’s progress through monthly teleconferences. The group is currently working on the first draft
of the guidelines. APCO will ask the Design Working Group to review and approve these guidelines for
dissemination to the rest of the industry. The initiative is also intended to be a used as a model to encourage other
sectors to take the same leadership approach. industry
Next Steps
1. Monthly teleconferences with the Wine Industry Group to monitor progress and support where necessary
2. Design Working Group to review and finalise guidelines
3. APCO to facilitate final design and release of the guidelines to industry – estimated mid-2019
Project 6. Food Service Packaging Guidelines
Summary
The food services sector uses one of the highest proportions of single-use packaging. The APCO working group
reports for PCPB, EPS and biodegradable and compostable packaging included strategies targeting this sector to
encourage avoidance, reduction, reuse, material recycling and organics recycling. This project will engage the food
services sector to produce case studies, and procurement and recycling guides to address single use,
problematic/unnecessary and compostable packaging applications.
Objectives
To encourage a reduction in the use of problematic and unnecessary packaging in the food services
sector
To assist businesses in the food services sector to reduce, reuse, shift to more recyclable (mechanical
and organics recycling) packaging and establish collection/recycling initiatives for packaging consumed
on-site
Inform the food services industry of the key considerations when shifting to compostable alternatives
Deliverables
Engagement workshops with stakeholders from across the supply chain and government
Case studies that demonstrate successful outcomes and key learnings (building on Project 13)
Guidelines for packaging procurement and recycling in the food services sector
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Details
The following stages are proposed:
Stage 1: Literature review and stakeholder interviews
The consultant will be expected to complete a literature review to identify best practice examples where
avoidance, reduction, reuse and recycling principles have proven to be successful. This includes a review of
a range of activities such as:
o Compostable packaging used in the food services sector, including large outdoor events, food
courts, universities, offices and quick service restaurants. Examples: WOMAdelaide, Randwick
council run events, City 2 Surf
o Avoidance or elimination of food service packaging by retailers, brands, events or communities.
Example: Hobart City Council, Plastic Free Noosa
o How shifting to more recyclable or compostable alternatives has reduced food waste, costs,
potential litter and facilitated consumer engagement
The review would provide a report on the initiatives and outcomes in terms of the key considerations for:
packaging application (serving its purpose), waste collection systems, consumer engagement and feedback,
and recycling infrastructure and end markets. This should also consider international approaches such as
the Green Sporting Alliance.
Stage 2: Assist in facilitating a sector engagement workshop
APCO will be responsible for coordinating a workshop with the food service packaging sector and other key
stakeholders in the value chain to bring all parties together to discuss the topic.
It is expected that the literature review and interviews completed by the consultant will provide the
background detail for this workshop.
The consultant is expected to assist in facilitating the workshop to obtain feedback and greater insight in to
the opportunities, constraints and key considerations within the sector to achieve sustainable packaging
practices that deliver on the 2025 National Packaging Targets.
Stage 3: Case studies & procurement and end-of-life guidelines
From the outcomes of the workshop and literature review, a series of 4 case studies and ’how to’ guides
are expected to be developed that demonstrate different approaches, describe the whole material journey
considerations from consumption to production of end products, and strategies for success.
These will target specific audiences but will highlight the consideration of all stakeholder roles in the value
chain. Targeted audiences are:
o Packaging manufactures
o Retailers and brand owners
o Food delivery business
o Quick Service Restaurants
Next Steps
1. Literature review and stakeholder interviews – May 2019
2. Workshop – 5th June 2019
3. Case studies and how to guides released – July 2019
Project 7. Compostable Packaging Labelling Program
Summary
Suppliers, recyclers and consumers are confused about the correct disposal of biodegradable and compostable
packaging. This is aggravated by false or misleading claims, but there is also a general lack of awareness about the
behaviour of different materials in organics recycling facilities, on land (e.g. as litter) or in the marine environment.
APCO Project Proposals 2019P a g e | 21
This project will develop a new packaging label to inform consumers about appropriate disposal or recovery of
certified compostable packaging.
This project will include work conducted for APCO Project 5.3 (Design for Compostable Packaging) to inform use of
a compostable label as an option for use under a program similar to the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Program.
Objectives
Develop a consistent national labelling system to educate consumers about how to dispose or recycle their
compostable packaging
Align with current processes in place through PREP and the ARL
Reduce the amount of compostable packaging contaminating the material recycling stream
Deliverables
A compostable packaging label potentially integrated into the APCO ARL program
Details
There is no consistent labelling system for compostable materials. Certified compostable materials can use the
Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) seedling logo, but this is not designed to educate consumers about end
of life disposal or recycling. The ARL does not yet cover compostable packaging.
This project will be informed by other activities including processing trials (Project 14) and a new Australian
Standard for ‘Labelling of plastics which can be processed in microbial treatment’, which is currently being prepared
with the support of the National Retail Association (NRA) and the Australian Bioplastics Association (ABA). APCO
will seek to support their work and ensure it is adequately communicated to the whole supply chain.
Similar work is being undertaken elsewhere, e.g. the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) in
the UK is working on a product labelling scheme. One option for Australia is to extend the ARL to include
compostability (e.g. How2Compost in the US).
Other initiatives that could be considered include:
A consistent colour for acceptable bags in food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collections. A bright
green colour is already accepted by some councils and organics recyclers, and a specific pantone colour
could be identified and promoted. A similar initiative was implemented by Seattle Public Utilities in the US
Bin labelling and signage to encourage correct source separation
The project will involve extensive stakeholder engagement to seek agreement on consistent labelling on packaging,
FOGO bags and collection bins and signage. It will learn from case studies (Project 6), e.g. on consumer recycling
behaviour, levels of contamination and best actions to engage consumers.
The packaging labelling system would need to be supported by a consumer education campaign, which could
include identification and recovery of compostable plastics as well as the broader challenge of contamination in
organics collections.
Next steps
1. APCO to hold consultative meetings with key stakeholders including the Australasian Bioplastics Association
(ABA), the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA), the Australian Food and Grocery Council
(AFGC) and government (including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)) to seek
their input to the project – May to June
2. APCO to engage consultant to undertake initial literature review - May to July 2019
3. Literature review and consultation to inform next steps required for development of labelling program
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Project 8. Recycled Content Labelling Program
Summary
At present there is very little transparency about the use of recycled content in packaging. The 30% recycled content
2025 National Packaging Target will encourage packaging suppliers and brand owners to find out how much recycled
content they currently use, and to increase this to the optimal level. This could be supported by a national recycled
content packaging label to inform and engage consumers.
This project will undertake research into options to track and monitor recycled content material in packaging. This
research will inform the development of potential options for recycled content verification, reporting and labelling
within the APCO labelling program.
Objectives
To develop options for a standard labelling system that indicates the percentage of recycled content in
packaging
To understand the systems that would need to be established to support chain of custody and transparency
in the supply chain for recycled materials
To improve consumer awareness about the use of recycled material in packaging
To encourage brand owners to use more recycled content in packaging
To encourage brand owners to verify and track the amount of recycled content in their packaging
Deliverables
Research paper including examples of best practices for recycled content reporting and labelling
internationally, and collated stakeholder feedback and considerations
Identified options for recycled content packaging labelling for Australia with potential for it to be integrated
into the APCO Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) program
Details
There is no standard label at present apart from the variation of the Mobius loop that contains a number showing
the percentage of recycled material (see ISO 14021), however this is not commonly used. Some brand owners include
a statement about recycled content on their packaging or in other marketing material.
Next steps
1. Stakeholder consultation and research competed consultant – May to June 2019
2. Final report due – June 2019
Project 9. Lifecycle Assessment Guide
Summary
APCO has received feedback from Members that they would like more guidance on life cycle assessment
(LCA) approaches for packaging. Options being explored include a high-level guide to the use and
interpretation of LCAs, coupled with specific LCA training sessions.
Objectives
To promote the use of LCA and other life cycle thinking tools to support the design or procurement of
sustainable packaging
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To assist Members to understand which life cycle thinking tool is most appropriate to meet their particular
needs
Deliverables
Co-branded (APCO and AIP) half day training course delivered by AIP
Communications plan to encourage uptake of the AIP training course and resource guide
A high-level Member guide on the use and interpretation of LCAs
Details
A co-branded (APCO and AIP) half day training course to be delivered by AIP: The Use of
Lifecycle Assessment Tools for Sustainable Packaging Design – Beginning in June 2019
A high-level Member guide on the use and interpretation of LCAs detailing;
o Existing packaging-related LCAs tools (including reference to a range of tools such as
(but not limited too) PIQET, SimaPro, Gabi, Ecodex etc
o A decision tree guide on key issues an organisation should be considering when looking
to implement an LCA tool and/or process
o A guide to LCAs including how to interpret them, what they can tell you, what they don't
cover, when you might consider commissioning an LCA
Communication plan to communicate the AIP training course and the resource guide including:
o Internal communications leading up to the course and a post course review
o External communications
- Develop article for industry on the role of LCA
- Social media coverage for the course and the industry article
- Third party outreach
Next steps
1. Coordinate communications plan with AIP
2. Co-brand and support delivery of half dray training course from June 2019
3. Following delivery of training course, review feedback and engagement to develop guide for Members
SYSTEMS & EDUCATION WORKING GROUP
Project 10. National Consumer Education Campaign
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop a consistent national approach to consumer education on reducing, reusing
and recycling packaging. Consumer engagement and education will be vital to achieve increased recycling rates and
reduced contamination in recycling and composting systems. The 2018 Working Groups recognised that for
consumer education to be successful, consistent messaging is required from all organisations and institutions.
Objectives
Reach agreement between key industry and government agencies on the need for consistent messaging on
sustainable packaging and the best approach to achieving this
Support the ARL by extending consistent messaging and communications through various intermediaries
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