NPRS and Return to Store trial

20 February 2024

We are pleased to provide you with an update on the recent developments within the soft plastic space and key advancements related to the Retailers Return to Store (RtS) collection. Additionally, this briefing provides an update on the progress of the National Plastic Recycling Scheme (NPRS) scheme.

At last year’s Plastic Summit, we shared our collaborative efforts and commitment to working with Retailers to progress soft plastic circularity in Australia. This has seen the NPRS and Retailers come together on an in-principle agreement whilst also progressing towards establishing a formal entity for the NPRS scheme. We are pleased to report substantial advancements in this regard, focusing on expediting the necessary formalities to establish a robust and efficient scheme.

The AFGC remains dedicated to advocating for its members. Our ongoing efforts include collaborative engagements with all levels of government. This approach aims to establish a regulatory framework that ensures the scheme’s efficiency, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and increased use of recycled content. Our advocacy work aligns with the broader industry goals of creating a viable and sustainable soft plastics scheme to support a circular economy.

Return to Store (RtS) collections

The recommencement of the Return to Store (RtS) collection represents the initial step in a series of activities designed to bring a comprehensive soft plastics recycling scheme to market. This step is pivotal and sets the stage for more extensive initiatives that will meet the needs and expectations of all stakeholders involved.

Retailers have announced the launch of an RtS Soft Plastics Recycling Trial across 12 Melbourne supermarkets this week. This initiative is a pivotal first step towards re-establishing a national soft plastics recycling system after the collapse of REDcycle. The Soft Plastics Taskforce, led by Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi, with ACCC authorisation, has been working over the past year to engage with recycling businesses and address the critical gap in capacity. Recently marked a milestone as CRDC unveiled a new soft plastic recycling facility in outer Melbourne, providing the much-needed capacity to kickstart the Soft Plastics Recycling Trial. Five Woolworths, five Coles, and two Aldi stores in Melbourne are actively participating, with yellow collection bins placed at the front of each store. Soft plastics collected will be processed into various products, fostering a circular economy. The trial aims to test the pilot model and assess recycling operators’ capacity, volumes processed, and contamination levels, laying the groundwork for a trustworthy, future in-store soft plastics recycling program developed in collaboration with the industry.

The NPRS team are actively working towards the realisation of a fully operational soft plastics recycling scheme. Our focus on, collaboration with stakeholders, and adherence to regulatory reforms positions us as a driving force in creating a sustainable and responsible future for the soft plastics circularity.

We would like to express our gratitude to members and NPRS supporters for your continued support and participation in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Further updates will be communicated through member briefs and webinars as the scheme evolves.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to a sustainable future.

Contact

For more information or further enquiries places contact Aaron Rodman, Associate Director – NPRS Finance & Operations, email aaron.rodman@afgc.org.au