AFGC welcomes progress in soft plastics recycling in Queensland

1 October 2024

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) applauds the Queensland government’s $1 million investment in a new soft plastics recycling pilot. The initiative, in partnership with Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia Ltd (SPSA), builds on years of industry collaboration to create a circular economy for soft plastics.

“We are pleased to see the Queensland government take action on soft plastics recycling,” said AFGC CEO Tanya Barden. “This funding, combined with SPSA’s work, is a vital step toward long-term solutions.”

The pilot will inform the design of a scheme that will test various collection methods, including kerbside yellow-lid bins, return-to-store options, and council drop-off points. It will also focus on developing local processing capabilities, a key challenge in Australia’s ability to recycle soft plastics effectively.

With the Federal government exploring options to reform Australia’s packaging regulations, the industry sees this as an opportunity to achieve packaging consistency across the country and supply chains. A unified approach would streamline processes, reduce confusion, and drive progress toward a circular economy.

The AFGC urges other states and territories to support this national approach to soft plastics recycling. A recent survey from the AFGC’s Sustainability Summit highlighted that inconsistent packaging regulations are a major barrier to advancing Australia’s circular economy.

Media contact

Zandi Shabalala

media@afgc.org.au

0430 051 575

For more information please visit: https://spsa.au/