Food manufacturers welcome confidence and commitment from Environment Ministers

21 June 2024

Today’s announcement by Environment Ministers of a pathway forward for soft plastics collection, the development of end markets for recycled products and design standards has been welcomed by the peak body representing food and grocery manufacturers.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) welcomes ministers’ comments which will support ongoing work on an industry led scheme around the nationwide collection of soft plastics for recycling back into food grade packaging. The scheme, which works closely with the Soft Plastic Taskforce, aims to collect soft plastics in metropolitan, regional and remote locations and accelerates a domestic circular economy.

“Food and grocery manufacturers and retailers have contributed resources in time and money to get an industry-led solution to soft plastic recycling on the national agenda,” said CEO of the AFGC, Tanya Barden. “The announcement is an important step in driving the soft plastic circular economy and the work we have been doing on a product stewardship scheme.”

AFGC looks forward to continued collaboration to find a clear and consistent solution to packaging through upcoming consultation.

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