Sustainable packaging, leadership, and innovation achievements were recognised at the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation’s Annual Awards in Sydney last night.
Winners on the night in the Our Future Packaging section included Myer, Comsol, CHEP, Reckitt, Circular Plastics Australia (Pact, Cleanaway, Asahi and Coca-Cola Europacific), Packamama, CHEP & Coles, and Chobani. Damian Smyth from Label Makers took out the Sustainability Champion Award.
The award winners gave brief speeches, expressing their gratitude for the industry recognition, and pledging to continue to pursue a sustainable future for packaging.
One of the defining features of the evening was the impressive numbers reeled off by MCs Lindy Hughson and Wayne Robinson as they outlined the reason the finalists had been chosen, before announcing the winners. For instance, Circular Plastics Australia has saved 40,000 tonnes of plastic from going to landfill; over the last three years Woolworths improved the recyclability of 2000 tonnes of packaging; Telstra has eliminated 1.7 million plastic bags from its accessories and devices; and Bunzl diverted 200 tonnes of plastic from going to landfill.
The evening also featured a clear insight of the impact of waste on the Pacific Islands, and the work that is being done to counter it, including support from Australia and the UK. Amitesh Deo, director and CEO from The Pacific Recycling Foundation, provided an inspiring update from the ANZPAC region, with Angela Mayer from ANZPAC outlining progress of the programme.
The APCO Annual Awards recognise organisations that are leading the way to develop a circular economy for packaging in Australia, with the event celebrating organisations advancing the 2025 National Packaging Targets, sustainable packaging design, recycling systems improvements, education initiatives, and the integration of recycled content into packaging.
Chris Foley, CEO of APCO, said, “We are in the midst of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of packaging here in Australia. It’s been inspiring to hear so many success stories and see the progress the industry has made to lay the foundations for a stronger packaging system beyond 2025.
“Together, we need to support and grow the system to close the economic gaps and take greater responsibility for packaging and incentivise businesses to pursue true material circularity. As we look toward 2030, APCO will play a larger role to support the industry to accelerate this progress and address the big economic barriers that have hindered progress to date.”
Among the winners, Myer received the ARL Excellence Award for its adoption of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) across 80 per cent of its product range, helping educate consumers on correct packaging disposal methods. The company says that it aims to extend this to 90 per cent of its products within three years.
Chobani won the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) Award for redesigning its Gippsland Dairy 160g yogurt pots, which are now fully recyclable, and which have two less layers of plastic.
Circular Plastic Australia took the Improved Recycling Scheme Award for its role in constructing two of Australia’s largest PET recycling facilities.
Comsol was recognised in the Best-of-the-Best SME Reporting Award for detailed reporting on its packaging materials and usage.
Foley said the awards showcased progress towards a more sustainable packaging system. He said, “These organisations exemplify what can be achieved in pursuing material circularity and sustainability. As we move beyond 2025, APCO will continue to support industry efforts to overcome economic barriers and close the gaps in the system.”
MC Lindy Hughson, managing editor of PKN Packaging News, gave a brief report on her recent tour of major packaging events in Tokyo, Chicago, and Amsterdam. She said, “My pride in what we have achieved in Australia was never called into question. The packaging we see on our shelves is world class, there’s no question about that. The widespread and growing uptake of the Australasian Recycling Label, circular PET and HDPE recycling, advanced recycling solutions for soft plastics, and the exciting material developments we’re seeing locally to replace problem materials, all show a packaging industry taking serious tangible steps to transition to a sustainable future, and one that can hold its head high on the world stage."
The ceremony saw 225 industry representatives celebrate 55 finalists, reflecting a commitment to reducing packaging waste and meeting growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions from the Australian packaging industry.
2024 APCO Award Winners: Our Packaging Future Awards
- ARL Excellence Award: Myer
- Best-of-the-Best SME Reporting Award: Comsol
- Best-of-the-Best Full Framework Reporting Award: CHEP
- Education Award: Reckitt
- Improved Recycling System Award: Circular Plastics Australia
- Recycled Content Award: Packamama
- Reuse Award: CHEP & Coles
- Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) Award: Chobani
- Sustainability Champion Award: Damian Smyth
Industry Sector Reporting Awards:
These awards acknowledged organisations for exemplary reporting against obligations under the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure (NEPM) and for aligning packaging with APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.
- Agriculture & Nurseries: Pohlman’s Nursery, Southern Plants
- Chemicals, Hardware & Machinery: Innovative Mechatronics, Fresh Investments
- Food & Beverage: Flavour Creations, Harvest Road Oceans
- General Merchandise & Apparel: Moose Enterprise, Burton
- Healthcare & Scientific: Felton Grimwade & Bosisto’s, Eye of Horus Cosmetics
- Packaging Manufacturer/Supplier: Detmold Packaging, Grounded Packaging
- Electronics: Comsol
- Logistics & Warehousing: CHEP
Co-MC Wayne Robinson, associate editor of PKN Packaging News, said, “It was a wonderful event, mainly because the efforts of the local packaging industry to bring real change was so evident. There are challenges ahead for the packaging industry, but the vision, the motivation and the achievements on show tonight are inspiring, and point to a bright future.”
