Australia’s Environment Ministers convened on 10 December in Melbourne to outline their vision for a circular economy and a "nature-positive" future. For those in the packaging value chain, including brand owners, the meeting brought a mix of progress updates, agreements, and renewed calls for action.
Among the key highlights were advancements on design standards for recyclability, steps towards harmonised kerbside recycling, single-use plastics bans, and measures to tackle PFAS contamination. These decisions are part of the updated National Waste Policy Action Plan, which targets ambitious 2030 waste and resource recovery goals.
State and territory leaders voiced their support for urgent packaging regulatory reforms, underlining the need for swift action to modernise Australia's packaging landscape.
Packaging design gets priority
Ministers backed the creation of national packaging design standards, emphasising the critical role of design for recyclability. The Commonwealth will consult governments and industry in early 2025 on guidance from the National Design Standards Working Group, which draws on global best practices and expert advice. This guidance takes the form of the Design for Kerbside Recyclability Grading Framework (the Framework) that incentivises best practice packaging design for recyclability through kerbside collections while maintaining essential packaging characteristics and functionality.
It is set to underpin Australia’s new regulatory framework for packaging and send a strong signal to industry about the expectations for responsible design. The outcomes from the EMM allow for the Framework to progress to the next stage of consultation and review in early 2025.
The Design for Kerbside Recyclability Framework is now in the public domain -- and can be found here.
Simplifying recycling for households
In a win for households and local councils, Ministers agreed in principle to a roadmap for harmonising kerbside recycling systems nationwide. This move aims to create a consistent minimum list of recyclable items, making recycling simpler and more effective for everyone.
Consultation with industry and local governments will shape the roadmap’s implementation, including plans for soft plastics collection and recycling. The Australian Local Government Association will play a pivotal role in determining how to expand the list of recyclable items over time.
The roadmap is expected to reduce confusion, boost recycling rates, and cut down on contamination caused by items placed in the wrong bin.
Ministers agreed to release a summary of the National Roadmap: Harmonising Action on Problematic and Unnecessary Plastics. This includes 24 specific items that jurisdictions have pledged to address in a coordinated manner, ensuring consistency across the board while respecting progress already made by individual states.
Action on PFAS
Tackling the environmental impact of PFAS contamination was another key focus. Ministers agreed to release an updated PFAS National Environmental Management Plan in early 2025. This step reinforces their commitment to reducing the risks posed by these persistent chemicals.
What’s Next?
These outcomes reflect a growing determination to create a sustainable, efficient packaging system across Australia. Industry leaders and local governments are now tasked with collaborating to bring these initiatives to life. With consultations beginning as early as 2025, stakeholders should prepare to engage actively in shaping the future of packaging and waste management in Australia.
While industry is acutely aware that challenges remain, the agreements made at the Ministers’ meeting represent a step forward in the journey towards a more sustainable, circular economy.
