Following the Environment Ministers’ recent announcement that packaging will soon be subject to strict new government rules aimed at cutting waste and boosting recycling, the Blesbok Enterprises design, engineering, and sourcing teams attended a forum by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO).
The interactive forum attended by APCO members, state and local government representatives and NGOs provided information from APCO CEO Chris Foley about the assessment APCO is undertaking of its capabilities and approach following its recent review of the 2025 National Packaging Targets, and the advocacy work APCO is planning to help drive the transition to a stronger regulatory approach on packaging beyond 2025. This includes support for provisions such as recycled content targets and mandatory packaging design standards.
A quick but important survey conducted at the event revealed the main barrier preventing businesses from implementing more sustainable packaging was, cost. Brand custodians agreed the additional costs of sustainable packaging must be absorbed by brand owners rather than passed on to consumers, otherwise it would make them non-competitive.
And the overwhelming consensus was that while consumers clearly value sustainable packaging the challenge remains how to translate that perceived value into something they will pay more for.
APCO acknowledged the significant gap in the market with the collapse of Red Cycle and suggested that Government needs to respond with standards for better recycling. APCO also announced they would be looking to private enterprise to invest half a billion dollars to fill this gap, which is good news.
It would be easy to feel overwhelmed or confused by the information and misinformation surrounding the Government’s 2025 targets and to feel uncertain about the right path to achieve this. So if this is you, please reach out.
Blesbok is an APCO member, and we pride ourselves on always being up to date with the latest industry news, announcements, data, and targets. We are dedicated to helping our clients prepare and execute their sustainable packaging plan in the simplest and most cost-effective ways.
We specialise in sourcing up to 100% food grade recycled PET and HDPE packaging solutions, as well as home compostable, glass, tin, paper, and many other forms of hybrid packaging for our clients. Whether it is simply sourcing or working on the design and engineering elements, we are passionate about helping brands make the transition to sustainable packaging work for them. Please contact me or any of the Blesbok team if you would like to know more.
We manage all customs processes, ensuring your products meet regulatory requirements without delays or unexpected costs.
Find out more
Strength meets innovation with our high-performance composites, including BMC, SMC, fibreglass, resins, and compression-moulded products.
Find out more
Precision-engineered medical, healthcare, veterinary, and waste equipment designed to meet the highest industry standards.
Find out more
From concept to creation, we bring your ideas to life with innovative designs tailored to your business needs, with a focus on efficiency, cost, and quality.
Find out moreReady to bring your product vision to life?
We're here to make it happen. No project is too big or too complex – with Blesbok, you're in expert hands
from concept to delivery. Get in touch today and see how we can take your ideas to the next level!
