Circular packaging boost: Australian food industry celebrates federal funding

Supermarket fruit and vegetables credit Doug Beckers
Sustainability

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) warmly welcomes the recent allocation of $60 million in federal government funding aimed at strengthening Australia's recycling capabilities and advancing the development of a circular economy for packaging materials.

The funding targets hard-to-recycle plastics, including soft plastics, while also initiating consultations on a national framework for traceability of recycled content. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water.

This funding boost is expected to significantly benefit food and grocery companies by providing them with increased access to recycled materials for their packaging needs. It is envisioned that these initiatives will foster greater adoption of sustainable practices throughout the industry.

Supermarket fruit and vegetables credit Doug Beckers
Supermarket fruit and vegetables © Doug Beckers (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Tanya Barden, CEO of AFGC, expressed her enthusiasm regarding this crucial step forward.

We are delighted with the government's commitment to supporting recycling capabilities, as it paves the way for a more circular economy. This funding will enable our companies to embrace recycled materials, contributing to a greener and more environmentally responsible future.

The AFGC applauds the federal government's proactive approach to advancing sustainability within the food and grocery sector and looks forward to actively participating in this transformative journey.

Latest Packaging News

Clean Cult launches refillable cartons and aluminium bottles at Whole Foods
Sustainability

Clean Cult launches refillable cartons and aluminium bottles at Whole Foods

Sustainable home care brand Clean Cult has launched a new range of packaging at Whole Foods Market...
Retailer replaces plastic with cardboard punnets for Belgian strawberries
Sustainability

Retailer replaces plastic with cardboard punnets for Belgian strawberries

Belgian retailer Delhaize has begun using cardboard punnets for its locally grown strawberries,...
Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line
Supplier News

Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line

Unplanned downtime in food packaging lines can be a significant drain on productivity and...
Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)
Supplier News

Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)

Everything brands, packaging buyers, and sustainability managers need to know. What is molded pulp...
Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America
Sustainability

Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America

A growing number of shoppers across the United States and Canada are rejecting plastic packaging in...