Recycling

Grocery industry to spend A$100m on recycling scheme

By RJ Whitehead

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Recycling

Grocery industry to spend A$100m on recycling scheme
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has celebrated last week’s ruling by the Federal Court against the Northern Territory Container Tax—the AFGC’s bête noir—by announcing a A$100m industry-led recycling scheme and releasing data to show that Australia’s recycling rates are continuing to grow.

The last couple of months have seen a flurry of declarations by the AFGC against the NT’s policy to implement a container tax. The court’s decision that the scheme “substantially contravened the Mutual Regulation Act 1992​” delighted the industry body, which claimed there were cheaper, more industry-friendly solutions to reduce waste and boost recycling. The territory will appeal the court’s finding.

In the wake of the ruling, Gary Dawson, chief executive of the AFGC, has announced a new initiative that sets out to make it “easier and more convenient than ever to recycle packaging​.”

Industry funded

He said: “Australians are great recyclers, but we believe we can accelerate these improvements. That’s why the industry is ready to roll out a A$100m national recycling scheme, the National Bin Network, that builds on the practical, targeted initiatives that we know from experience... do work.” 

Dawson also promised that the scheme would deliver for the environment while being fully industry funded with no taxpayer input.

To go with the announcement, the AFGC published a report by waste analyst Industry Edge to claim that over 42,000 tonnes of drinks containers were recycled in 2011-12 compared to the previous year.

Auf wiedersehen PET​ 

It also stated that the volume of PET on the market has been reduced by nearly 11% as a result of the lightweighting of PET drinks bottles. Moreover, 60% of all PET drinks bottles are now being recycled, according to the study.  

Competition in kerbside recycling has strengthened and the reported prices being paid to councils for collected recyclables has reached record highs in some states, it claimed, adding that this has come as a result of greater efficiency from mature material recovery facilities, effective householder participation and the impact of new investment and technology.

Related topics Policy Oceania Beverages

Related news

Show more

Related products

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Content provided by Agilent Technologies | 06-Nov-2023 | Infographic

Microplastics are any plastic-derived synthetic solid particle or polymeric matrix, ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm and insoluble in water.

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Content provided by Symrise | 12-Sep-2023 | White Paper

When food and beverage manufacturers reduce sugar, salt, or fat and add fibers, minerals or vitamins, good-for-you products can suffer from undesirable...

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Content provided by Glanbia Nutritionals | 06-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

High growth ahead for protein beverages makes Asia Pacific (ASPAC) the market to watch. Consumer research shows new usage occasions, key consumption barriers,...

The latest plant-based beverage trends in SEA

The latest plant-based beverage trends in SEA

Content provided by Tetra Pak | 27-Mar-2023 | White Paper

Data shows that consumers’ liking and thirst for plant-based beverages is growing rapidly, especially in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia....

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Food & Beverage Trailblazers

F&B Trailblazers Podcast