The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation has launched a new sustainability webinar series to help industry professionals stay connected.
The weekly APCO Community Meeting events are designed to bring together sustainability experts from across the business, government and environmental communities to explore a range of sustainability ideas. These include packaging specific topics – such as sustainable packaging design and strategy, recycled content and labelling for resource recovery, and also broader sustainability ideas, including building a circular economy in Australia, recycling in remote and regional communities, and how to communicate your green credentials.
Brooke Donnelly, APCO CEO commented: “In the last three years the APCO team has worked to build a real community that is working collectively to address a significant and pervasive sustainability issue. In this new and changing world of work, we want all those who belong to the APCO community to know they have the support of this collective group and to make sure no one is left feeling disconnected or isolated. We are now up to our sixth webinar in the series and it has been so rewarding to be joined by hundreds of professionals every week who are equally as engaged and passionate about this space. We look forward to seeing even more of you in May!”
Webinar schedules will be released monthly. May’s schedule, including links to register, is available below:
6 May: Launch of the Compostables Guidelines
Certified compostable packaging will play a small but important role in the delivery of the 2025 National Packaging Targets. But it is also an area that poses significant confusion – for both industry and end consumers. ‘Considerations for Compostable Plastic Packaging’ is a new APCO resource, providing clear direction forward on the role of certified compostable plastic packaging in Australia. Join Lily Barnett from APCO, Peter Wadewitz from the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) and Rowan Williams from the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) as they discuss the practical new guide.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/release-of-the-compostable-guidelines-tickets-101174375280
13 May: Deep Dive: PREP Assessment
This week we are taking a deep dive into the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) – the online verification tool that assesses how packaging will behave in the Australian and New Zealand resource recovery systems, and powers the Australasian Recycling Label.
In this session tailored to users assessing their packaging, such as packaging technologists and developers, the discussion we will explore some of the common technical queries that emerge when conducting an assessment. Speakers include ARL Program Manager Lily Barnett and PREP Founder Anthony Peyton.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/deep-dive-prep-assessment-tickets-103684609458
20 May: The Importance of a Packaging Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan
This week we are discussing how and why having a packaging sustainability strategy and APCO Action Plan can help support your organisation on its packaging sustainability journey.
Developing a packaging sustainability strategy is part of the first criteria in the Packaging Sustainability Framework in the APCO Annual Reporting Tool – and with good reason. It’s the first step organisations need to take in order to move toward a strategic approach to sustainability that can deliver both organisational and cost efficiencies.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-importance-of-a-packaging-sustainability-strategy-and-action-plan-tickets-103768018938
27 May: Promoting Green Credentials
This week we are discussing the importance of communicating your green credentials. Research demonstrates that sustainability issues are among the fastest growing concerns for consumers worldwide. 2019 research from Monash Business School found 92% of consumers believe sustainable business practices should be standard, and not the exception. This session will explore why there has never been a more important time for brands to effectively communicate their sustainability achievements, and the practical tools and processes for getting started on promoting your green credentials.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/apco-community-webinar-how-to-promote-your-green-credentials-tickets-103769332868
If you’re interested in catching up on the webinars delivered in April, all sessions are recorded and available on the APCO website.
- 25 March: Adapting to Changing Circumstances
- 1 April: Launch of Our Packaging Future
- 8 April: The Australasian Recycling Label Program
- 15 April: 2025 Recycled Content Targets
- 22 April: Motivating People Through Difficult Times
The National Retail Association is a member of APCO and is extensively involved in sustainability initiatives, including lightweight plastic bags and other single-use plastics bans across all jurisdictions. We represent retailer perspectives and ultimately encourage national consistency to prevent negative impacts and confusion.
Retailers seeking more information, clarification or personalised advice on how to successfully manage sustainability initiatives should contact the NRA Policy team at policy@nra.net.au
.