Sustainability & Environment

Container Deposit Scheme - Summary table

The National Retail Association, in collaboration with Australian Beverages and the Australian Institute of Packaging has developed a dedicated member resource that outlines the current State and Territory Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) and eligible and non-eligible containers in each scheme. Updated: 19 September 2024

National Retail Association Single-Use Plastic Bans Summary

Summary table covering all Australian and New Zealand single-use plastics regulations. Updated regularly

Sustainability in the Retail Supply Chain | 2021

As online shopping rates remain high due to the impacts of COVID-19, sustainability is more important to Australian consumers than ever before, with 63% stating they would pay extra for a delivery service that was more environmentally-friendly. A new research report ‘Sustainability in the Australian Retail Supply Chain’ commissioned by Manhattan Associates, Shippit and Greener – in partnership with the National Retail Association (NRA) and NORA, also revealed 60% of Australian consumers are open to receiving a delivery at a later date if it meant that it was delivered more sustainably.

Detailed decision guide on plastic disposal

Detailed decision guide on plastic disposal from University of Technology Sydney.  

Submission: ACT Single-Use Plastics Draft Bill

As per our submission to the ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ the NRA supports the ACT Government's review of single-use plastic, and support most aspects of the legislation. However we submit that some challenges and queries persist.

Submission: QLD single-use plastics (July 2020)

The Queensland Government is proposing a ban on the supply of specific single-use plastic products, starting with straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers. While retailers support most of these bans, the NRA has made submissions to highlight challenges and considerations...

Submission: Victoria Container Refund Scheme

The National Retail Association (NRA) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the introduction of a Container Refund Scheme for Victoria and our inclusion on the Advisory Group.

Submission: Tasmania Container Refund Scheme Discussion Paper

The NRA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the introduction of a Container Refund Scheme for Tasmania and our inclusion on the Advisory Group.

ReThink Sustainability Complete Energy Profiling

Submission: NSW Plastics Policy (May 2020)

The NSW Plastics Plan Discussion Paper - Cleaning Up Our Act outlines the first step in developing a new, comprehensive approach to reducing plastic use and managing plastic waste and pollution in NSW. The NRA supports the intent of the Paper and our submission outlines a roadmap to implementing positive initiatives while maintaining national consistency, commercial viability and realistic timeframes.

Submission: QLD single-use plastics (April 2020)

The Queensland Government is proposing a ban on the supply of specific single-use plastic products, starting with straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers. While retailers support most of these bans, the NRA has made submissions to highlight challenges and considerations...

Submission to SA Government: Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2019

In response to South Australian Government's Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2019. The National Retail Association supports the intent of the Bill but has concerns regarding national consistency, definition of terms, exemptions, exclusion of compostable alternatives and other issues...

Submission: Hobart Single-Use Plastics By-Law (Nov 2019)

The NRA support the positive intentions of initiatives to reduce plastic litter, but strongly oppose premature regulatory intervention, such as the proposed by-law, as this: jeopardises national consistency; contradicts and diverts focus from existing projects and plans at a national and state level; fails to recognise the lack of viable, safe alternatives for the broad range of items included; creates confusion with poor definitions and loopholes; creates competitive and customer disadvantages; incurs high and unreasonable costs on business and customers; lacks comprehensive education and support mechanisms for industry; and lacks comprehensive plans to educate the public.

National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019

8 Nov 2019: The Australian Government has released its Action Plan for a National Waste Policy...

Submission: Response to WA Single-Use Plastics Issues Paper (July 2019)

Response by National Retail Association to WA Single-Use Plastics Issues Paper (July 2019) >

Submission: Response to ACT ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ Discussion Paper (July 2019)

Response by the National Retail Association to ACT  ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ Discussion Paper (July 2019)