Australia’s DCCEEW Proposes Packaging Sustainability Rules for Consumer Goods

On 27 September 2024, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) launched a public consultation on proposed reforms to packaging regulation, which impact multiple retail and B2B sectors, including retail packaging and shipping cartons. The initiative addresses environmental concerns around packaging waste, aiming to develop sustainable packaging practices. Stakeholder input will help shape the regulatory framework, with details subject to change based on feedback.

The consultation document proposes updates to the National Environmental Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2011 (NEPM). Key reforms include:

• Mandatory product stewardship schemes requiring businesses to manage packaging lifecycles from design to disposal.
• Stricter recycling and recovery targets, particularly for single-use plastic packaging, to promote sustainable alternatives.
• Enhanced transparency and accountability, including stricter reporting requirements on packaging recyclability and recovery efforts.
• Harmonized regulations across states and territories for a consistent national approach.

These reforms align with broader goals of reducing waste and transitioning to a circular economy. Businesses in packaging production, use, or disposal should closely monitor these developments to ensure future compliance.

The consultation closes on 28 October 2024 at 5 pm AEDT.

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