Packaging

Packaging
 Circular Economy, Opinion, Packaging, Packaging Design, Packaging targets, WMRR

Government’s own figures expose the cost of packaging inaction

The Federal Government’s recently updated data shows 41 per cent of packaging placed on the Australian market went to landfill in 2023-24 – yet national packaging reform remains stalled. Of the 6.84 million tonnes of packaging placed on the market, almost three million tonnes was buried, despite 86 per cent being assessed as having “good recyclability”. Read More
EPR
 Batteries, Circular Economy, Clothing, Container deposit schemes, e-waste, Latest News, Packaging, Plastics, Product Stewardship, Tyres

EPR needs stronger national leadership

Australia has embraced product stewardship as a key tool in the push towards a circular economy, but the current system is falling short of its potential, according to Mike Ritchie, managing director of MRA Consulting Group. Speaking at Waste 2026 in Coffs Harbour, Ritchie argued that while Australia has made progress in resource recovery, the next phase of improvement will require governments to embrace mandatory product stewardship/EPR models, something that few of those managing such schemes have in place. He said most are voluntary, which needs to change. Read More
Murray Watt
 Circular Economy, Opinion, Packaging, Packaging Design, Packaging targets

An open letter to Murray Watt

On 1 Sep 2026, a DCCEEW bureaucrat wrote on an “Official” basis to packaging stakeholders that: “ The Minister (Murray Watt) has communicated that a new Commonwealth scheme for packaging will not be introduced in this term of Government ….”  MRA managing director Mike Ritchie takes exception to that decision. Here’s why. Read More
ABA
 ABA, Opinion, Packaging, Packaging Design, Packaging targets, Recycling

EU packaging rules take effect

As the European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) took effect Wednesday, August 12 — reshaping the rules for compostable and bio-based packaging entering the EU market — bioplastics associations from across the globe have agreed to strengthen their collaboration, sharing knowledge and working together to win greater recognition for the sector’s role in the circular economy. The commitment followed a meeting of global bioplastics peak-body leaders in Incheon, South Korea on Friday, 7 August, where Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) CEO Martine Poulain represented Australia and New Zealand. Read More