APCO guideline launch will guide sustainable food packaging

In a bid to help food services achieve sustainable packaging outcomes, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has launched the Food Services Packaging Sustainability Guidelines. Launched at the Australian Waste and Recycling Expo in Sydney, the guidelines have been developed in close consultation with government, the food services industry, waste handlers, composters and recyclers, academics and community groups.

Adopting a circular economic approach, the resource will provide organisations with a framework for reviewing and implementing more sustainable food service packaging options, incorporating factors such as materials and recyclability, waste capture and handling, and alternative delivery models.

The report includes case studies from Qantas, GPT Group and Hobart City Council, providing real-world implementation examples, evaluating barriers to implementation and offering practical guidance on overcoming challenges.

APCO CEO Brooke Donnelly said, “Food service businesses are facing unprecedented pressure and confusion, as they navigate not only the growing consumer backlash against problematic and single-use plastics, but also a rapidly changing marketplace that’s inundated with new materials and disruptive models.

“We are delighted to be launching this new resource which will support those businesses that are considering more sustainable packaging, but don’t know where to start.

“Sustainable packaging plays an important role in reducing food waste. We are pleased to be presenting a guide that will support a reduction in food waste going to landfill through more sustainable serviceware choices.”

The Food Services Packaging Sustainability Guidelines are available to download here.

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