APCO releases plan to strengthen packaging system

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has released its FY26–27 Business Plan, setting a clear and practical pathway for packaging stewardship that will strengthen Australia’s packaging system at a time of change and ensure industry is supported and protected.

Developed in collaboration with industry and informed by member consultation, the FY26 Plan sets the direction and pace for the wider system, shifting APCO into a more connected, visible and strengthened position to provide the clarity businesses need to prepare for a strengthened regulatory environment.

“This plan is about stepping up — and that work is already well underway,” said APCO CEO Chris Foley. “We are strengthening the systems and processes needed to support looming regulatory reforms.

“Our members were clear in their feedback: they support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), but it must come with stronger, consistent regulation that sets clear rules and protects early action. Our members are already leading the shift to better packaging outcomes and APCO’s role is to back that leadership — to provide clarity, protect investment and ensure the system evolves in a way that is practical, nationally consistent and built on real progress industry is already making.”

The FY26 plan delivers on these insights and outlines a 36-month program of work focused on five core areas:

1. Packaging Standards & Design — clearer, more practical guidelines backed by Material Stewardship Committees and updated Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) that will support better design decisions.
2. Australasian Recycling Label — strengthening of the program including enhanced governance and alignment with global best practice.
3. Reporting & Packaging Data — simpler processes and better data tools that make reporting easier and more accurate.
4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) & Soft-Plastic Stewardship — a coordinated industry-led pathway with Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA) and development of APCO’s Stewardship Assurance Framework to give members confidence in how they invest in recovery initiatives and support stewardship approaches.
5. Government Relations — stronger national advocacy and engagement to reduce inconsistency and ensure member priorities shape future regulation.

Across FY26–27, APCO has said it will strengthen the foundations for a nationally aligned, future-ready packaging system — one grounded in accurate data, credible stewardship pathways and clearer design standards. By FY28, the industry will be positioned to operate confidently under a regulated EPR framework.

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