Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO)

APCO is a co-regulatory, not for profit organisation partnering with government and industry to reduce the environmental impact of packaging in Australian communities. APCO aims to change the culture of business to design more sustainable packaging, increase recycling rates and reduce packaging litter. We have been a member since 2013. 

They have many useful resources on their website, including:

• Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
• National Compostable Packaging Strategy 
• Quickstart Guide - Designing for Recyclability; Glass Packaging 
• Quickstart Guide - Designing for Recyclability; PET Packaging 
• Quickstart Guide - Designing for Recyclability; PP Packaging
• Quickstart Guide - Designing for Recyclability; Soft Plastics
• Quickstart Guide - Designing for Recyclability; HDPE Packaging

Australasian Recycling Label

The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is a program that helps brand owners design packaging that is recyclable at end-of-life, and gives consumers information on how to recycle products correctly.

Australasian Bioplastics Association

The Australasian Bioplastics Association administers a voluntary verification scheme, for companies or individuals wishing to have their claims of compliance with Australian Standard 4736-2006, compostable and biodegradable plastics – “Biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial treatment” and Australian Standard AS 5810-2010 Home Composting  – “Biodegradable plastics suitable for home composting”  verified.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF)

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works with business, government and academia to build a framework for an economy that is restorative and regenerative by design. Their mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Check out their website for loads of great information and resources. 

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

FSC is an international organisation that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests, bringing together experts from the environmental, economic and social spheres. Their forest management certification confirms that the forest is being responsibly managed whilst their chain of custody certification provides credible confirmation for products with environmentally and socially responsible sources to access the market.

The Packaging Forum

The Packaging Forum is a member-based organisation representing the depth and breadth of the New Zealand packaging industry. Their vision is that by 2025, all packaging in New Zealand will be reusable, recyclable or compostable. The Forum advocates for policy that achieves the highest sustainability outcomes, collaborates to advance sustainable packaging research, and invests in onshore solutions and recyclability labelling. We proudly became a member of The Packaging Forum in 2020.  

Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP)

PREP is a free online tool for members of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation that assesses packaging recyclability for recovery systems in Australia and New Zealand. PREP takes into consideration a host of factors that can impact recyclability, and powers the Australasian Recycling Label. 

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

PEFC is a leading global alliance of national forest certification systems. An international non-profit, non-governmental organization, they are dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.

Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme

The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme is one of three voluntary product stewardship schemes represented by The Packaging Forum, all accredited by the Ministry for the Environment. Their goal is to help find end of life solutions for packaging, particularly for recycling soft plastic. MCC became a member of the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme in 2020. Our membership helps the Scheme to fund and promote the Love NZ program which allows consumers to bring their used soft plastics back to store for recycling to reduce landfill.

WasteMINZ

The WasteMINZ Best Practice Guidelines for the Advertising of Compostable Products and Packaging is a great resource which gives guidance about what claims can be made on compostable packaging.