After the debacle of the REDCycle program in late 2022, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian government is taking initiatives to revive the soft plastics recycling landscape in the country. According to Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the country uses 70 billion soft plastic pieces each year, which makes it one of the largest generators of single-use plastic waste per capita globally. With the government’s measures, the recycling initiatives will get a new lease of life, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Jaya Dandey, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Soft plastics, such as vegetable/fruit and bread packaging from supermarkets, cling film, etc., are infamous for being very difficult to recycle, owing to food contamination and the use of different types of plastic materials. The lack of resources and infrastructure presents further challenges. Nevertheless, with the Australian government’s investment and interest from private companies, there is hope on the horizon.”
Tim Hill, Key Account Director, SE Asia, GlobalData, notes: “The REDCycle program was aimed at post-consumer soft plastics recycling by offering consumers the ease of returning their grocery packaging waste back to the store. Though a well-intentioned initiative, the scheme lost steam on account of pandemic closures and the discovery of stockpiled plastic waste across the company’s warehouses.
“Australia is now actively working towards improving its soft plastics recycling capabilities through substantial government funding, community engagement, and collaborative efforts with industry players. These initiatives not only aim to reduce landfill waste but also contribute to job creation and environmental sustainability.”
Dandey adds: “The government measures include an AUD15.6 million ($10.5 million) investment to increase the recycling and recovery rates for difficult plastics and an AUD20 million ($13.2 million) investment towards a new recycling facility in South Australia, which aim to divert 14,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually from landfills. In addition, companies such as Naula and Pro-Pac Group are receiving funding to develop soft plastic packaging with a significant percentage of recycled content.”
Hill continues: “Furthermore, few private companies are developing unique solutions. Viva Energy, for instance, is working with Cleanaway towards building a facility that will transform challenging plastic waste into feedstock, thereby promoting a circular economy.
“Local councils are also taking part in soft plastics recycling initiatives. The Wingecarribee Shire Council in New South Wales launched a trial program in April 2024, allowing residents to recycle various types of soft plastics at designated centers. This trial will run until June 2025, and its success will be measured based on community feedback and the volume of plastics collected.”
Dandey concludes: “These measures will have a ripple effect on the recycling habits of consumers and reinforce positive and responsible behaviors. According to GlobalData’s 2024 Q3 Consumer Survey, 72% of respondents in Australia see recyclable packaging as an essential or nice-to-have feature for product purchase choices^.”
^GlobalData 2024 Q3 Consumer Survey – Australia, published in October 2024, with 514 respondents
