AUSTRALIA’S 2025 NATIONAL PACKAGING TARGETS

The 2025 National Packaging Targets (the 2025 Targets) are supported by Australian industry and government to deliver a sustainable approach to packaging.

They apply to all packaging that is made, used, and sold in Australia.

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is the organisation charged by government to facilitate the delivery of the 2025 Targets, to be achieved by 31 December 2025.

The 2025 Targets are:

If you need help in meeting these goals, please reach out to us. We can show you options to improve current packaging and meet these targets.

PRODUCTS	ISSUE	2025 TARGET TO MEET	SOLUTIONS
PAPER BAGS	HANDLES made from plastic	100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.	Move to paper rope handles – they feel similar to the plastic ones, some styles even feel better. Another option is to move to cotton.
PAPER BAGS & BOXES	PAPER is laminated	100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.	Move to kraft paper with water based varnish. As paper will be a matt finish instead of satin, highlight the logos with a clear spot UV coating to create contrast. You already emboss the paper, so continue with this to create a texture in the paper.
PAPER BAGS & BOXES	PAPER IS VIRGIN	50% average recycled content included in packaging	Change to paper with recycled content.
GIFT CARD HOLDERS	Ribbon is plastic	100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.	Replace ribbon with a finger slot.
RIBBONS	MADE FROM PLASTIC	100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.	Can move to ribbon made from cotton, 100% recycled bottles or wood pulp.
WRAPPING PAPER	N/A	100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.	Paper is currently recyclable and compostable.
SHIPPING BOX	EVA FOAM INSERT	100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.	Make the EVA foam separatable so the cardboard can be recycled. Or look to replace the foam with cardboard.