ACCC Supports National Plan to Revive Soft Plastics Recycling in Australia

ACCC Backs National Scheme to Reboot Australia’s Soft Plastics Recycling

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a draft determination authorizing Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA) to advance its recycling scheme. It is backed by more than 40 brands, which aim to work on a single plan with a funding of $160-per-tonne levy on packaged foods.

The Joint CEO, Barry Cosier, said that ACCC’s initiative is a confidence booster in the industry’s capacity for stepping up and taking responsibility for plastic. He also expressed by stating that

"We have a pathway to a functioning, circular solution for soft plastics – but we need everyone on board. This is not just a collection program,” Cosier says. “It’s an end-to-end product stewardship model that matches collection volumes with real recycling capacity, incentivising investment in infrastructure so that capacity grows in a sustainable, responsible way.”

The funding will cover collection, processing, sorting, and end-market development as per the discussions. The scheme not only focuses on this collection and processing of soft plastic goals but also ensures a viable market for recycled resin.

SPSA is working with recyclers like iQRenew and encouraging brands to incorporate recycled material in their packaging.

Oscar Nicholson, the head of SPSA’s marketing and development, said that when virgin plastics go to landfills, there is a loss of around $00 million. He expressed that if they manage to capture and reuse the value locally, it will help the country build a circular economy.

SPSA chair Bill Heague says the scheme’s credibility is rooted in collaboration:

“We’ve already seen companies commit more than $30 million in funding, plus time and expertise. The more members we have, the greater our capacity to scale and deliver lasting environmental outcomes.”