Eco Steps Packaging Industry Will Take To Cut Carbon Emissions
Now here is a number worth sitting with. Australia’s plastic packaging recycling rate sits at just 20%. The target was 70% by 2025. So what happened? And more importantly if your operation is still running on standard plastic packaging and you have not thought seriously about the switch, what does that cost you? Not just environmentally. Commercially. Because the regulatory pressure is building, the targets are being revised upward, and the operations that get ahead of this now are the ones that will not be scrambling when compliance becomes mandatory. Here is what is actually happening in Australian packaging.
What Are Australia’s National Packaging Targets and Where Does the Industry Currently Stand?
Australia’s National Packaging Targets are commitments established in 2018 under the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation requiring all packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable, with 70% of plastic packaging recycled or composted and 50% average recycled content in packaging. The original 2025 deadline will not be fully met, and APCO has confirmed a revised target date will be established.
As of 2023-24, 86% of Australian packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable against a 100% target. The plastic recycling rate sits at 20% against a 70% target. Average recycled content reached 44% against a 50% target. Landfilling recyclable packaging generated an estimated 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The 2025 targets will not be fully met and a revised deadline is being established by APCO.
Now think about what those numbers actually mean for your operation. Total packaging placed on market in Australia in 2023-24 is estimated at 6.84 million tonnes. APCO 2023-24 And of the plastic packaging going out, only one in five rolls gets recovered. So what happens to the rest? It goes to landfill. And here is the thing about landfill landfilling instead of recycling available material resulted in approximately 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. APCO That is not a global figure. That is Australian packaging. And APCO has explicitly confirmed that the original 2025 targets will not be fully met within that timeframe, and a revised target date will be established. APCO National Packaging Targets
Five Steps the Packaging Industry Is Taking Right Now
The Australian packaging industry is reducing carbon emissions through five key steps: shifting from single use plastic to recyclable and compostable alternatives, increasing recycled content in packaging materials, adopting circular packaging systems that recover and reuse materials, transitioning to paper based and natural fibre packaging options, and investing in automation that reduces material waste per unit across high volume operations.
1. Replacing single use plastic with recyclable and compostable alternatives
Now here is where operations have the most immediate control. Switching from standard plastic tape to water activated kraft tape, from plastic bubble wrap to Phoenix recyclable bubble film, from plastic void fill to honeycomb paper wrap or BioFill void fill, and from plastic air pillows to eco friendly air cushion films removes plastic from the packaging stream entirely. These are not future commitments. They are products available now, in stock, for same day despatch.
2. Increasing recycled content across all packaging materials
What if the packaging protecting your product was already made from recycled material? Phoenix Bubble Wrap is manufactured in Australia from high quality polyethylene, engineered to be 100% recyclable and contains 50% recycled materials, with 25% from post consumer recycled waste and 25% from post industrial recycled content. Gateway Packaging’s eco friendly stretch films include options with up to 30% post industrial recycled content without compromising wrap performance.
3. Building circular packaging systems that recover and reuse
So here is the longer game. Circular packaging means packaging that is returned, recovered, and reprocessed rather than sent to landfill. Corrugated cardboard, kraft paper, and water activated tape are all recyclable through existing Australian commercial recycling streams. Domestic reprocessing capacity has nearly doubled since 2018-19, from 1.85 million tonnes to 3.45 million tonnes. Waste Management Review 2024 The infrastructure is growing. The question is whether your packaging is designed to flow into it.
4. Transitioning to paper based and natural fibre packaging
Now think about every piece of plastic void fill currently going into your outbound cartons. What if we replaced that with something that protects just as well, costs comparably, and goes into the cardboard recycling stream with the box? Gateway Packaging’s Honeycomb Paper Wrap Dispenser transforms die cut kraft paper into a 3D structure that absorbs shock and protects fragile items. Eco friendly wood wool and eco friendly packaging papers including kraft brown paper rolls serve the same purpose for products that need a natural, biodegradable wrapping material. No plastic. No separate waste stream. Just paper and natural fibre.
5. Using automation to reduce material waste per unit
Here is something the sustainability conversation often misses. The most wasteful packaging operation is a manual one. Inconsistent application of stretch film, over taping of cartons, and imprecise void fill all use more material than needed per unit. Automated systems apply materials at calibrated rates the same amount on every pallet, every carton, every unit. Less material per cycle means less plastic, less cardboard, and less waste sent to landfill across the year.
How Do Standard Packaging Materials Compare to Eco-Friendly Alternatives on Key Sustainability Metrics?
| Packaging Material | Standard Version | Eco Alternative | Recyclable | Recycled Content | APCO Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pallet Stretch Film | Pallet Stretch Film: Virgin polyethylene | Pallet Stretch Film: Paxum® 30% PCR stretch film | Pallet Stretch Film: Soft plastics stream | Pallet Stretch Film: Up to 30% PIR | Pallet Stretch Film: Yes |
| Bubble Wrap | Bubble Wrap: Virgin polyethylene | Bubble Wrap: Phoenix bubble film | Bubble Wrap: 100% recyclable | Bubble Wrap: 50% recycled | Bubble Wrap: Yes |
| Void Fill | Void Fill: Plastic air pillows | Void Fill: Honeycomb paper wrap | Void Fill: Recyclable with cardboard | Void Fill: Kraft paper | Void Fill: Yes |
| Carton Sealing Tape | Carton Sealing Tape: Plastic acrylic tape | Carton Sealing Tape: Water activated kraft tape | Carton Sealing Tape: Recyclable with carton | Carton Sealing Tape: Paper and starch | Carton Sealing Tape: Yes |
| Mailing Packaging | Mailing Packaging: Plastic poly mailers | Mailing Packaging: Paper padded mailers | Mailing Packaging: Recyclable with paper | Mailing Packaging: Recycled paper content | Mailing Packaging: Yes |
| Warning Tape | Warning Tape: PVC warning tape | Warning Tape: Sustainable kraft warning tape | Warning Tape: Recyclable with cardboard | Warning Tape: Kraft paper | Warning Tape: Yes |
| Cold Chain Packaging | Cold Chain Packaging: Polystyrene boxes | Cold Chain Packaging: ThermaWeave covers and insulated liners | Cold Chain Packaging: Yes | Cold Chain Packaging: Recycled content options | Cold Chain Packaging: Yes |
| Protective Void Fill | Protective Void Fill: Standard plastic air pillows | Protective Void Fill: Air cushion films and BioFill void fill | Protective Void Fill: Yes | Protective Void Fill: Eco friendly film | Protective Void Fill: Yes |
The Regulatory Reality for Australian Operations
Now, here is the regulatory picture as it stands. The 2025 National Packaging Targets were established in 2018 and are supported by the Federal Government and all Australian State and Territory Governments. The original deadline will not be fully met and a revised target date will be established. APCO National Packaging Targets What this means in practice is that the targets are not going away they are being strengthened. APCO’s 2030 Strategic Plan signals increasing responsibility for packaging placed on market, with regulatory reforms expected to enhance design for recyclability and recycled content requirements going forward.
Australian states have already banned lightweight plastic bags, polystyrene food containers, and plastic straws across most jurisdictions. The direction of travel for single use packaging is one way. For Australian operations that are APCO members, or that supply to retailers requiring sustainability credentials, the time to transition packaging materials to compliant alternatives is before the next reporting period not after. APCO 2025 Targets
Gateway Packaging’s Sustainable Solutions Range
Gateway Packaging Sustainable Solutions RangeGateway Packaging’s eco products range covers the full transition from standard plastic packaging to APCO compliant sustainable alternatives across every packaging application. For pallet wrapping, eco friendly stretch films with up to 30% post industrial recycled content maintain wrap performance while reducing virgin plastic use. For protective packaging, Phoenix bubble film manufactured in Australia with 50% recycled content and 100% recyclable replaces standard virgin polyethylene bubble wrap with a product that exceeds APCO’s 2025 recycled content targets.
For void fill, the Honeycomb Paper Wrap Dispenser eliminates plastic air fill, with BioFill void fill and eco friendly air cushion films available for operations needing on demand protective packaging. For carton sealing, water activated kraft tape is fully recyclable, tamper evident, and the strongest APCO aligned sealing option available. For natural fibre wrapping, eco friendly wood wool and eco friendly packaging papers provide fully biodegradable alternatives to plastic foam and wrapping. For cold chain operations, Gateway Packaging’s cold chain range covers ProChill gel packs, insulated carton liners, thermal bags, and ThermaWeave pallet covers for temperature sensitive freight across Australian cold chain logistics. For eco friendly mailing, paper padded mailers and Jiffy utility bags replace plastic poly mailers. The full range is at Gateway Packaging’s sustainability page.
Key Takeaways
Australia’s plastic packaging recycling rate is 20% against a target of 70%. The 2025 National Packaging Targets will not be fully met, and APCO is establishing a revised deadline with strengthened requirements going forward.
Landfilling recyclable packaging generated approximately 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in Australia. Every material switch to a recyclable alternative in your operation is a direct, measurable reduction in that figure.
Phoenix bubble film is manufactured in Australia with 50% recycled content and is 100% recyclable, exceeding APCO’s 2025 recycled content targets for protective packaging.
Water activated kraft tape is the only carton sealing tape that is fully recyclable with the cardboard carton, tamper evident, and plastic-free making it the strongest APCO aligned sealing specification available.
Packaging automation reduces material waste per unit by applying materials at calibrated rates rather than manual application less film, less tape, and less void fill per cycle without changing protection standards.
Key Statistics
- 44% average recycled content in Australian packaging in 2023-24 against a 50% National Packaging Target APCO 2023-24
- 40% reduction in problematic single use plastic packaging in Australia from the 2017-18 baseline APCO National Packaging Targets
- 3.45M tonnes of domestic packaging reprocessing capacity in Australia nearly double the 1.85M tonnes in 2018-19 Waste Management Review 2024
The packaging industry’s move to cut carbon emissions is not a future trend for Australian operations it is a current compliance and commercial reality. The targets are set. The direction is confirmed. The products that make the switch practical are available now. Gateway Packaging supplies the full range of eco-friendly packaging alternatives for Australian warehouse, manufacturing, FMCG, and logistics operations, with the expertise to match the right sustainable specification to every application on your floor.
FAQS
Q1: What are Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets and will they be met?
Australia’s National Packaging Targets require 100% of packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable, with 70% of plastic packaging recycled or composted. As of 2023-24, only 86% of packaging meets the recyclability target and plastic recycling sits at just 20%. APCO has confirmed the 2025 deadline will not be fully met and a revised target date with strengthened requirements will be established.
Q2: What is the difference between recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable packaging?
Recyclable packaging is processed through existing Australian recycling infrastructure into new materials. Compostable packaging requires industrial composting facilities unavailable at most kerbside collections. Biodegradable breaks down naturally but without a defined timeline. For APCO compliance, recyclable is the most practical specification as it integrates directly into existing Australian recovery infrastructure without new facilities.
Q3: How does Gateway Packaging’s Phoenix bubble film meet APCO recycled content targets?
Phoenix bubble film is manufactured in Australia with 50% recycled content — 25% post-consumer recycled waste and 25% post-industrial recycled content. It is also 100% recyclable. APCO’s 2025 National Packaging Target for recycled content is 50% average across all packaging. Phoenix bubble film exceeds that target on its own, making it the highest performing eco-friendly protective packaging option in Gateway Packaging’s range for operations reporting against APCO requirements.
Q4: What eco-friendly packaging alternatives does Gateway Packaging offer for Australian warehouse operations?
Gateway Packaging stocks eco-friendly stretch films with up to 30% post-industrial recycled content, Phoenix bubble film with 50% recycled content, honeycomb paper wrap, water activated kraft tape, paper padded mailers, and kraft paper warning tapes. All meet APCO compliance requirements and are available for same day despatch across Australia.
Q5: Does switching to eco-friendly packaging affect operational performance or cost?
Eco friendly alternatives match or outperform standard plastic packaging in most applications. Phoenix bubble film delivers equivalent cushioning to standard bubble wrap. Water activated kraft tape seals more strongly on recycled cardboard than acrylic tape. Honeycomb paper wrap absorbs impact better than plastic air pillows. Gateway Packaging’s team can confirm the cost per unit comparison for your specific application before you switch.
Q6: What is honeycomb paper wrap and how does it compare to bubble wrap?
Honeycomb paper wrap is kraft paper that expands into a 3D honeycomb structure when pulled, providing cushioning and void fill for fragile goods in transit. Gateway Packaging’s Honeycomb Paper Wrap Dispenser produces this on demand without electricity. Unlike bubble wrap, it is fully biodegradable, recyclable with cardboard, and produces no plastic waste — making it the correct sustainable alternative for electronics, furniture, and fragile goods.
Q7: What sustainable packaging options are available for Australian businesses?
Gateway Packaging’s eco products range covers eco-friendly stretch films, Phoenix bubble film with 50% recycled content, honeycomb paper wrap and BioFill void fill, water activated kraft tape, eco-friendly wood wool and packaging papers, paper padded mailers, Jiffy utility bags, and compostable and kraft paper tapes. All are APCO aligned, stocked in Australia, and available for same day despatch at gatewaypackaging.com.au/packaging/eco-products/
Q8: What cold chain packaging solutions are available for Australian food and beverage businesses?
Gateway Packaging’s cold chain range covers Phoenix ProChill Gel Packs in sizes from 300g to 1.25kg — 100% recyclable and non-toxic — insulated carton liners, Phoenix Thermal Bags for smaller shipments, and ThermaWeave Pallet Covers for full pallet loads. ThermaWeave covers are made in Australia and available in three sizes up to 1200mm x 1200mm x 1800mm for long distance cold chain freight.
Q9: What is the best protective packaging for temperature-sensitive products shipped in Australia?
The right specification depends on shipment size. For small shipments, Phoenix ProChill Gel Packs with Bubble Barrier combine gel cooling with insulating bubble protection and 50% recycled content. For carton level insulation, Phoenix Thermal Bags and insulated carton liners cover individual parcels. For full pallet loads across Australian cold chain freight, ThermaWeave Pallet Covers provide a superior thermal barrier against temperature fluctuations.
Q10: How can Australian businesses reduce single-use plastic in their packaging operations?
Replace plastic bubble wrap with Phoenix recyclable bubble film or honeycomb paper wrap. Replace plastic air pillows with eco-friendly air cushion films. Replace acrylic tape with water activated kraft tape. Replace plastic poly mailers with paper padded mailers or Jiffy utility bags. Replace polystyrene cold chain boxes with ThermaWeave pallet covers and insulated carton liners. Gateway Packaging stocks all of these alternatives for same day despatch.
🌿The Bottom Line
Now here is the straight version. Australia missed the 2025 packaging targets but the direction is not changing. The targets are being revised upward, state plastic bans are expanding, and retailers are asking for sustainability credentials. Gateway Packaging supplies the Australian made and APCO compliant eco packaging alternatives that make the switch practical today. One conversation with the team will tell you exactly which products replace what is currently on your floor.
Ready to transition your packaging to eco-friendly alternatives?
Tell Gateway Packaging’s team what standard plastic packaging your operation currently uses. We will identify the right eco-friendly alternative for each application and confirm the cost and performance comparison before you make the switch.