What The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation Means For Your Business

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a not-for-profit dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of packaging in Australia.

Since 1999, APCO has collaborated with industry, government, and communities to develop sustainable packaging solutions and build a circular economy, where materials are kept in use and waste is minimised.

At Foodcare, we support the use of recyclable and reusable packaging, from paper tape to 100% recyclable plastic bags. We provide expert advice to businesses on meeting their obligations and goals under APCO’s programs. APCO works with industry members, including Foodcare, to design and promote efficient, sustainable packaging solutions. For example, recycling symbols on DURAPLAS plastic bags make recycling easier for customers, and our website duraplasbags.com.au helps educate consumers and connect them with local recycling services.

If you’re considering moving beyond traditional packaging, adopting a zero-waste strategy can significantly reduce landfill waste. Eco-friendly packaging is straightforward to implement but requires careful planning to ensure it meets customer needs.

What is a Zero-Waste Packaging System?

A zero-waste packaging system uses only recyclable or reusable materials, minimising unnecessary waste. Implementing greener packaging options doesn’t have to increase costs. Examples include: 

  • Recycled cardboard boxes

  • 100% recyclable DURAPLAS bags and satchels

  • 100% biodegradable E-Tape Fibre adhesive packaging tapes

  • All DURAPLAS bags are free from oxo-degradable plastics. 

APCO and Foodcare’s Vision for 2030

APCO and Foodcare are committed to creating a circular packaging system where materials are reused, recycled, or composted. Moving beyond the 2025 targets, APCO’s 2030 Strategic Plan aims to keep packaging materials in use longer, reduce waste, and build stronger recycling infrastructure across Australia.

At Foodcare, we help businesses adopt sustainable practices that align with APCO’s 2030 vision, from smarter packaging design to maximising recycling rates.

Case Study: A Success Story

In 2020, a large food manufacturer in Sydney switched from 32 µm LDPE bags to DURAPLAS 28 µm 100% recyclable bags. This change delivered a consistent, high-quality product and supported their commitment to APCO. The switch reduced plastic usage by 996 kg annually and increased the number of bags recycled into new products in Australia. 
 
Get Expert Support

Please reach out to our friendly team, or contact your sales representative directly, for guidance on cost-effective, environmentally friendly packaging. Together, we can move towards a more sustainable future in line with APCO’s 2030 vision.