The Reality Behind Australia’s 2025 Packaging Targets

In 2018, Australia introduced its National Packaging Targets with an ambitious vision: by 2025, all packaging would be reusable, recyclable, or compostable; problematic single-use plastics would be phased out; and plastic recycling rates would reach 70%. Now that 2025 is here, it’s clear that while progress has been made, the journey has been far more complex than initially anticipated.

Australia has seen strong momentum in recycling across materials like glass, rigid plastics, metal, wood, and paper. According to APCO’s 2022–23 report, post-consumer recycled content in rigid plastics rose from 10% to 14% since 2018–19, with an additional 32,000 tonnes recovered compared to the previous year. This reflects genuine strides in consumer awareness and infrastructure for these materials.

However, soft plastics remain a major hurdle. Despite their efficiency in reducing food waste and their cost-effective, lightweight properties, soft plastics lack scalable, kerbside recycling solutions. Without proper infrastructure, even recyclable soft plastic packaging often ends up in landfill.

This disconnection between sustainability targets and on-the-ground realities—whether economic, technical, or logistical—has been a key barrier to widespread adoption of greener materials. The cost pressures on businesses, especially in the current economic climate, also make it difficult to switch packaging formats without significant support or infrastructure in place.

In recognition of these challenges, APCO has revised its plastic packaging recycling goal from 70% to 55% by 2030. Flexible plastics were identified as one of the biggest obstacles, given their limited recycling access and high processing costs.

At VIVO Packaging, we believe progress comes through practical, scalable steps. Many of our clients are actively transitioning to recyclable or recycle-ready flexible packaging solutions. Our recyclable pouch range is designed to offer a balance between functionality, sustainability, and compliance—enabling businesses to take action today while preparing for tomorrow.

We also encourage forward planning. Even if a business isn’t ready to switch fully to recyclable materials, investing in compatible packaging formats and equipment now can reduce transition costs in the future.

Despite the setbacks in meeting the original 2025 goals, the direction remains clear. More honest conversations are happening across the industry, and awareness continues to grow. With the right infrastructure and policy support, recyclable and compostable packaging will become the norm—not the exception.