Apr
21

New Regulation Regarding Sustainable Food Packaging Helps Businesses Go Green

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Ash Bennett

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has recently launched new guidelines that detail best practice in the use of sustainable packaging for the food services industry. The guidelines were developed in close consultation with the government, the food services industry, waste handlers, composters and recyclers, university researchers and community groups. The regulatory framework is designed to provide food services businesses with options for using increasingly sustainable food packaging solutions in their operations. The framework describes in detail a plethora of materials and recyclability, waste capture and handling and alternative delivery models for use in the food services industry. These elements of sustainability are all recommended to lessen instances of single-use packaging being used in the food services sector. Single-use packaging is unsustainable and often takes up significant room in landfill, which, in turn, damages local ecosystems. It takes decades to break down organically. The production of non-sustainable food packaging also requires the production of significant volumes of greenhouse gasses which causes global warming. “Food service businesses are facing unprecedented pressure and confusion, as they navigate not only the growing consumer backlash against problematic and single-use plastics, but also a rapidly changing marketplace that’s inundated with new materials and disruptive models,” said Brooke Donnelly, CEO of APCO. The APCO guide delivers a step-by-step approach that any food service organisation can follow to minimise packaging waste and to improve their rate of recycling and composting. An organisation can work through the steps outlined in the guide in chronological order if they have opened recently. If a business has already started making changes, then the guide can be used to review progress, identify opportunities for improvement, and take action to improve packaging sustainability. The action steps outlined in the guide are as follows:

1. Establish the case for improving the sustainability of the businesses’ packaging.
2. Determine what packaging is used across the business and where it ends up.
3. Identify options for improvement.
4. Implement sustainable packaging initiatives.
5. Track and review progress.

The aim of the framework is to provide clear instructions for businesses who are looking to go green. More information is provided on the APCO website. Kent Paper is a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation and is therefore required to submit annual reports regarding our supply of sustainable packaging materials. The structure of our annual report is based on the framework developed by APCO. If your food service business is looking to reduce their carbon footprint and implement sustainable packaging alternatives as part of their corporate social responsibility strategy, please call Kent Paper. We manufacture and supply a range of recyclable, low-carbon-footprint packaging solutions that you can use to deliver your food. Our solutions are designed to keep your food fresh and presentable upon arrival and will reduce your carbon footprint effectively and affordably.Kent Paper is open for business Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Call us on 1800 536 872 to place an order for any of the products listed on our online store.