Sustainable Transformation Podcast with APCO | Change is coming for packaging in Australia

This is a sponsored article from SustainabilityTracker.com member Sustainable Choice Group.

The Sustainable Transformation Podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the road to sustainability in business. We unpack the ideas that drive change, decode the jargon, and meet visionary leaders transforming their organisations for the better.

In this episode, join Kiarne as she sits down with Chris Foley, CEO of APCO (the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation), as they dive into the evolving landscape of packaging regulations in Australia. As 2025 approaches, regulations are set to reshape how businesses approach design, manufacturing, and end-of-life of packaging and materials and this episode is essential listening for everyone involved.

Key Discussion Points:

• Government Mandates and Industry Alignment: The transition from voluntary to mandatory circular packaging regulations and the efforts of governments and industries to align and enforce compliance.
• Challenges and Opportunities: What are the barriers hindering Australia’s progress towards circularity in packaging? The pair discuss the low-hanging fruit, opportunities for innovation alongside industry-wide inertia and underutilised infrastructure.
• Lessons from Experience: Drawing from his extensive background in environmental and sustainability roles, Chris shares candid experiences from his time at major retail organisations like Target and Kmart. Discover how circular design principles can drive environmental impact, cost savings, and customer satisfaction when implemented effectively.

Prepare your business for the inevitable change that is coming! As Chris says, the Genie is well and truly out of the bottle. Whether you’re a designer, manufacturer, or distributor involved in packaging, tune in for actionable advice on how to cut through the confusion and take meaningful steps towards circularity.

LISTEN HERE:

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Produced by the Nova Entertainment Network, season two brings new episodes featuring guests from Edge Impact, Volvo and plenty more. Don’t forget to check out season one to hear interviews with Coles, Country Road, Energy Locals, Banksia Foundation, Telstra, Bared Footwear plus more. Tune in to the Sustainable Transformation podcast, available now on your favourite podcast platforms