The state, territory and federal environment ministers agreed that the new direction of the Covenant will ensure the APC promotes businesses working across their supply chain to reduce waste, design more sustainable packaging and increase the rate of recycling.
The Covenant is an ongoing commitment between industry and governments. Once all jurisdictions have completed their internal processes, the enhanced Covenant will be in place.
At the meeting the ministers endorsed the APC's new strategic plan, which identifies priorities that align with the aims and goals of the Covenant over a five year period. This plan, which commences 1 January 2017, will be officially launched to members on Thursday 8 December.
Trish Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, welcomed the decision by the ministers and thanked them for their continued support of this unique co-regulatory framework as it heads into a new paradigm.
"With the endorsement of the five year strategic plan, we can now turn our attention to delivery - delivering environmental outcomes and delivering member value.
"Our new strategic direction will focus on optimising resource use by supporting sustainable design and circular economies, reducing waste to landfill and creating a knowledge centre to enable industry leadership.
"The Covenant is a partnership agreement between industry and government, and its success depends on collaboration, industry accountability and good governance. It is the framework that supports the APC's industry-led, ambitious and aspirational five year strategic plan. "This is our opportunity to step up and deliver industry and community relevant environmental outcomes."
