national packaging targets are more than just policy—they represent a roadmap for how Australia’s packaging ecosystem must evolve. For businesses supplying, designing, or using packaging (such as Carewell Group’s clients), understanding these targets isn’t optional—it’s strategic.
Established by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) in conjunction with federal and state governments, the national packaging targets aim to transform how packaging is made, used, and recycled. dcceew.gov.au+2dcceew.gov.au+2
Here’s how they break down, why they matter, and how your business can engage in the transition—rather than be caught by surprise.
What are the National Packaging Targets?
The key targets (set for 2025) are:
- 100% of packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable. dcceew.gov.au+1
- 70% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted. dcceew.gov.au+1
- 50% average recycled content included in packaging. dcceew.gov.au+1
- The phase-out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging. dcceew.gov.au+1
These are ambitious. The idea is not only that packaging be easily recyclable, but that it contains recycled material, avoids harmful single-use formats, and becomes part of a circular system.
Why these targets matter for your business
1. Compliance & risk-mitigation
Packaging regulations are tightening. The targets signal what the industry is moving toward. Being ahead reduces risk of being caught off-guard when rules sharpen.
2. Cost and resource efficiency
Packaging designed for reuse/recycling tends to use resources more wisely. Recycled content, less waste, better logistics—it all adds up.
3. Brand and market advantage
Consumers, clients and partners increasingly expect sustainable practices. Businesses showing they align with national targets earn credibility and can differentiate themselves.
4. Supply chain resilience
Packaging that’s recyclable, recyclable locally and uses recycled content is less vulnerable to material supply shocks, regulatory change, or cost rises.
For Carewell Group, which supports packaging, industrial & safety, logistics and 3PL, this means you can help your clients navigate the packaging supply-chain in a smarter, future-ready way.
How your business can play its part
Here are actionable moves your team (or your clients) can adopt:
a) Map your packaging footprint
List all the types of packaging you source or manage—trays, mailers, poly-bags, wraps, tapes, safety packaging etc. For each, note:
- Is it reusable, recyclable or compostable?
- Does it contain recycled content?
- Does it rely on problematic single-use plastics?
This gives you a baseline for improvement.
b) Set targets aligned with national ones
If the national target is 50% recycled content on average, ask: can you move certain formats closer to that, even if others lag? Set internal milestones now.
c) Engage material & design partners
Work with suppliers to ensure materials are compatible with recycling streams, use recycled content, avoid unnecessary single-use components, and offer packaging that’s easier to recover or reuse.
In your role, you can bring this discussion to clients: “Here’s how choosing packaging differently helps you hit the national packaging targets”.
d) Consider packaging as part of the system
Circular packaging isn’t just about what you throw away—it’s about how it’s collected, sorted, reused, or recycled. Design choices matter: fewer mixed materials, simpler structures, clearer labelling.
And logistics matter: reuse or return flows, storage behaviour, consolidation—all these affect performance.
e) Communicate your progress
Use your actions as part of your brand story. Clients and stakeholders will see that you aren’t just supplying packaging—you’re helping build a circular future. That creates value.
The role of Carewell Group in this transition
As a full-service packaging, industrial & safety, logistics and 3PL provider, Carewell Group is uniquely positioned to help businesses meet these national packaging targets and succeed in a circular economy. You can:
- Advise on packaging formats and materials that align with the 100% reusable/recyclable/compostable goal.
- Supply packaging solutions with higher recycled content, or packaging designed for reuse.
- Integrate logistics and storage solutions that consider return/reuse flows, not just one-way packaging.
- Support clients in shifting their supply-chain thinking—packaging isn’t just cost; it’s a performance and sustainability metric.
By doing this, you can help clients meet their internal sustainability goals, while aligning with national frameworks and boosting their brand.
Looking ahead: Why the targets are vital now
The 2025 targets set the tempo for change; even if some will require regulation or technology to fully meet, the direction is clear. As industry metrics show, Australia is behind in several areas. boomerangalliance.org.au+1
That means early movers gain choice, slower movers may face higher cost or disruption. For businesses in packaging and logistics, aligning now means being on the front foot.
Final thoughts
National packaging targets matter because they crystallise what “good packaging” will look like in Australia’s circular economy. They’re not just environmental ideals—they’re business strategy.
For businesses working with packaging, logistics, industrial supply chains (like Carewell Group and your clients), this is an invitation: engage early, make design and material choices matter, build systems, and position yourself as a partner for circular-economy success.
If you’d like, I can draft a custom checklist for packaging readiness aligned with the national packaging targets that you can share with your clients. Do you want that?
