Packaging Regulation Australia is no longer a distant policy discussion — it’s the new foundation for how brands will design, produce, and report on their packaging. The voluntary phase is closing fast, and 2025 marks the year compliance becomes mandatory. This shift isn’t just regulatory; it’s strategic. It’s a reset for how businesses align sustainability with profitability.
Why This Reform Exists
Australia’s packaging system has hit a wall. With a 51% plastic recovery gap, millions of tonnes of material still head to landfill instead of being recovered or reused. That failure sparked federal reform, leading to the National Packaging Targets and the upcoming EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) scheme — a move that forces brand owners to take full responsibility for the lifecycle of their packaging.
The message is clear: what’s designed today must meet tomorrow’s recyclability standards.
The New Rules of the Game
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has confirmed that the upcoming packaging regulation will include:
- Mandatory Design Standards – Every brand must ensure packaging meets recyclability and compostability criteria.
- Recycled Content Rules – Expect minimum thresholds for post-consumer recycled materials.
- ARL Verification – Only verified recyclability claims will be allowed, ensuring honesty and consistency for consumers.
These requirements are underpinned by the PREP (Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal) and the Australian Recycling Label (ARL), which will guide how materials are designed and declared across supply chains.
The Business Impact: Beyond Penalties
Non-compliance won’t just attract regulatory attention — it could affect your brand’s reputation, shelf placement, and even export eligibility. Retailers and investors are increasingly demanding proof of sustainability. But here’s the upside: brands that adapt now gain an early cost advantage and stronger consumer trust.
Think of Packaging Regulation Australia not as a box to tick but as a chance to future-proof your supply chain.
How Carewell Bridges Compliance and Brand Continuity
At Carewell Group, we see sustainability and design integrity as two sides of the same coin. Our team works directly with clients to re-engineer packaging that satisfies EPR standards — without losing the look, feel, or functionality your customers recognize.
Through our Sustainability and Packaging Solutions services, we help businesses:
- Conduct sustainability audits aligned with PREP and ARL requirements
- Identify recyclable or compostable material substitutes
- Validate packaging for future regulatory readiness
- Maintain performance in protection, durability, and shelf presentation
It’s not about trading brand identity for compliance; it’s about designing smarter.
What You Should Do Now
- Review your current packaging portfolio — map material types and recyclability.
- Engage with ARL verification — ensure accurate labeling.
- Model EPR costs — understand how your packaging could perform under eco-modulated fees.
- Redesign strategically — focus on mono-materials, lighter weights, and local recyclability compatibility.
Brands that prepare in 2024 won’t just meet the 2025 standards — they’ll lead.
The Takeaway
Sustainability isn’t a “project” or a passing trend. It’s the new baseline for doing business in Australia’s packaging landscape. Those who align early will avoid disruption, cut future costs, and build credibility in a market that values environmental integrity as much as product quality.
At Carewell, we’re ready to help you stay ahead — not just compliant, but confident.
Location: Carewell Group Pty Ltd, Unit 27/191 McCredie Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164
Phone: +61 0477 123 699
Email: sales@carewellgroup.com.au | info@carewellgroup.com.au | logistics@carewellgroup.com.au
