Soft Plastics Recycling Update: April 2025
Action required on Soft Plastics Packaging
Following the collapse of REDcycle in November 2022, and the subsequent limitations in soft plastic recycling options, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has made clear their expectations that all brand owners are to update their soft plastics packaging to remove references to REDcycle and the old soft plastics ARL styles, with a provided timeframe of 2 years for the transition (i.e. until 1 July 2025), unless an exceptional circumstance applies (in which case the expectation is for the transition to occur by 1 July 2026.)
The following ARLs and logos should no longer be used:
The ACCC’s expectation covers both on-pack claims and any representations made online. Product images for articles currently displaying one or more of the above label styles should be replaced or removed as soon as possible and well in advance of 1 July 2025. APCO members should refer to APCO’s guidance, and may choose to adopt the ‘Check Locally’ ARL for eligible recyclable soft plastics.
If you are not confident that stock will have transitioned on shelf or images will be updated online by 1 July 2025, or if you need any further support, please use this form to advise us of the relevant SKU details, and exceptional circumstances which delayed compliance.
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