The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has released its FY26-27 Business Plan, setting out actions aimed at strengthening Australia’s packaging system and supporting industry through upcoming regulatory changes.
According to APCO, the plan was developed in collaboration with industry and informed by extensive member consultation, with the organisation positioning the document as a “clear and practical pathway for packaging stewardship” during what it described as a period of significant transition.
APCO CEO Chris Foley said the organisation is focused on providing the clarity businesses need as packaging regulation evolves.
“This plan is about stepping up – and that work is already well underway,” Foley said. “We are strengthening the systems and processes needed for support looming regulatory reforms.”
Foley said members expressed support for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) but emphasised the need for stronger and more consistent regulation.
“Our members were clear in their feedback: they support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), but it must come with stronger, consistent regulation that sets clear rules and protects early action,” he said.
“Our members are already leading the shift to better packaging outcomes and APCO’s role is to back that leadership – to provide clarity, protect investment and ensure the system evolves in a way that is practical, nationally consistent and built on real progress industry is already making.”
According to the organisation, the FY26–27 plan outlines a 36-month program of work across five focus areas: updated packaging standards and design guidance; strengthened governance for the Australasian Recycling Label; improved reporting and data tools; coordinated industry-led EPR and soft-plastic stewardship initiatives; and increased national advocacy to reduce regulatory inconsistency.
APCO said the plan aims to build the foundations for a nationally aligned and future-ready system grounded in accurate data, credible stewardship pathways and clearer design standards.
By FY28, the organisation said industry is expected to be positioned to operate under a regulated EPR framework.
For more information, read the Business Plan here.
