1.2025 National Packaging Targets
The Australian government, in cooperation with APCO, requires all packaging to meet the following requirements by 2025:
100% recyclable, reusable or compostable (including plastic, glass, paper, etc.).
70% of plastic packaging needs to be actually recycled or composted.
At least 50% recycled material in packaging (e.g. recycled plastic for skin care bottles).
Phase out unnecessary or excessive plastic packaging (such as single-use plastic sealing, multi-layer composite non-recyclable materials).
2.Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
Lightweight design: Use less material (e.g. thinner bottle).
Single material priority: Avoid mixed materials (such as plastic + aluminum foil composite layer) to improve recyclability.
Clear recycling label: packaging material (such as PET, HDPE) and recycling classification guidelines (such as “recyclable” or “home compostable”) should be marked.
3.Specific requirements for skin care products packaging
Plastic restrictions: comply with the 2021 Australian Plastic Reduction Plan (e.g. prohibit the use of difficult to recycle plastics such as PVC/PVDC).
Chemical safety: Packaging materials should not contain harmful substances (such as BPA, phthalates), and should comply with the TGA (Australian Food and Drug Administration) migration test for cosmetic packaging.
Authenticity of labels: avoid misleading environmental claims (such as “degradable” with conditions and “recyclable” with actual acceptance by the Australian recycling system).
3.Compliance advice
3.1Material selection
Give priority to recycled plastics such as PET, HDPE, PP, or recycled materials such as glass and aluminum.
If using bio-based plastics such AS PLA, make sure they comply with AS 5810 (household compostable) or AS 4738 (industrial compostable) standards.
3.2Labeling and Authentication
Label Recycling information through APCO accredited certification bodies such as Australasian Recycling Label.
Refer to AS ISO 14021 standard specification environmental declaration (e.g. “containing 30% recycled plastic” requires proof).
3.3Supply chain management
Provide a Declared Goods List of packaging materials to Australian customers, listing the ingredients and recycling routes.
Ensure suppliers comply with APCO’s supply chain due diligence requirements.
4.Other Australian standards that may be involved
AS 2070: Safety standard for plastic materials in contact with food/cosmetics.
AS 4736: Test method for biodegradable plastics.
TGA Cosmetic Guidelines: Chemical migration limits (e.g. heavy metal content) for cosmetic packaging.
5.Suggestions for next steps
Confirm with customer which APCO document number or standard name is specifically referenced (e.g. whether it points to 2025 Targets Action Plan).
Contact APCO official or Australian compliance consultancy (such as SAI Global) for packaging pre-assessment.
Prepare EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) registration and reports for export products in advance.
If a more specific interpretation of the standard or test plan is required, please provide more details (e.g. packaging material, customer provided document fragments, etc.).