The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has welcomed the ACCC’s eight-year authorisation of Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA). The decision enables industry to collect and recycle soft plastic packaging under a voluntary scheme and is described as an important step in rebuilding Australia’s soft plastics recycling capability and supporting a circular economy for packaging.
AFGC CEO, Colm Maguire, said the authorisation builds on the council’s early work to design and develop a new stewardship model for soft plastics.
“The AFGC took early and decisive action to lead the development of a new, industry-led solution for soft plastics,” said Maguire.
According to him, the AFGC commenced work in 2020 on the stewardship model that, in conjunction with the Soft Plastic Taskforce, became the foundation for what is now Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA). Across the entire supply chain, from brands and packaging suppliers to retailers and recyclers, this model was built on transparency, shared responsibility, and collaboration.
“This decision recognises that solving Australia’s soft plastics challenge requires industry to work together under clear governance and accountability. It enables our sector to turn commitment into action, establishing the systems and infrastructure needed to recover and recycle soft plastics safely and sustainably,” he said.
The authorisation allows SPSA members to jointly fund and operate a national collection and recycling program for soft plastics. The scheme will include public reporting, independent reviews, and independent directors on the board.
“The food and grocery sector is proud to have helped shape this scheme from the ground up,” added Maguire.
“We congratulate all SPSA members and stakeholders for their commitment and collaboration. The authorisation gives industry the green light to deliver a credible, long-term recycling solution that restores consumer trust and helps Australia meet its national packaging and waste-reduction goals.”