Sustainable packaging, leadership, and innovation were celebrated at the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation’s (APCO) Annual Awards ceremony, with the announcement of the 2024 winners.

The awards recognise organisations that are leading the way to develop a circular economy for packaging in Australia. More than 225 representatives from the packaging, resource recovery and recycling industries gathered to celebrate industry leadership and ingenuity in advancing the 2025 National Packaging Targets, sustainable packaging design, improved recycling systems and education and driving uptake of recycled content in packaging.

Myer took home the ARL Excellence Award, recognised for its application of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) to empower and educate consumers on responsible packaging disposal. Myer has applied the ARL across 80 per cent of its products, aiming to continue this progress and reach 90 per cent over the next three years.

Meanwhile, Comsol claimed the winning title in the Best-of-the-Best SME Reporting Award, demonstrating exemplary evidence and reporting of their packaging materials and usage.

Other award recipients included Circular Plastic Australia who won the Improved Recycling Scheme Award, recognised for building the country’s two largest PET recycling plants, and Chobani in the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) Award for the redesign of its now 100 per cent recyclable Gippsland Dairy 160g yogurt pots.

This year saw 55 entries, reflecting a strong commitment from the industry to advance sustainability targets, minimise packaging waste, and respond to the growing consumer demand for sustainable products.

Chris Foley, CEO of APCO, said: “We are in the midst of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of packaging here in Australia. It’s been inspiring to hear so many success stories and see the progress the industry has made to lay the foundations for a stronger packaging system beyond 2025.

“Together, we need to support and grow the system to close the economic gaps and take greater responsibility for packaging and incentivise businesses to pursue true material circularity. As we look toward 2030, APCO will play a larger role to support the industry to accelerate this progress and address the big economic barriers that have hindered progress to date.

“As we build upon the industry’s progress towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets, these organisations can be looked upon as stellar examples of real sustainable change. Their leadership continues to pave the way for a stronger circular packaging future, and we are incredibly proud to have them as our 2024 Annual Award winners.”

2024 Our Packaging Future Award Winners

The winners for the Our Packaging Future Awards displayed a deep dedication to delivering the 2025 National Packaging Targets through circular packaging design, improved recycling systems and education, or driving uptake of recycled content in packaging. The businesses are also recognised for their commitment to collaborate with the wider supply chain.

ARL Excellence Award – Myer
Best-of-the-Best SME Reporting Award – Comsol
Best-of-the-Best Full Framework Reporting Award – CHEP
Education Award – Reckitt
Improved Recycling System Award – Circular Plastics Australia
Recycled Content Award – Packamama
Reuse Award – CHEP & Coles
Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) – Chobani
Sustainability Champion Award – Damian Smyth

Industry Sector Reporting Award Winners

The Industry Sector Reporting Awards recognise the organisations that have met their obligations under the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure (NEPM) and have provided exemplary evidence and reporting against these obligations in the last reporting period. The winners have continually assessed their packaging against APCO’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs), ensuring that their packaging has been designed to optimise outcomes for packaging functionality and sustainability, and to help collectively deliver on Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets.