The Visual Media Association (VMA) and the Australasian Paper Industry Association (APIA) have worked with an industry-led Labels & Packaging Coalition to issue a submission on behalf of industry into the Federal Government’s packaging regulation reforms.
The position of the VMA’s Labels and Packaging Coalition, comprised of industry experts and stakeholders, is that fibre-based packaging regulation should align with international standards, rather than new government standards which may potentially over-regulate the print and visual media sectors.
The submission also advocates for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water (DCCEW) to establish advisory working groups with representation from each relevant sector to ensure guidelines are adequate and successful, arguing that the current make-up of the Design Working Group (DWG), does not include manufacturers, who are critical technical advisors.
With the Department exploring the option of introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, the VMA highlighted the potential risks of increased costs and competitiveness issues for Australian businesses if regulations do not align with international standards and address Australia’s unique market dynamics.
The association also maintained that fibre-based packaging is one of the most environmentally sound solutions available and should be optioned into a self-regulated program.
“The fibre-based packaging sector is already leading the way in sustainability, which are compliant from forestry to mill to production to international best-practice standards. Burdening these suppliers, and in turn printers, with increased regulatory costs will have devastating consequences for the industry,” said, Kellie Northwood, CEO, VMA.
“Manufacturing in Australia already has high labour and energy costs – further government regulatory costs will impact local packaging manufacture and lose Australian jobs. A packaging product produced in another country without such regulatory costs will be produced and imported at a lower cost than a local manufacturer can provide and will reduce the very aim of securing more sustainable packaging outcomes for Australian products and consumers.
The Labels and Packaging Coalition will continue to provide industry feedback and offer expert advice on drafted policies and potential legislative recommendations at both federal and state levels.
“I extend my thanks to all participants in the Labels and Packaging Coalition. Your direction and expertise has been invaluable in shaping our submission and advancing sustainable packaging solutions,” said Northwood.
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