What is Australia doing about packaging regulations?

Australia is strengthening its national packaging regulation framework to improve waste reduction, recycling, and producer responsibility.

When was the updated guidance on Australia's national packaging policy released?

Updated guidance outlining the shift in Australia's national packaging policy was released in February 2026.

How will producer responsibility change in Australia?

Australia is expanding extended producer responsibility, placing clearer legal obligations on packaging producers, brand owners, and importers to manage environmental impacts.

Home / Business and Economy / Australia's Packaging Rules Get Major Overhaul

Australia's Packaging Rules Get Major Overhaul

11 Feb

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Summary

Australia is strengthening waste reduction and recycling regulations.
Reforms include clearer compliance, better recycling outcomes, and accountability.
New rules will boost producer responsibility for packaging lifecycle impacts.

Australia's Packaging Rules Get Major Overhaul

Australia is undertaking comprehensive reforms to its national packaging regulation framework, aligning with its broader waste and circular economy agenda. These changes, detailed in updated guidance released in February 2026, are designed to strengthen waste reduction, recycling, and producer responsibility rules. The initiative aims to tackle long-standing issues such as regulatory fragmentation, low recycling rates for certain materials, and the increasing volume of packaging waste.

The reform programme prioritizes a consistent national approach, moving away from current reliance on voluntary schemes and state-specific policies. Governments are considering robust regulatory backstops to ensure all packaging on the Australian market is recyclable, reusable, or compostable, while phasing out problematic materials. This framework supports national waste targets and seeks to reduce confusion for businesses operating nationwide.