EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

EPA Victoria has lost patience with companies that fail to show how they are reducing packaging waste, warning they risk significant penalties if they don’t comply with their obligations.

Hundreds of businesses across the state are required to tell the watchdog what they have done as part of nationwide efforts to make sure packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable, and that commitments to reducing and redesigning packaging and disposal labelling for consumer information are made.

EPA Compliance Programs Manager Alison McRae said the Authority was fed up with big brand companies that repeatedly missed deadlines to make reports or didn’t make them at all.

High-profile shoe brand Wittner, which promotes its sustainability credentials on its website, and Melbourne-based La Manna supermarkets have now been sent official warnings for failing to report, which will escalate to financial penalties if no action is taken.

The warnings come after EPA fined furniture retailer Gainsville $9,880 for failing to respond to an Information Gathering Notice about packaging waste last year.

“Other brands meet these requirements and are doing their bit to support Australia’s bid to cut waste and transition to a sustainable circular economy,” Ms McRae said. “There’s no reason for any company to fall behind, and if they do EPA will hold them to account.”

Ms McRae said that companies had the choice to sign up to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), which provides support and accreditation, or report to state-based bodies such as EPA.

"Our first preference is always that they join APCO, but if brands fail at this, then EPA will ensure they meet obligations to report on all their types of packaging and commit to improvements helping build a stronger, cleaner and more self-reliant economy.”

Australian Council of Recycling statistics show that Australia uses more than 1.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging each year.

“Our communities expect brands to be taking more responsibility for the packaging they leave with consumers,” Ms McRae said.

More information about companies’ obligations and EPA’s role is available online at our used packaging waste page(opens in a new window).