Businesses use packaging to contain, protect, market and handle products. This includes products for consumers and for distribution (business-to-business). Examples of packaging include:
- plastic bags
- cardboard boxes
- shrink film
- pallet wrapping and strapping.
Packaging can be made from different materials, including:
- paper and cardboard
- glass
- steel
- aluminium
- plastics.
Used packaging materials and the law
The general environmental duty applies to all activities involving used packaging materials.
Used packaging materials can be classified as industrial waste. This waste must be disposed of at a place authorised to receive it. To learn more, visit understand your waste obligations and duties.
In addition, the National Environmental Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2011 (NEPM)(opens in a new window) establishes a co-regulatory arrangement for used packaging materials. It sets out how governments and businesses in Australia share responsibility for managing the environmental impacts of packaging. Under the NEPM, some businesses must:
- review their packaging materials
- show they're taking action to meet reuse and recycling targets.
The NEPM is implemented in Victoria through:
- Part 4.3 of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021(opens in a new window)
- the Australian Packaging Covenant(opens in a new window).
To find out if the NEPM applies to you and what you must do, visit manage used packaging materials.
Our role in used packaging materials
On behalf of the Australian Government in Victoria, we co-regulate the NEPM with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). This involves:
- implementing the NEPM
- monitoring businesses' compliance with reporting requirements
- auditing businesses
- enforcing the law.
We can issue fines if a business does not comply with their obligations.
Impact of used packaging materials on the environment
The use of recycled materials in packaging is increasing. However, most packaging is still made from virgin materials and finite resources. A lot of recyclable packaging is disposed of to landfill. This can have significant impacts on the environment.
The Australian Government is currently working to reform Australia’s packaging laws to minimise packaging waste. Visit the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to learn how we're building a circular economy for packaging in Australia(opens in a new window).
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