We're working with customers to increase recycled packaging through our Re+ brand.
Why is the recycled content of packaging such a ‘hot topic’ for our customers at the moment?
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) released national packaging targets that provide a framework for government and industry to tackle resource recovery for product packaging. As part of these voluntary targets the industry is aiming for 100% reusable, recyclable or compost packaging by 2025, as well as an average of 50% recycled content included in all packaging. New Zealand has set similar targets for their packaging.
Meeting these targets will require a collaborative approach by government, industry and customers. Visy is uniquely positioned to work with these stakeholders to meet the targets by – or, where possible, before – the 2025 deadline. Our closed loop systems are specifically designed to help turn recyclable materials back into sustainable packaging – which is the aim of the APCO targets. The end-to-end recycling and re-manufacturing systems we can offer are unparalleled in Australia and New Zealand.
The importance of the industry target is being emphasised by a growing swell of demand from socially conscious end consumers for environmentally sustainable packaging options. While we all love ordering online now and the thrill of receiving packages to our door, none of us want to then deal with a heap of unnecessary and unsustainable packaging that cannot be recycled.
End consumers want better packaging that is sustainable and has less impact on the environment… and that’s what Visy offers our customers for their products. Our circular economy model makes it easy for consumers and brands to be a part of better.
Tell us a little about the history of the Visy Re+ brand.
In 2014, Visy produced Australia’s first 100% recycled PET lightweight water bottle. At the time, the impact of this change was that 130 million fewer bottles would be made of new plastic per year. It was a first for Australia and a significant industry step forward for recycled packaging.
The Re+ brand was originally developed to badge the recycled plastic water bottles, providing a clear indication to consumers they were buying a ‘better bottle’.
What will we see in the future for the Re+ brand?
The Visy Re+ brand is about delivering better packaging. Packaging that is recyclable at Visy's MRFs and that contains recycled content. Beyond our Re+ plastic, our beverage cans, food cans, glass and cardboard packaging all offer these benefits.
We are in the process of expanding the Re+ range further, starting with Visy Re+ Glass. Visy Re+ Glass bottles and jars are made from more recycled bottles and jars than many other glass products.
We’re also looking for ways to further extend the sustainability benefits. For example, when you think of Visy Re+ Glass we are not only increasing the recycled content in our glass bottles and jars, but also looking at areas like ‘light weighting’ where we design the packaging to be lighter. Lighter packaging means less materials used and greater freight efficiencies – both contributing to the sustainability bottom line.
We are offering our customers the opportunity to feature the Re+ logo on their packaging. The Re+ brand is a badge of honour end consumers can look for to know the product they’re purchasing is able to be recycled again and again. It’s a sign of better packaging for a better world.
