Sustainability

Parliament initially passed legislation to implement a tax on single-use plastic packaging during the 2020 financial year. However, it has been a contentious and complex political issue, facing resistance from the industry, which has led to its introduction being postponed seven times.

The proposed tax is expected to follow a model similar to Spain's existing plastic tax, with the rate set at €0.45 per kilogram of virgin plastic in Italy's legislation.

UK foodservice specialist Fresh Direct has launched new, plastic-free packaging for its best-selling avocado twin-pack.

Fresh Direct said it marked the first time that the new packaging, developed by its avocado supply partner Westfalia Fruit, had been used in foodservice.

It replaces the current plastic packaging with a paper-based pack, which is made from actively managed, FSC-approved sources, where forests are regenerated as trees are replanted and is fully recyclable.

The meeting of the ministers, held in Sydney on 21 June, considered the growing challenge of soft plastics, and industry’s slow progress to re-establish in-store collection since the collapse of the REDcycle scheme. 

Ministers discussed progress on the Commonwealth’s new National Circular Economy Framework, due to be finalised by December 2024, and which will drive a faster transition to a circular economy and ensure efficient use of key resources and materials in Australia.

Pact Collective and Eastman today announce they have qualified the use of clean, multicolor PET waste from Pact members and consumers as feedstock for Eastman’s methanolysis technology. This process addresses the challenge of multicolored PET received at material recovery facilities (MRF), which ​in some instances is​ unlikely to be mechanically recycled due to color variations. Eastman’s methanolysis process enables the upcycling of this material into Eastman Renew materials — high-quality copolyesters and PET for the beauty industry that offer a quality on par with virgin materials. 

The new Slim rechargeable glass jar in 50ml format, has recently joined Lumson’s REPLACE line, that already includes Unique, DeLuxe, and Japa refillable glass jars.

This new solution, designed for prestige skincare products, has a minimal captivating profile, and is perfectly aligned with the three key concept of REPLACE sustainable design:

The launch also marks the introduction of SIG DomeMini to the Southeast Asian market. The transition to a bottle-shaped carton pack is said to provide a better plastic-to-product ratio and stand out to consumers with a “sleek and distinctive design.”

Tesco has told customers: "Avocado fans will notice some dramatic changes when they pick up one of Britain’s most popular salad items at Tesco."

The supermarket will be removing the barcode on Tesco's extra large avocados and swapping it for a bold laser etching.

The swap aims to "help the environment" and cut back on plastic use. It has not been made a permanent fixture though: the laser etchings will just be a trial.

The company shares in a press statement that the sturdy eco-designed packaging offers robust protection while opening impactful visual possibilities. It features sleeve openings and high-quality printing area. The packaging’s highly resistant design is reportedly the result of research and development geared to the needs of processors, retailers and consumers alike.

• Recycling equipment company Bollegraaf has entered into a strategic partnership with Greyparrot, an AI waste analytics company, in an effort to provide AI capabilities to more MRF equipment.
• Bollegraaf will invest $12.8 million in Greyparrot, obtaining a non-controlling stake in the company.