Retail bodies have welcomed the federal government’s $60 million funding to improve recycling infrastructure and scale existing capacity.
The Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) Plastics Technology stream aims to find a solution for hard-to-recycle plastics by boosting existing infrastructure and technologies and by developing new methods of processing waste.
Businesses can apply for grants between $1 million and $20 million per project with a focus on recycling hard-to-recycle plastics such as shopping bags, bread bags and cling wrap.
The Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said the funding supports the transition to a circular economy and is a very “positive step” to accelerate change.
“With the profound shifts in environmental challenges and customer expectations, retailers have a strong appetite to reduce waste and embrace sustainability.
“Embracing sustainability requires a holistic approach and collaboration across government, industry and consumers. We can’t rely solely on industry to drive change – and we are very supportive of the soft plastics recycling fund.”
Australian Food and Grocery Council CEO Tanya Barden said the funding will boost the ability of food and grocery companies to use recycled materials in packaging.
“Food and grocery manufacturers want to use more recycled packaging content, including food-grade recycled plastics, in their packaging, to increase sustainability while maintaining the quality and safety consumers expect.”
Barden said the funding will support the “development of a new re-manufacturing industry for packaging”, especially through investments in advanced recycling technologies, including those that turn plastics into oil for reuse in food-grade packaging.
This story first appeared on our sister publication Inside FMCG
