Packaging Recycling and the Extended Producer Responsibility Experience in Europe

The National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS) project, the recycling scheme for soft plastic packaging supported by Australia’s food and grocery manufacturing industry and funding from the Federal Government, has already made a significant impact on the plastic packaging landscape in Australia.

With Phase 1 trials of kerbside collection and processing nearing completion and widespread interest in Phase 2 from councils and businesses, the NPRS is generating vital information about the local landscape. This knowledge is complemented by the experience of packaging and packaging waste recovery participants in the EU offers.

In the second special NPRS webinar for AFGC members and key stakeholders in policymaking and across the packaging supply chain, Thomas De Meester from Belgium’s household recycling organisation Fost Plus (link: About Fost Plus | Fost Plus) and Joris van der Neulen from the Netherlands’ Extended Producer Responsibility organisation Nedvang will give expert insights into:

• How the Netherlands & Belgium have achieved record recycling rates and 100% control of their product stewardship scheme
• How EPR funded new expanded collection & recycling innovations
• Successful packaging stewardship scheme design, such as use of eco-modulated member levies to provide incentive and recognition for recyclable design, reduced material and recycled content

• Management of agreements throughout the supply chain to ensure oversight, accountability and management of quality and material flow

The talk will be hosted by AFGC Director of Sustainability Barry Cosier and Helen Millicer, Director, One Planet Consulting and contractor to the NPRS.