Insights from APCO's Australasian Recycling Label Consumer Report 2023

In the ever-evolving sustainability landscape, the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Consumer Insights Report 2023 by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) sheds light on the current recycling practices in Australia and New Zealand. 

Source: APCO

With a focus on the impact of packaging materials on the environment, this report delves into consumer perceptions, behaviours, and the role of the ARL Programme in guiding informed choices. As concerns about packaging sustainability persist, the report aims to comprehensively understand consumer attitudes and behaviours toward recycling. 

Recycling remains a crucial part of the sustainable commitment for Australians despite challenges faced by the domestic recycling industry. Recycling is perceived as a vital daily action for sustainable living, and the ARL Programme plays a pivotal role in facilitating informed choices. 

As an evidence-based system, the label provides clear recycling information precisely when consumers need it most. It reduces confusion and contributes to improved recycling rates for various packaging products.

The report highlights the significance of the ARL in influencing packaging designers to enhance recyclability, simulating the behaviour of packaging in Australian recycling ecosystems. The synergy among industry, government, and consumers is underscored, emphasising the role of informed consumers in achieving a circular economy for packaging. Australians are portrayed as both willing and capable of playing an active part in this endeavour.

Consumer behaviour and preferences:

The report reveals that consumer disposal methods vary based on packaging and location. Most Australians predominantly employ kerbside recycling (66 per cent) to dispose of aluminium cans. However, approximately one-third of Australians may choose to utilise Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) as an alternative aluminium disposal method depending on their location. It shows a nuanced understanding and engagement with away-from-home recycling initiatives.

Australian consumers are also slightly confused, particularly when correctly disposing of specific packaging materials like aluminium foil. 40 per cent of the respondents said that they disposed of aluminium foil without ARL, while 60 per cent said they followed ARL guidelines. 

Ongoing education is identified as a key solution to enhance the successful recycling of these items, with the ARL playing a crucial role in reducing confusion.

In New Zealand, while consumers exhibit confidence in recycling simple materials, there must be more clarity concerning long-life cartons, aluminium foil, and aerosol cans. Only 59 per cent of consumers reported disposing of their long-life cartons, 41 per cent indicated the disposal of aerosol cans, and 29 per cent mentioned placing their aluminium foil in the recycling bin.

It suggests the need for targeted educational efforts to address specific areas of uncertainty and improve recycling practices.

"This year’s findings confirm the importance consumers place on accurate, prominent on-pack recycling information, along with the growth of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Program itself," said Chris Foley, the CEO at APCO

By understanding consumer attitudes and behaviours, this report serves as a guiding compass for fostering informed choices, reducing confusion, and ultimately propelling the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia and New Zealand.

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