The Australian Beverages Council forms small working groups comprised of members to tackle individual issues or particularly projects that are best handled in a smaller group rather than by one of the organisation’s committees.

Often, an issue will be raised in one of the committees and a decision to form a separate working group, often with additional members with highly specialised skills from outside of the committee, will be made. Working groups are frequently led by senior ABCL team subject matter experts.

In addition to handling single issues and projects in a group setting with specific expertise, working groups allow for more regular meetings than the scheduled committee meetings throughout the year (of which there are about five).

At any one time, the Australian Beverages Council has about four working groups delivering projects on behalf of its members.

Water Working Group

The Water Working Group raises awareness among consumers and other stakeholders that the beverage industry is playing a leading role in water stewardship and sustainable sourcing. It reports to the Beverage Industry Environmental Committee.

Packaging Working Group

The Packaging Working Group raises awareness among consumers and other stakeholders that the beverage industry is playing a leading role in increasing packaging recycling and high recycled content levels. The Packaging Working Group supports the industry’s advocacy by responding to consultations with the aim of supporting a circular economy in Australia. It reports to the Beverage Industry Environmental Committee.

Low and No-Sugar Beverages Working Group

This working group will lead the development of a fact sheet on this category and form a consensus on the category definition to aid in discussions with stakeholders and the writing of submissions. We are observing tremendous innovation in this space, so it is important we have an industry-aligned position on the role of these beverages in the diet.

We invite members to participate in this group, which will primarily consist of technical and regulatory member experts but welcome anyone who would like to contribute to the discussions. This Working Group will report to the Technical, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Committee.