Food For Thought – A Welcome Response

For immediate release
Date: 26 February 2025

Following an inquiry into Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Australia, the Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) welcomes the release of the Food for Thought committee report. This report accurately acknowledges the high-quality food and beverage offering in Australia, while also recognising the challenges facing our industry.  

The ABCL particularly welcomes the report’s recommendations to support upgrades and modernisation of technology and equipment, evaluate and address skills shortages, harmonise container deposit schemes (CDS) and for government to facilitate the retention of CDS-collected recycled materials in a bottle-to-bottle circular economy, among other initiatives. If enacted at a policy level, these changes could significantly boost both Australian food and beverage manufacturing and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.  

“The committee recognised the insights of our industry, with the report recommending government reduce red tape and amend policy settings to better support industry initiatives, including in driving circularity and innovation” said ABCL CEO Geoff Parker. “To this aim, harmonising CDS nationally would reduce the cost to participate and operate the schemes, enable better management of materials and would encourage greater return rates”. 

“We are also pleased the report recognised the need to streamline labelling changes. We encourage the Federal Government to work with state and territory counterparts to better coordinate the changeover dates and timeline for labelling requirements, as well as exploration of digitising labelling including QR codes with additional information”.  

“Finally, we would like to thank the Committee for recognising the ABCL’s Environmental Sustainability Roadmap to 2030 (ESR30) program as a flagship industry initiative looking to assist manufacturers in understanding their environmental impact and enacting sustainable change. We look forward to seeing the positive changes that come from this landmark initiative”.  

The ABCL is committed to driving the transition to a circular economy and advancing sustainability within the beverage manufacturing industry. We actively support government efforts to harmonise CDS, reduce red tape, and facilitate the retention of recycled materials within a bottle-to-bottle system. In addition to advising on the operation of CDS, we participate in national and international consultation groups, ensuring our members are well-equipped to meet their sustainability goals. As a proud member of APCO, a United Nationals Environment Programme Accredited Stakeholder, and a signatory to the ANZPAC Plastic Pact, we continue to lead initiatives that foster innovation and sustainability across the beverages sector. 

Contact: Cathy Cook, Head of Corporate Affairs, Australian Beverages Council

Phone: 0406 399 211

Email: cathy@ausbev.org