Ministerial Roundtable: Packaging Reforms Critical Now More Than Ever

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 

National reforms to Australia’s packaging regulations are urgently needed, as discussed at today’s Ministerial Roundtable, where industry leaders met to consider ongoing risks of global disruptions to the beverage manufacturing supply chain.  

CEO of the Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL) Geoff Parker reiterated the sector’s strong support for national reforms at the roundtable convened to discuss the ongoing challenges in the supply of plastic material into the country.  

“Australia has the opportunity to create a strong, local industry that supports the recycling of plastic materials back into food and beverage packaging,” said Mr Parker.  

“Recent disruptions have only served to highlight our exposure to global supply disruptions and confirmed the need for urgent prioritisation of these reforms.” 

The ABCL has strongly encouraged the government to use the beverages industry’s network of container deposit schemes (CDS), now operating across Australia, as a case study for how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes can be effectively implemented to reduce the volume of recyclable material being sent to landfill.  

“With manufacturers, recyclers and the waste sector working with government to deliver these reforms, we can strengthen Australia’s domestic recycling capabilities, while supporting jobs and investment across the industry,” said Mr Parker. 

“We have an opportunity to reduce the volume of recyclable material being sent to landfill and instead ensure that material is processed and made into new packaging right here in Australia. This is central to minimising the impacts of global events on our critical supply chains.” 

“While CDS diverts billions of beverage containers from landfill every year, more can be done to make the schemes more accessible to consumers with conveniently located return points to encourage greater participation. This will lift the return rate and reduce the leakage of material out of the circular economy, further supporting the domestic recycling industry. These lessons from our involvement with CDS inform our support for a national approach to EPR and the critical need for harmonisation.” 

The ABCL has strongly supported national packaging regulatory reform, encouraging government to urgently progress this work. The industry supports a nationally consistent approach to packaging standards, the establishment of a national EPR scheme that rightly recognises the existing role of CDS infrastructure and encourages investment in domestic recycling capability.   

For media enquiries, please get in touch with lauren@ausbev.org