As National Recycling Week begins across Australia, small businesses are being offered new tools to support sustainable practices with the launch of an online packaging platform aimed at simplifying recycling and boosting consumer confidence in sustainable packaging.
The ARL Marketplace, a collaborative initiative, enables small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to make informed, eco-friendly packaging decisions with support from industry-leading sustainability resources, as revealed in a media release.
The platform empowers businesses to access the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL), Australia’s only evidence-based recycling label.
According to the 2023 ARL Consumer Insights Report, the presence of the ARL on packaging significantly improves consumers’ recycling habits, encouraging proper disposal of all components of a product’s packaging.
“We understand that with so many competing responsibilities, it can be difficult for small businesses to prioritise sustainability,” stated Chris Foley, CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO).
“APCO is working to strengthen the recycling system and support SMEs through the upcoming packaging regulations. One of those ways is through the ARL Marketplace.”
The initiative has been supported by a $4.5 million Commonwealth grant to help SMEs enhance their packaging sustainability practices.
With a directory of registered suppliers, such as Pact Group, Zipform Packaging, and Labelmakers Group, the ARL Marketplace allows businesses to source packaging that is ready-to-label with the ARL.
This provides assurance that recyclability claims are accurate, simplifying sustainability for businesses and reducing the risk of greenwashing.
“Small businesses have a major role to play in improving packaging sustainability in Australia,” Foley added.
“There are 2.5 million small businesses here, making up over 97% of Australian businesses. By connecting them directly with packaging suppliers, we’re making it easier than ever for small businesses to get the ARL on-pack.”
The launch follows a two-year educational campaign led by APCO, the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the National Retail Association (NRA), and the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), which has engaged thousands of small businesses across the country.
“One of the biggest challenges faced by SMEs in our region is access to training and education,” remarked Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of AIP.
“The ARL Marketplace provides SMEs with valuable learning modules created by the AIP that ensure all businesses can integrate Sustainable Packaging Design principles and the ARL on their packaging.”
The ARL Marketplace also addresses the growing consumer demand for transparency in sustainable packaging.
According to data, 65 per cent of Australians are more likely to purchase from businesses that provide clear recycling instructions.
As Bonnie Marshall, Policy Officer at NRA, explained, “Applying the ARL on pack will help businesses understand their packaging and what their consumers are looking for. We know there is an increase in consumers looking for more sustainable packaging and the ARL is an easy-to-understand labelling system that removes the confusion around where a product should be placed in the recycling and waste stream.”
For small manufacturers, the platform simplifies the often complex task of sustainable packaging selection.
Barry Cosier, director of Sustainability at AFGC, expressed support for the ARL Marketplace, stating, “This initiative helps small, busy manufacturers navigate a complex recycling environment and empowers them to make sustainable packaging design choices effortlessly, enriching both their operations and our environment.”
For more information, visit arlmarketplace.org.au.
