Global packaging solutions giant Tetra Pak welcomed the launch of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme today, an initiative aimed at enhancing recycling outcomes, reducing waste, and empowering Victorians to contribute towards Australia’s circular economy.
Beginning today, 1 November, Victorians can return their used Tetra Pak beverage cartons and other empty containers to be recycled and receive a $0.10 refund.
“As the packaging partner behind some of Australia’s most loved beverage brands, we are thrilled by the commencement of this important scheme for the community here in Victoria,” said Boris Munster, managing director of Tetra Pak Oceania.
In a media release, Tetra Pak commended Victoria’s initiative and expressed its confidence that by incentivising consumers to return most flavoured milk, water, alternative milk, and juice cartons, the state will see an increase in local supplies of post-consumer recycled materials.
Carton containers returned through Victoria’s Container Deposit scheme will be processed at saveBOARD, a local recycling facility, which turns recycled cartons into low-carbon construction materials.
saveBOARD’s first Australian site officially opened in February this year and can process up to 4,000 tonnes of materials annually. The facility has recycled a total of more than 365 million tonnes of beverage cartons since full commissioning.
“The scheme will play an important role in providing a consistent and reliable source of beverage cartons for the saveBOARD recycling facilities. Ultimately this will lead to better environmental outcomes across Victoria,” Munster said.
“Cartons are already a beverage packaging choice with one of the lowest carbon footprints on the market. We’re pleased that more of our beverage cartons will now be recycled and contribute positively toward the circular economy.”
To further boost the scheme’s impact, Tetra Pak has also called on state and territory governments throughout Australia to consider the inclusion of all cartons, irrespective of their size or content, to achieve high recycling rates and to ease consumer confusion.
