Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has welcomed the launch of a new $60 million hard-to-recycle plastics fund.
The Australian Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) Plastics Technology stream will boost existing recycling infrastructure and uncover new methods of processing plastics that are difficult to recycle.
The announcement of the fund comes after the recent decision to implement national standards and design rules for packaging, with the fashion industry offered a one-year window to self-regulate or face similar mandatory action.
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Businesses can apply for RMF grants of between $1 million and $20 million per project, with a focus on hard-to-recycle plastics such as shopping bags, bread bags and cling wrap.
At a meeting of Environment Ministers in June, the government confirmed it would transition the country towards a more circular economy.
Plibersek reiterated the commitment when announcing the launch of the RMF Plastics Technology stream.
“Australians use about 3.8 million tonnes of plastic a year and dispose of about 2.7 million tonnes. That’s about 50 times the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge being thrown out each year.
“And we’re only recycling about 13% of it.
“We can do better. That’s why we’re investing $60 million to boost Australia’s recycling and recovery rates for hard-to-recycle plastics. The funding will invest in exciting technologies that could help solve challenges in recycling plastic waste like soft plastics going into landfill.
“Labor is driving the transition to a circular economy by 2030. It’s good for the economy and great for the environment.”