National environment ministers have introduced new regulations to tackle packaging waste, warning that the fashion industry could follow suit.
Packaging will soon be subject to strict new government rules aimed at cutting waste and boosting recycling, thanks to a historic agreement struck at a national meeting of environment ministers last week.
At the same environment minister’s meeting, it was agreed that the textile and clothing sector would face similar regulation unless retailers took responsibility for their waste by June 30, 2024.
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek has issued the fashion industry with a one year target to self-regulate through an industry scheme called 'Seamless' or face tough new laws.
Packaging regulations will now include mandatory packaging design standards and targets – including for recycled content – and address the use of harmful chemicals in food packaging.
“We want to better protect nature and reverse decline – and that takes all levels of Government working together,” Plibersek said. “Put simply, we’re making too much, using too much, and too much is ending up in landfill.”
Plibersek said packaging regulations had been prompted by a lack of progress from the industry.
“Until now, governments have ignored calls to step in and set mandatory targets. While some in the industry have stepped up to voluntarily reduce their impact, it’s just not enough. We’re changing that."