The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has instructed all members of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) programme to eliminate ARL labelling from soft plastic packaging.<\/p>\n
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This follows an extended grace period for brands using flexible packaging with REDcycle and Return to Store labels.<\/p>\n
The directive applies solely to Australian ARL users, excluding New Zealand participants.<\/p>\n
Businesses were urged to update labels proactively during the transition period.<\/p>\n
APCO says it recognises the effort involved and pledges ongoing support to members while aiming to minimise waste.<\/p>\n
Companies still using outdated REDcycle or Return to Store labels on packaging, in-store displays, or digital marketing risk violating Australian Consumer Law.<\/p>\n
APCO requires businesses with REDcycle stock remaining after 1 July to inform its Compliance Team, irrespective of whether this date marks a manufacturing or on-shelf deadline.<\/p>\n
Affected companies must submit a timeline for updating stock-keeping units and an estimated date when noncompliant stock will cease to be sold.<\/p>\n
APCO advises businesses that previously used REDcycle or Return to Store labels to complete the REDcycle transition survey by 30 September 2025.<\/p>\n
Aggregated, anonymised survey data will be shared with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to track industry compliance.<\/p>\n
To ensure accurate recycling information and robust ARL governance, APCO is conducting on-shelf audits targeting soft plastics with REDcycle and Return to Store labelling.<\/p>\n
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