The problem with Australia’s packaging

Most people's idea of sustainable packaging starts and stops at the recycling bin. That's the visible layer. Underneath it sits a fragmented system of state-based schemes, contested regulation, and on-pack claims that don't always hold up. Kiarne is joined by Pippa Corry, founder and director of philo & co, a sustainable packaging consultancy working with brands Australia. Pippa spent more than 15 years designing packaging for global brands before building a consultancy around one question: what needs to change at the design stage for packaging to be genuinely circular. They get into the difference between recyclability and true circularity and why Australia's patchwork of state-based recycling rules is under pressure to change. Pippa also breaks down what a fake recycling logo looks like, why "compostable" is one of the most misunderstood words on a pack, and the first question any brand should ask before its next packaging redesign. If you've ever stood in front of the recycling bin second-guessing yourself, this one's for you. SINCE WE RECORDED THIS EPISODE: The Federal Government has confirmed a Commonwealth packaging scheme won't be introduced this term. If you want to see that change, philo & co is backing Boomerang Alliance's Call for Packaging Reform — you can add your name here: Sign the Call for Packaging Reform You’ll hear and learn: The real difference between recyclability and genuine circularity, and why they're not the same thing What Australia's ARL (Australian Recycling Label) system actually checks for, beyond the chasing-arrows symbol Where Australian packaging regulation is headed — extended producer responsibility, eco-modulation, and what both mean in practice How to spot a fake recycling claim or an overstated compostability claim at the shelf The first question philo & co asks every brand before a packaging redesign This episode is a must-listen for brand, marketing and packaging teams navigating design and compliance decisions, and for anyone who wants to make sense of confusing sustainability claims at the shelf. MENTIONS: APCO (Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) ARL / PREP tool (Australian Recycling Label) SPSA (Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia) DCCEEW (Dept. of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) UK RAM (Recyclability Assessment Methodology) Australia Post's circular textiles pilot LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Pippa Corry Guest Company: philo&co Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.