News & Media

The AFGC is committed to providing up-to-date and accurate information to the media on behalf of the food and grocery manufacturing industry.

Food & grocery manufacturers driving progress on solutions for plastic packaging recycling 

March 22, 2023

In response to a media report on Australia’s recycling performance, Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) CEO Tanya Barden says the low rate of plastic packaging recycling is disappointing for industry but projections for future recycling capacity show important progress is being made.  “Australia’s food and grocery industry […]

Soft Plastics Taskforce supports industry-led recycling scheme as the way ahead for Australia

March 9, 2023

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) welcomes the Soft Plastics Taskforce’s recognition of the industry-led National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS) as the model for the future of soft plastic packaging recycling in Australia.  AFGC CEO Tanya Barden congratulated the Soft Plastics Taskforce, comprising major supermarkets Coles, Woolworths […]

EU FTA must not trade away Australia’s valuable and vital food manufacturers

February 13, 2023

Australian food manufacturers are under threat from a controversial European Union free trade agreement demand that would ban local companies from using common names such as “feta”, “parmesan”, “balsamic” or even “kransky” on products – even if they have been making them for generations.  The EU wants Australian […]

Essential manufacturers need energy price relief

December 8, 2022

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) is urging the federal and state governments to act on soaring energy prices and reduce pressure on food and grocery manufacturers facing energy cost rises of up to 300 percent. Businesses that make essential food and grocery items for Australia and […]

Kerbside recycling trial aims to close the loop on soft plastic packaging

December 6, 2022

Now more than ever, Australians want to see soft plastic packaging kept out of landfill and instead captured for recycling. As a part of a national scheme funded by private industry and the Federal Government, a small group of South Australian Councils will participate in a trial to […]

Manufacturers welcome focus on local industry future

November 29, 2022

The Australian Food and Grocery Council welcomes the Albanese government’s commitment to building a strong, technology-driven and future-ready Australian manufacturing sector with its $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund.  Federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, today outlined the ability of the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) to support […]

Food and grocery industry supports closing the loop on soft plastic packaging with new recycling trials

November 10, 2022

The nation’s food and grocery manufacturers are backing a new scheme aimed at keeping soft plastic packaging out of landfill and helping to build a new recycling industry producing sought-after food-grade, recycled soft plastic packaging here in Australia.  Coinciding with National Recycling Week, the first in a series […]

Statement on REDcycle

November 8, 2022

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has recently been made aware of the challenges currently facing REDcycle. We will continue engaging with the REDcycle team, retailers, APCO and the broader community. The REDcycle program has been a significant contributor to the recycling ecosystem and consumers will undoubtedly […]

New campaign to help small business make packaging more sustainable

October 27, 2022

A new education campaign will raise awareness among small businesses about the benefits of adopting the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) and taking action to improve the sustainability of their packaging.   The new initiative will be delivered by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), the National Retail Association (NRA), […]

Food and grocery manufacturing ready to help rebuild Australia

October 25, 2022

The Australian Food and Grocery Council commends the federal government’s focus on budget repair and supporting Australian industry to strengthen the nation’s economy and sovereign capabilities. AFGC CEO Tanya Barden said the Albanese government’s first budget shows a welcome focus on rebuilding Australian industry, which has faced extraordinary […]