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

Kerbside trials win new recruits to soft plastics recycling

April 19, 2023

New data indicates a trial of kerbside soft plastics recycling has won new people over to making sure their used plastic packaging is sent for recycling and stays out of landfill.  A survey of residents taking part in trials for the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS), a soft […]

Cleanaway and Qenos engage with the NPRS 

April 5, 2023

Cleanaway and Qenos are engaged in talks with the AFGC on becoming a partner in the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS) project.  Cleanaway is Australia’s leading total waste management, industrial and environmental services company. Circular Plastics Australia, Cleanaway’s plastic recycling joint venture with PACT Group, Coke and Asahi, […]

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 […]