Supermarket chain Woolworths has backed the recently revealed National Packaging Targets, which serve to see 100 per cent of all Australia’s packaging become reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 or earlier.

The new targets were announced earlier this week by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, and build on commitments made by Commonwealth, state and territory environmental ministers to set a sustainable path for Australia’s recyclable waste.

“This will not only be a win for local jobs and industry, it’ll also be a more sustainable option for our customers,” Woolworths head of sustainability Adrian Cullen said.

“We’re currently introducing recycled content packaging on our Woolworths branded 600ml water and looking at opportunities across other product ranges as well.”

Cullen adds that Woolworths would like to source recycled content packaging from local providers in the future, as the Australian recycling industry blooms.

The event also served as the launch-pad for the Australasian Recycling Label, developed by Planet Ark, PREP Design and APCO to help consumers better understand how to recycle packaging.

“The Australasian Recycling Label provides people with easy to understand recycling information when they need it most, in those few seconds when they are deciding what bin the package goes in,” Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said.

“The label removes confusion and reduces waste.”

Cullen notes Woolworths was the first supermarket to commit to the new label, and are delighted to have seen more than 50 businesses sign up.

“We know customers want to do the right thing and recycle packaging the right way, but have been frustrated in the past by unclear labelling,” Cullen said.

“The Australasian Recycling Label offers a clear and easy guide for customers to do this and will hopefully lead to more recycling.”

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.