In a world crowded with brands promoting their sustainability credentials, there’s one label that Australian and New Zealand businesses can use to show they’re genuinely walking the talk.

It’s called the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Program and it’s here to make recycling easier for everyone.

The goal of the ARL is two-fold: to help consumers make informed decisions about getting the right packaging in the right bin; and to help businesses improve their sustainable packaging practices.

With environmental responsibility playing a key role in our purchasing decisions, we as consumers are increasingly seeking greater transparency from businesses about what actions they are taking to help keep waste out of landfill and the natural environment.

We also want simple, clear instructions for when we’re standing at a bin wondering … is this packaging recyclable?

Brands that feature the ARL label show consumers they’re listening and want to play a tangible role in cleaning up our waste stream and promoting better recycling by all.

What is the ARL Program?

Developed by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), Planet Ark and PREP Design, the ARL Program is a scheme that helps consumers to recycle correctly and supports businesses to design and redesign packaging that is recyclable at end-of-life. It is supported by all governments in Australia to make recycling easier.

As part of the program, APCO – a not-for-profit organisation that helps businesses to improve the sustainability of their packaging – provides tools and resources to help businesses understand whether their packaging is recyclable, non-recyclable, or conditionally recyclable, provided a consumer follows a simple instruction, like return to store.

Why do we need the ARL Program?

There are more than 200 different recycling labels out there, which is confusing for everyone.

The ARL label is the only evidence-based verification label that cuts through the confusion and provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions. It is an important tool that will help Australian businesses to reach Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets, including for all packaging to be 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

According to new APCO research released in June 2021, three quarters of Australians want to see this label on every item of packaging – while just under half say the ARL would influence their purchasing decision.

Who is part of the ARL Program?

Since the ARL launched in 2018, more than 500 organisations have joined the labelling program including Woolworths, Coles, Australia Post, The Iconic, Blackmores, Officeworks and Unilever.

For some companies, like Campbell Arnotts, they switched from using nine different inks to just four on their iconic Australian biscuits, Tim Tam. They made this change as part of the ARL Program, which was a game changer for their operations, resulting in a 20 per cent reduction in water consumption and energy usage, as well as clearing up consumer confusion about recycling.

Nestle have also been members of the ARL Program since 2018, starting with Strawberries and Cream and Snacks Alive featuring the label.

The next step is to bring more small-to-medium-sized businesses into the ARL Program. In the most recent budget, the Federal Government committed $5 million in funding to support small-to-medium enterprises to adopt the program and improve packaging recyclability and education across Australia.

So, you’ll be seeing many small businesses and retailers joining the program across industries such as food and beverage, electronics, supplies, logistics, general merchandise and apparel – any business that uses packaging.

How do you get started with the ARL Program?

While the transition to sustainable packaging may seem daunting, APCO has a range of tools and resources available to guide businesses through this process. You will need to be an APCO member to join the program.

Once you have joined, you must first complete an online assessment using the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) – a tool that helps to assess the recyclability of your current product packaging. This takes into account even the smallest details like packaging shape, size, weight, inks, adhesives and any other materials.

As part of the PREP assessment, you’ll receive clear instructions about how to apply an accurate label to the packaging that shows customers how to correctly dispose of the materials. These are shown in three different classifications: Recyclable, Conditionally Recyclable and Not Recyclable

If you discover that your packaging isn’t recyclable, you will be able to identify what aspects of it are not through the PREP assessment and the changes that would need to be made to make them recyclable.

The ARL label in action. Image: Supplied.

Each part of the packaging, whether it’s a box, wrapper or lid, is individually marked with its recyclability.

It’s a clear way for a business to quite literally stand out from the pack – just from what’s on the pack.

If your business would like to join the ARL Program, visit apco.org.au, email [email protected] or call 02 8381 3700 to get started. 

This content is brought to you by Kochie’s Business Builders in partnership with APCO.

Feature image: Nestle/The Iconic.