OMG! The federal government has walked away from its own 2023 promise to force minimum recycled content into Australian packaging, and it did so without much fuss.
What was actually promised
In 2023, the government committed to mandatory national packaging standards requiring companies to include a minimum amount of recycled material in their packaging. Three years on, Environment Minister Murray Watt has confirmed the mandate is off the table, citing cost-of-living pressures, with the government instead saying it will "work with state and territory governments on opportunities to improve" packaging rules.
Why the industry isn't happy
Recycling industry figures have warned the backdown leaves local recycling facilities at a competitive disadvantage against packaging made from virgin plastic, which is often cheaper to produce. The Greens have pledged to campaign for the mandate's return, and independents have called it a broken promise given the reform had broad industry and public support.
The bit that matters for your bathroom shelf
At Viva we went home-compostable back in 2019, and we're loving it. We are so passionate about reducing our impact on the planet we love, and helping you to do the same. Rather than waiting for government to make the change, why not start yourself.
Read the full report from ABC News, 8 September 2026.
Related reading: Why We Chose Home-Compostable Over Recyclable Packaging.