The Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) has launched an online tool to help packaging suppliers decide whether their packaging can be classified as recyclable in Australia.
The ultimate goal is to reduce consumer confusion about packaging recyclability, increase recycling volumes and significantly cut contamination in the recycling stream. The Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) was scoped by the APC for signatories and developed by Planet Ark and GreenChip. It combines two forms of evaluation:
1. Technical recyclability, ascertained through consultation with materials recycling facility operators and reprocessors.
2. The degree of access to kerbside recycling services for the item, established using the local services information compiled on RecyclingNearYou.com.au.
It will also let organisations determine whether changes to the packaging design would alter the classification.
The PREP will be available for use by all APC signatories in early May.