As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, we enter 2025 with renewed determination to advance eco packaging across industries. For Naturpac, backed by J-Tech Systems, the journey through 2024 has underscored the need for collective action to address packaging waste and pollution. The sustainable packaging reforms discussed throughout the past year have laid a vital foundation, but 2025 must be the year of transformation.
The lessons from Australia’s consultation on sustainable packaging reforms are clear: achieving a circular economy requires more than goals and guidelines—it needs action, investment, and collaboration. With eco-packaging at the centre of this shift, Naturpac reaffirms its commitment to leading the industry in sustainable solutions and calls on others to join this essential effort.
Building on the Momentum of Sustainable Packaging Reforms
Throughout 2024, Naturpac, supported by J-Tech Systems, advocated for practical and balanced approaches to packaging reforms. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) outlined proposals to reduce waste and promote circularity through measures like mandatory recycled content thresholds, bans on non-recyclable materials, and eco-modulated fees. Naturpac’s response emphasised the importance of gradual implementation, realistic timelines, and shared responsibility across stakeholders.
The consultation highlighted key challenges, including the lack of recycling infrastructure for soft plastics and the financial pressures on growers and small producers. Naturpac championed the idea that eco packaging solutions must balance environmental impact with the practical realities of businesses and supply chains. As we move into 2025, these principles remain central to the call for action.
Eco Packaging as a Shared Responsibility in 2025
The success of eco packaging reforms depends on collective commitment. Businesses, consumers, governments, and retailers all play vital roles in this transition. In the fresh produce sector, where Naturpac operates, packaging serves critical functions—preserving food quality, extending shelf life, and ensuring safety. Transforming this packaging into sustainable alternatives requires collaboration at every level.
For businesses, 2025 must be the year to prioritise eco packaging in procurement and production. Investments in research, development, and innovation will be necessary to identify materials that meet both environmental and functional requirements. Consumers have the power to drive demand for eco-friendly products by making informed choices and supporting brands that prioritise sustainability. Governments must take the lead in providing infrastructure and incentives, ensuring that businesses can adopt eco packaging without disproportionate financial burdens.
Retailers, in particular, hold immense influence over packaging standards. Naturpac’s 2024 submission stressed the importance of retailer accountability in driving sustainable practices. By setting responsible specifications and supporting suppliers in transitioning to eco packaging, retailers can help create a supply chain that aligns with environmental goals.
Investing in Innovation and Infrastructure for Eco Packaging
One of the key takeaways from 2024’s sustainable packaging reforms is the need for investment in both innovation and infrastructure. Naturpac has long championed the development of sustainable materials, offering solutions such as home-compostable fruit stickers, 100% rPET clamshells, and recyclable pouches. However, scaling these innovations requires resources and collaboration.
Governments must prioritise funding for advanced recycling technologies and local reprocessing facilities, particularly for materials like soft plastics that currently lack viable recycling options. Standardising labelling and collection systems across regions will also be critical to improving recycling rates and reducing confusion for consumers. For businesses, incentives like tax credits and grants can offset the costs of adopting eco packaging and encourage continued innovation.
The role of collaboration cannot be overstated. By working together, manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers can accelerate the development of eco packaging solutions that meet industry needs. Naturpac’s work with J-Tech Systems has demonstrated the power of partnerships in driving change, and 2025 must see more of these efforts across sectors.
Consumer Education and Engagement
Eco packaging is only as effective as the systems that support its use and disposal. Consumer education plays a crucial role in ensuring that sustainable materials are correctly disposed of and recycled. Throughout 2024, Naturpac has led initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of eco packaging, including free workshops for children and partnerships with retailers to provide in-store education.
In 2025, these efforts must expand. Clear and consistent messaging, supported by national campaigns, can help consumers understand how to make sustainable choices and dispose of eco packaging responsibly. Retailers and brands should collaborate to create engaging educational content that empowers consumers to play their part in the circular economy.
Balancing Eco Packaging with Practical Realities
Transitioning to eco packaging is not without challenges, particularly for industries like fresh produce where packaging must meet strict performance standards. Naturpac’s advocacy in 2024 highlighted the need for phased implementation and flexibility, ensuring that businesses have the time and resources to adapt.
For many businesses, the cost of replacing non-compliant packaging is a significant barrier. Naturpac’s analysis showed that replacing $1 million worth of stock could cost up to $10 million once research, development, and transition expenses are included. Governments must provide financial assistance and technical guidance to ease this burden, particularly for small producers who operate on tight margins.
2025 must also see a focus on functionality. Packaging that fails to meet quality and durability standards can lead to increased food waste, undermining sustainability goals. By investing in research and development, businesses can identify materials that balance eco-friendliness with practicality.
Retailers as Champions of Eco Packaging
Retailers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge on eco packaging. As the primary decision-makers in packaging specifications, they have the power to drive change across supply chains. Naturpac’s 2024 submission called for frameworks that hold retailers accountable for their role in promoting sustainable practices.
In 2025, retailers must commit to supporting eco packaging by working with suppliers to develop practical solutions and adapting their expectations to align with sustainability goals. They can also take a leading role in educating consumers, using in-store signage, digital content, and community partnerships to promote responsible disposal and recycling practices.
A Global Perspective on Eco Packaging
While much of the focus has been on Australia, eco packaging is a global challenge. Sharing knowledge and best practices across borders can accelerate progress, ensuring that innovations and successes in one region benefit others. Global consistency in standards for recycled content, recyclability, and compostability is critical to creating a cohesive approach to eco packaging.
Naturpac remains committed to collaborating with international partners to drive innovation and harmonise efforts. By learning from global leaders and contributing to international discussions, Australia can position itself as a model for sustainable packaging.
2025: A Year of Opportunity for Eco Packaging
As we step into 2025, the opportunities for eco packaging are greater than ever. The groundwork laid in 2024 has provided a roadmap for meaningful change, but real progress will require action from all stakeholders. Businesses, governments, retailers, and consumers must come together to build a future where packaging supports both the planet and the people who depend on it.
For Naturpac, supported by J-Tech Systems, this year represents a chance to lead by example. With a proven track record of innovation and advocacy, Naturpac will continue to push for solutions that balance functionality with sustainability. By committing to eco packaging in 2025, we can create a world where packaging no longer contributes to pollution but becomes part of the solution.
Let this New Year be a call to action. Eco packaging is not just a necessity—it is an opportunity to create lasting, positive change. Together, we can make 2025 the year we turned the tide for a sustainable future.
