Most Australians are very conscious about doing the right thing when it comes to recycling. But whether you’re a consumer or a business, knowing exactly what those recycling labels on packaging mean can be confusing.
That’s where the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) comes in. The ARL was launched in 2018 by Planet Ark and the Australasian Packaging Covenant Organisation to provide a uniform approach to recycling. It’s endorsed by the Australian Federal Government, which has committed $5 million in funding to support small-to-medium enterprises who adopt the ARL. The goal is for 80% of supermarket products to display the ARL by 2023.
Under the ARL, a packaging material is assessed by type, shape, size, and the inks and adhesives that have been used, among other factors. The different components of the packaging are also assessed – including the sleeve, film, box, wrapping and tray.
Once all of those factors have been taken into account, there are three options in terms of disposal – recyclable (denoted by a series of black arrows), conditionally recyclable (clear arrows) and not recyclable (a bin symbol). Bunzl is a firm backer of ARL, and we have been systematically including the symbols on all of our products and packaging, including 70 products during 2020.
Bunzl’s team of in-house experts will work with you to ensure your product range meets your sustainability objectives. Email sustainability@bunzl.com.au to learn more.
