APCO and COFOSS Tackle Polystyrene Packaging

November 4, 2025 — The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and the Clean Oceans Foundation of South Australia (COFOSS) have partnered to address the environmental challenges posed by polystyrene packaging. This collaboration aims to eliminate the widespread use of polystyrene in packaging and find sustainable alternatives to help reduce plastic pollution in oceans and landfills.

A Step Toward Sustainability

Polystyrene, commonly used in food containers, cups, and packaging for fragile items, has long been a target for environmental activists due to its difficulty in recycling and harmful impact on ecosystems. With this new initiative, APCO and COFOSS are working together to drive industry-wide change by encouraging businesses to switch to more sustainable materials.

“Our goal is to eliminate the reliance on polystyrene packaging in Australia,” said Sarah Jenkins, CEO of APCO. “We believe that by working together with industry stakeholders, we can foster a culture of sustainable packaging that significantly reduces plastic pollution.”

Industry Collaboration for Change

The initiative focuses on offering businesses access to sustainable alternatives, helping them transition away from polystyrene to more environmentally friendly options such as biodegradable materials, recycled plastics, and paper-based packaging. APCO and COFOSS will also collaborate with regulatory bodies to promote policy changes that support the phasing out of non-recyclable materials.

“This partnership brings together industry experts, environmentalists, and policy advocates to ensure that we not only reduce the usage of polystyrene but also create solutions that are practical for businesses,” added Michael Hartley, founder of COFOSS. “We need to create a pathway for businesses to switch to alternatives without compromising on product safety or cost-efficiency.”

Encouraging Corporate Responsibility

As part of the collaboration, both organizations will provide resources and guidance to companies, including information on how to phase out polystyrene packaging and access sustainable alternatives. Businesses will also be encouraged to implement take-back programs to ensure that their packaging materials are responsibly recycled or disposed of at the end of life.

The effort aims to not only mitigate the environmental impact of polystyrene but also encourage businesses to take greater responsibility for the lifecycle of their packaging, with a focus on the circular economy.

Policy Implications and Consumer Expectations

This initiative comes at a time when public concern over plastic pollution is at an all-time high. Consumers are increasingly holding companies accountable for the environmental impact of their packaging choices, making sustainability a key factor in purchasing decisions. Governments around the world are also introducing stricter regulations on packaging materials, which further motivates businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

“Consumers are asking for packaging that is both functional and sustainable,” said Jenkins. “This is a critical turning point in how businesses think about packaging materials. They have a unique opportunity to lead by example and make a positive environmental impact.”

Looking Ahead

APCO and COFOSS are optimistic that this partnership will pave the way for a more sustainable future for packaging in Australia. By focusing on the removal of polystyrene and promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the collaboration is expected to reduce plastic waste significantly and contribute to global efforts to combat environmental pollution.

As the initiative gains traction, the two organizations will continue to work with various stakeholders across industries to drive long-term change and encourage widespread adoption of sustainable packaging solutions.