Environment: National Packaging Covenant
The Covenant
The National Packaging Covenant (NPC) is the leading instrument for managing packaging waste in Australia. It is a self-regulatory agreement between industries in the packaging chain and all spheres of government. It is applied throughout the packaging chain, from raw material suppliers to retailers, and to the ultimate disposal of waste packaging.
The goals of the NPC are to minimise the environmental effects of packaging waste throughout the entire life cycle of the packaging product. It also aims to improve recycling systems in Australia.
Bundaberg Sugar and the NPC
Bundaberg Sugar signed the NPC in October 2001. We then had to develop an “Action Plan”. This Action Plan outlines what Bundaberg Sugar is doing to meet the commitments of the NPC. The Action Plan is reported upon and reviewed each year.
The Action Plan must consider a number of elements associated with Packaging. These are:
- Design
- Production
- Distribution
- Disposal
- Research
- Market Development
- Education
- Labelling
- Manufacturing and Retailing
Waste Management Teams have been formed at both of Bundaberg Sugar’s packaging sites. These teams are working on implementing our Action Plan and the even greater challenge of effectively managing our waste and saving money.
For more information on the National Packaging Covenant and the Bundaberg Sugar Action Plan, please consult the following websites: