In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News talks to Chris Foley, CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), about advancing Australia’s circular packaging economy. We review APCO’s recent Town Hall meetings with its members, as a consultative process following the National Packaging Targets Review, and Government’s announcements earlier this year that it plans to change the current voluntary environment and intervene with legislation. The discussion explores the balance of regulation, administration, and autonomy to achieve targets. It examines insights provided by the participants, and the topics discussed in the forums, with a focus on the structure of the proposed framework model, its funding, governance, targets, and scope of its compliance and enforcement. This detailed review of these sessions and their outcomes also provides insights into the waste and recycling management process, encouraging mandated recycled content, and the steps that need to be taken to achieve these goals. Links: APCO Invites Input on Packaging Reset: www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/apco-invites-input-on-packaging-reset Packaging waste legislation: environment ministers step in: www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/packaging-waste-legislation-environment-ministers-step-in Targets data disappointing, APCO calls for reset: www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/2025-targets-data-disappointing-apco-calls-for-reset Australia's 2025 National Packaging Targets: www.apco.org.au/national-packaging-targets ------------------------------ The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media. The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of PKN Packaging News, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media. If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact PKN Packaging News via their website www.packagingnews.com.au or send an email to [email protected]. MC: Grant McHerron Host: Lindy Hughson Producer: Steve Visscher Editor: Chris Visscher PKN Packaging News - © 2023