A new study revealed that 85% of Australians believe more food should be wrapped in compostable packaging as an alternative to plastic, with 44% of respondents stating they would be prepared to pay more for the change.
The survey also found that 84% want to see all states and territories accept compostable packaging in the forthcoming national Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) collections, designed to encourage people to separately dispose of organic waste for it to be diverted from landfill and composted.
Currently only South Australia has committed to accepting compostable packaging with its collections.
The survey of 2,001 Australian adults – commissioned by compostable packaging specialist TIPA – comes as the Australian Government implements a National Packaging Target plan, making all packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
The results mirror a similar survey undertaken in the UK which found 83% of respondents would rather their food be wrapped in compostable packaging.
Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO & co-founder of TIPA, said, “We are witnessing a growing enthusiasm around the world agenda and the solutions it brings. Australia also has a big part in this change, and it has introduced very important targets to tackle the issues of plastic pollution and food waste going to landfill when it can be composted.
“To support this, compostable packaging is not only the most practical solution, but it is also quickly becoming a favourite of the Australian public.
“Where recycling falls short with being unable to recover flexible films and packaging contaminated with food, compostable packaging can rise up and take on the challenge. We are counting on brands to recognise the consumer demand for compostable packaging, and that more states and territories follow South Australia’s lead and include it in FOGO collections to ensure as much food waste is captured as possible, and we stop polluting the planet with our waste.”
