Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA)
Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the recycling of soft plastics across Australia. Established to address the challenges associated with recycling flexible plastics, SPSA collaborates with government bodies, industry stakeholders, and communities to develop and implement effective recycling solutions.
In partnership with the Queensland Government, SPSA has initiated a pilot soft plastics recycling scheme, supported by a $1 million investment from the government. This pilot aims to test innovative approaches to collecting and processing soft plastic waste, with trial hubs established in various locations across Queensland. These hubs will evaluate different collection methods to determine the most effective strategies for urban, regional, and remote communities.
The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory:
Through such initiatives, SPSA strives to create a sustainable circular economy for soft plastics, reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible resource management in Australia.
System Description
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA) runs an industry-led product stewardship scheme for soft (flexible) plastic packaging in Australia. Brand owners, manufacturers, importers and retailers that place soft plastics on the market join SPSA to take shared responsibility for collecting and recycling this hard-to-recycle material. SPSA designs and coordinates collection pathways, partners with recyclers to turn the material into new products, and works with governments and communities to rebuild a reliable, national soft-plastics recycling system. Membership is open to any business with an interest in the responsible end-of-life management of soft plastic packaging.
Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia · ACCC – Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia authorisation
Communication activities
Your Subtitle Goes Here
SPSA engages its members, government partners and the public to support the return of soft plastics recycling in Australia. It provides members with guidance and onboarding, shares progress on its pilot collection programmes, and raises consumer awareness of where and how soft plastics can be returned for recycling. Clear, consistent communication is central to rebuilding public trust after the disruption to soft-plastics recycling in 2023.
Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia · ACCC – New soft plastics recycling scheme authorised
Prevention
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Beyond collection and recycling, SPSA encourages its members to reduce and improve soft plastic packaging at the design stage — using less material, avoiding unnecessary layers, and choosing formats that are easier to collect and recycle. By combining better design with reliable recycling pathways, SPSA works to keep soft plastics in use and out of landfill and the environment.
Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia · APCO–SPSA stewardship alignment
Contact
Your Subtitle Goes Here
More information will follow