I’m asked lots of questions about sustainability, packaging and all the nuances in between. I’ve provided a few key insights to myth-bust some key questions and further details on our packaging body affiliations and partnerships.  

What is the circular economy?  

The circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. Products, packaging, materials and resources are kept in use for as long as possible to extract the maximum value from them while in use, then recovering them at the end of their life. It fundamentally shifts our approach to design and consumption with three key principles.  

What is circular design?  

Circular design involves a holistic approach that considers systems thinking, lifecycle thinking, and human-centred design aimed at reducing waste and maximising resource efficiency. It is a core component of the circular economy ensuring products and packaging are designed with their end-of-life in mind, and facilitates reuse, recycling and regeneration. Key aspects include durability, recyclability (it’s so much more than materials), environmental impacts, resource efficiency and closed-loop systems.  

Why circularity?  

With just 7.2% of our natural resources being reused, our existing take-make-waste economic model is unsustainable for the future. It’s time for a radical shift. Embracing a circular economy and fundamentally shifting our approach to design and consumption, we not only address pressing environmental and social challenges but enable businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable world. 

How circularity can better shape the future of your business: 

• Position your brand as a leader in sustainability and circular design 

• Reduce your risks associated with evolving regulations 

• Discover cost-saving opportunities through more efficient resource use and innovative design practices 

• Maintain your relevance in a world where sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity 

The circular economy is not a trend; it is a fundamental shift in the way we think and operate businesses. Those that invest now will thrive in the long run. 

Who are APCO?  

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) APCO is the entity in charge of managing and administering the Australian Packaging Covenant (the Covenant), which is a national regulatory framework under the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2011 (NEPM). This framework defines the collective responsibility shared by governments and businesses across Australia in managing the environmental impact of packaging. APCO Brand Owners, SMEs and Packaging Manufacturers & Suppliers are obligated to report annually and are responsible for developing Action Plans that outline commitments to sustainable packaging placed on the market in Australia. Philo & Co support a range of APCO Members from onboarding, Annual Report, Action Plan or ARL Report as part of services.  

What is PREP?  

The Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) is an online platform organisations are able to use to verify if packaging is or isn’t recyclable in Australian and New Zealand kerbside collections. philo & co conduct PREP assessments as part of our Packaging & Claims Impact Assessment.  

What is the ARL? 

The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is an evidenced based system for Australia and New Zealand that provides consistent, clear packaging communication to inform how to responsibly dispose or recycle packaging. PREP is the verification tool required to underpin the application of the ARL on packaging collected through the kerbside systems in Australia and New Zealand. 

How does sustainability and circular design benefit design agencies?  

Circular design encourages innovation, pushing agencies to create unique solutions that stand out in the market- enhancing your reputation as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible creatives. Developing expertise in circular design can broaden the agency's skill set, making it more versatile and adaptable to future requirements in design and sustainability. As more businesses prioritise sustainability, and as more countries mandate packaging and green-claims regulations, design agency’s ability to navigate these complexities will likely attract and retain clients looking to align with these values. By contributing to sustainable practices, design agencies can take pride in their role in reducing environmental impact, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals. 

What are the benefits of sustainability and circularity to brands?  

Circular design can lead to cost savings through more efficient use of materials, reduced waste, and lower disposal costs. Reusable and widely recyclable packaging can also decrease long-term expenses. In addition, as regulations around packaging waste and sustainability tighten, circular design helps brands stay compliant with current and future legislation, avoiding potential fines and legal issues. Sustainable packaging helps to unlock these benefits and enhances brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious consumers and fostering customer loyalty.