Australia generates over 76 million tonnes of waste each year, with nearly 27% still going to landfill, and packaging remains a significant contributor. Despite some progress, Australian businesses are spending around $1.4 billion annually to send $26.5 billion worth of materials to landfill, confirming the urgent need for upstream change in how we design and manage packaging waste.
Sustainable packaging sits at the core of the solution. As outlined in the Australian Government’s Circular Economy Framework (2024), improving material choices and packaging design is critical to reducing waste, cutting emissions, and achieving long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
At ReGen 2025 – Australia’s leading expo for circular resource innovation – key exhibitors will display innovative packaging solutions, specifically designed to support national circular economy goals. Among the three innovators to watch are:
1. Cardia Bioplastics (My Eco Group)
Creators of plant-based and compostable alternatives, Cardia Bioplastics develops bioplastic products for foodservice, retail, and councils. These solutions help reduce landfill contributions and support growing compost collection initiatives, particularly important for local governments introducing FOGO (food organics and garden organics) systems.
2. Biobag World Australia
Biobag’s certified compostable bags and liners are made from renewable, biodegradable materials designed to break down naturally into compost, water, and CO2. With local councils’ kerbside organic collections, Biobag’s products serve as viable replacements for plastic bags in local government and industry settings, offering both functionality and environmental benefits.
3. thinkpac
Offering sustainable packaging solutions made from post-consumer soft plastics, thinkpac focuses on recyclability, reuse, and whole-of-product lifecycle design – transforming waste into food-safe, fit-for-purpose packaging via their integrated recycling and manufacturing process. thinkpac’s innovative packaging design strategies help clients meet environmental goals and reduce long-term waste management costs.
With just over a year left to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets, including 100% of packaging being reusable, recyclable, or compostable, the role of clear labelling, functional design, and infrastructure-ready packaging has never been more important. If the pressure on councils to offer waste solutions that meet public expectations and legislative mandates weren’t enough, consumers are also demanding change with over
80% of Australians saying they are willing to pay more for sustainably packaged products.
ReGen 2025, taking place 23–24 July at ICC Sydney, brings together the thought leaders driving Australia’s circular transition. With packaging front and centre on the expo floor and a packed two-day speaker series, ReGen is where industries can discover the latest innovations in sustainable packaging, and turn ideas into action. Find out more about sustainable packaging solutions at ReGen via our exhibitor directory here.