With an initial target to phase out intentionally added PFAS from food contact packaging by June 2028, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is seeking feedback from its members to better understand industry progress, inform government discussions, update the 2022 PFAS Action Plan, and prioritise the development of tools and resources to support businesses through the transition.
Data reported by APCO members in 2023 and 2024 indicate that while the use of PFAS in food contact packaging has declined, a complete phase-out has not yet been achieved. Under the 2022 PFAS Action Plan, APCO established a framework to support industry transition, to eliminate intentionally added PFAS and a threshold of 100 ppm total fluorine in packaging materials.
APCO’s voluntary, industry-led approach aligns with broader regulatory developments in Australia and internationally. In July 2025, the Australian Government prohibited the import, manufacture and export of three PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS) through the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). Further regulatory action may also arise with a recent Senate Inquiry recommending accelerating the phase-out of PFAS across all food contact packaging applications.
Following consultation, APCO will review current thresholds, claims guidance, reporting requirements and program settings to support the ongoing transition away from PFAS in fibre-based food contact packaging, with the longer-term objective of eliminating PFAS from all packaging formats in Australia. Industry engagement will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of the Action Plan and ensuring practical pathways for implementation.
As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, businesses involved in food packaging should monitor developments closely and participate in APCO’s consultation process to help shape a practical and effective pathway towards a PFAS-free packaging future.
