Australian researchers develop roadmap for sustainable packaging in F&B sector

A new report from Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator sets out a roadmap to guide local food and beverage (F&B) companies towards sustainable packaging solutions.

Titled the 2025 Sustainable Packaging Trends Report, the document identifies strategies to reduce environmental impacts while aligning with consumer and regulatory demands.

The University of Queensland Business School's Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy, a co-author of the report, noted that the industry is approaching a major transformation.

She described this shift as a generational change for Australian packaging practices, signalling the importance of long-term planning and innovation.

The report aims to support companies in navigating the transition with actionable guidance.

The initiative received backing from the Australian Government Department of Education.

Funding was delivered through the department's Trailblazer Universities Program, which supports research with commercial and community applications.

McColl-Kennedy said: “Adopting sustainable packaging is one of the most immediate and impactful ways Australia’s food and beverage sector can transition to a circular economy.

“Stakeholders in the food packaging value chain often report difficulties in ensuring sustainable packaging, waste management and circular economy practices.

“This report outlines the latest sustainable packaging trends to inform discussions and decisions towards the sustainable development of the Australian food and beverage sector.”

Report co-author Dr Alexandria Gain stated that the report examined market, industry, and government publications to identify 12 key trends likely to shape sustainable packaging development.

Gain said: “These trends were divided into four priority areas.”

The report covers areas such as governing waste in sustainable packaging development, designing packaging for circularity, and advancing technologies for sustainable packaging solutions.

Gain added: “Our research equips businesses with data-driven insights to adopt environmentally responsible packaging while maintaining product integrity and brand value.

“From Australian compliance and global sustainability regulations to cutting-edge packaging technologies, the report provides businesses with a balanced approach to making informed, impactful decisions for the future.”

"Australian researchers develop roadmap for sustainable packaging in F&B sector" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.

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