In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News, speaks with Barry Cosier, co-CEO of Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), about the organisation’s role in shaping a national soft plastics recycling scheme.

The conversation begins with reflections on the recent open day at iQRenew’s SPEC facility, exploring how infrastructure like this underpins future recycling efforts and where gaps remain. Barry discusses SPSA’s role as a connector across the value chain, the challenges and lessons learned from past setbacks, and the significance of its newly appointed Stakeholder Advisory Council in bringing diverse expertise – from regulators and councils to recyclers and retailers – into the fold.

The discussion also covers how SPSA plans to align collection with real recycling capacity, ensure transparency and accountability, and rebuild public trust in soft plastics recycling. Barry provides insight into the ACCC authorisation process, the balance between mechanical and advanced recycling technologies, and the varying levels of commitment from brand owners.

We wrap up by looking at SPSA’s short- and long-term goals, and how industry stakeholders can play an active role in shaping a credible, end-to-end product stewardship model for soft plastics in Australia.

Links:

Sponsor - Trimatt

www.trimatt.com - 03 8761 6171 - [email protected]

iQRenew SPEC facility opens doors to stakeholders

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-spec-facility-opens-doors-to-stakeholders

Inaugural council to guide SPSA soft plastics scheme

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/inaugural-council-to-guide-spsa-soft-plastics-scheme

Treaty talks stall, but Australia presses on with plastics action

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/treaty-talks-stall-but-australia-presses-on-with-plastics-action

iQRenew secures $9.1m infrastructure funding boost

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/iqrenew-secures-9-1m-infrastructure-funding-boost

ACCC backs national scheme to reboot Australia’s soft plastics recycling

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/accc-backs-national-scheme-to-reboot-australia-s-soft-plastics-recycling

SPSA seeks green light to activate national soft plastics scheme

www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/spsa-seeks-green-light-to-activate-national-soft-plastics-scheme

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The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of PKN Packaging News, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact PKN Packaging News via their website www.packagingnews.com.au or send an email to [email protected].

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

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