Australia reportedly generates 1.18 million tonnes of virgin plastic packaging waste annually. Credit: MOHAMED ABDULRAHEEM via Shutterstock.

The Australian national government could potentially raise nearly A$1.5bn ($1bn) annually by implementing a tax on plastic packaging waste, similar to the system currently in place in the EU, research by the Australia Institute think tank has revealed.  

This levy would target businesses that import or manufacture plastic packaging, charging A$1,300 per tonne of non-recycled plastic. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Introduced in 2021, the EU’s current levy charges member states €800 per tonne for plastic packaging waste that is not recycled.  

With Australians reportedly generating 1.18 million tonnes of virgin plastic packaging waste per year, the proposed tax could generate significant revenue for the federal government, the institute stated. 

Public opinion also seems to favour stronger measures against plastic waste, with a survey conducted by the Australia Institute finding that 85% of 1,002 respondents support legislated waste reduction targets for producers, suppliers, and retailers.  

See Also:

Of the respondents, 75% also favour a ban on non-recyclable plastics in kerbside bins. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Australia Institute’s Circular Economy & Waste Program director Nina Gbor said: “Australia is facing a growing tsunami of plastic waste and is expected to miss every recycling target it has set. 

“We’re recovering less than a fifth of the plastic waste used each year, with consumption expected to more than double to nearly ten billion tonnes by 2050. 

“If recycling was the solution to the plastic waste crisis, it would have been solved by now. Instead, it just encourages the production and consumption of even more waste that is choking our landfill and oceans.” 

The country aims to achieve a minimum of 20% recycled content in new plastic packaging and recover 70% of all plastic packaging by 2025.