The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has instructed all members of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) programme to eliminate ARL labelling from soft plastic packaging.

This follows an extended grace period for brands using flexible packaging with REDcycle and Return to Store labels.

The directive applies solely to Australian ARL users, excluding New Zealand participants.

Businesses were urged to update labels proactively during the transition period.

APCO says it recognises the effort involved and pledges ongoing support to members while aiming to minimise waste.

Companies still using outdated REDcycle or Return to Store labels on packaging, in-store displays, or digital marketing risk violating Australian Consumer Law.

APCO requires businesses with REDcycle stock remaining after 1 July to inform its Compliance Team, irrespective of whether this date marks a manufacturing or on-shelf deadline.

Affected companies must submit a timeline for updating stock-keeping units and an estimated date when noncompliant stock will cease to be sold.

APCO advises businesses that previously used REDcycle or Return to Store labels to complete the REDcycle transition survey by 30 September 2025.

Aggregated, anonymised survey data will be shared with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to track industry compliance.

To ensure accurate recycling information and robust ARL governance, APCO is conducting on-shelf audits targeting soft plastics with REDcycle and Return to Store labelling.