Changes coming for seafood country of origin labelling for hospitality businesses

In late November 2023, the Australian Government announced new rules around seafood Country of Origin Labelling for hospitality businesses. Consumer...

In late November 2023, the Australian Government announced new rules around seafood Country of Origin Labelling for hospitality businesses. Consumer ministers voted to introduce the AIM model which will require business to show if seafood for sale is either: Australian (A) Imported (I) Mixed origin (M), if a dish includes...

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NSW EPA new single-use plastic ban discussion paper

The National Retail Association has made a preliminary assessment of the New South Wales governments Next Steps discussion paper. The paper...

The National Retail Association has made a preliminary assessment of the New South Wales governments Next Steps discussion paper. The paper focuses on items from the 2020-21 Key Littered Items Study NSW EPA Report. There are three key pillars, outlined in the discussion paper: Pillar one: Reduce all litter items by 60% by 2030...

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Official Container Deposit Scheme Regulations | Stage 2

The first CDS Amendment Regulations were made law by Governor-In-Council on 8 August 2023, and they have now been...

The first CDS Amendment Regulations were made law by Governor-In-Council on 8 August 2023, and they have now been published on the Legislation Vic Website found here. Here is a brief summary of the changes: Regulation 4 amends definitions: in the definition of "donation partner" wording has changed to better...

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The First Supplier Registration and Contracting System is now live.

  If you are a manufacturer, distributor, importer, contract bottler, or retailer supplying beverage containers into/within Victoria, you may be...

  If you are a manufacturer, distributor, importer, contract bottler, or retailer supplying beverage containers into/within Victoria, you may be considered a First Supplier. In Victoria, if you are a First Supplier according to the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021 (VIC), you have a legal obligation to participate...

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Australian Fashion Council: Seamless progress update

Seamless, the National Product Stewardship Scheme, has a primary goal of revolutionising the clothing industry in Australia, encompassing the...

Seamless, the National Product Stewardship Scheme, has a primary goal of revolutionising the clothing industry in Australia, encompassing the entire process from production to usage and recycling, with the aim of achieving clothing circularity by 2030. On 20 July 2023, the inaugural meeting of the Seamless Transition Advisory Group (TAG)...

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New Check Locally logo for soft plastics

The Australasian Recycling Label's (ARL) are pleased to provide an update regarding the ARL's, newest Check Locally logo, including...

The Australasian Recycling Label's (ARL) are pleased to provide an update regarding the ARL's, newest Check Locally logo, including the steps brand owners need to take in order to be eligible for a new label. Following the collapse of REDcycle, brand owners are required to update any soft plastics labelling...

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National Retail Association calls for a ban on car seat head straps

The National Retail Association is calling for a ban on a relatively new child restraint aftermarket accessory – car...

The National Retail Association is calling for a ban on a relatively new child restraint aftermarket accessory – car seat head straps. We are convinced by expert assessment that the use of these products with young children can lead to serious lifelong injuries or death. Australian Standard 1754 for child restraint...

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ACCC Announces 2023-24 Product Safety Priorities

Every year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) identifies key areas to minimise and raise awareness of the...

Every year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) identifies key areas to minimise and raise awareness of the risks posed by unsafe consumer goods. Last week, ACCC announced the 2023-24 Product Safety Priorities  1. Young children’s product safety Compliance, enforcement, and education initiatives, focusing on consumer products, such as sleep aids,...

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ACCC guidance for businesses on conducting a product safety recall

If a product is a risk to safety, or it does not comply with a mandatory standard or product...

If a product is a risk to safety, or it does not comply with a mandatory standard or product ban, your business may need to recall it. The ACCC has today published updated practical guidance and tools for businesses on when and how a product safety recall should occur. The guidance...

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UK greenwashing guidance and learnings for Australian retailers

Consumers are placing greater importance on the social and environmental credentials of their purchases. The ACCC has heard growing...

Consumers are placing greater importance on the social and environmental credentials of their purchases. The ACCC has heard growing concerns that some businesses are falsely promoting environmental or green credentials to capitalise on these consumer preferences – termed ‘greenwashing.’ Consumers are often unable to determine the accuracy of a product’s...

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New mandatory safety standard for non-refillable helium cylinders – what you need to know

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services the Hon. Stephen Jones MP has introduced a new mandatory safety...

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services the Hon. Stephen Jones MP has introduced a new mandatory safety standard for non-refillable helium cylinders. The new safety standard seeks to reduce harm from deliberate misuse. The Consumer Goods (Non-refillable Helium Cylinders) Safety Standard comes into effect on 16 April 2023. What the industry needs...

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Victorian retailers prepare with 2 weeks until plastics ban

The Victorian Government is implementing a single-use plastic ban across Victoria on February 1. Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers,...

The Victorian Government is implementing a single-use plastic ban across Victoria on February 1. Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers, single-use plastic cutlery, single-use plastic plates, single-use plastic cotton buds and food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene will be banned. The National Retail Association were engaged to...

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Are you a packaging or labelling business?

ARE YOU A PACKAGING OR LABELLING BUSINESS? This opportunity might be for you! Calling all packaging and labelling manufacturers, distributors...

ARE YOU A PACKAGING OR LABELLING BUSINESS? This opportunity might be for you! Calling all packaging and labelling manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers. In May 2023, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) will be launching a new packaging platform on the ARL Marketplace. Its purpose is to provide a simple sourcing solution...

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Applications for the 2023 PIDA Awards are now open!

Entries are now open for the 2023 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards which are coordinated by the...

Entries are now open for the 2023 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards which are coordinated by the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP). The PIDA Awards are designed to recognise companies and individuals across 15 categories who are making a significant difference in their field in Australia and...

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Thousands of businesses phase-out single-use plastics

The National Retail Association today applauds New South Wales businesses for taking the single-use plastic ban in their stride. From...

The National Retail Association today applauds New South Wales businesses for taking the single-use plastic ban in their stride. From 1 November, the NSW Government is banning single-use items including: Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, unlidded bowls, and cotton buds Food ware and cups made from expanded polystyrene Rinse-off personal...

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Aussie consumers trim household budgets to pay for Christmas splurge

Australian consumers are cutting back on luxury goods and services, looking for bargains, and switching to cheaper brands as...

Australian consumers are cutting back on luxury goods and services, looking for bargains, and switching to cheaper brands as they battle rising inflation. However, shoppers are still gearing up for a bumper pre-Christmas sales season with almost half feeling confident and one in five planning to outspend last year, according...

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