Case Study: Australia Post's packaging governance program

Situation and Challenge

Australia Post, as a government business enterprise, operates within a complex procurement and governance environment with heightened expectations around transparency, accountability and public trust.
In this context, organisations require sound, consistent processes to ensure procurement decisions minimise harm to people and the environment, and that sustainability claims are robust, evidence-based and defensible.

Packaging is a critical component of Australia Post’s 2025 Sustainability Roadmap, with significant volumes purchased, through a largely decentralised model, putting material onto the market at considerable scale.

With evolving environmental organisational commitments, the ACCC identifying packaging as a priority sector for greenwashing, and Australia’s national packaging targets being another key driver, a revised governance framework was required.

Our Approach

Bel was engaged to provide independent subject matter expertise, in collaboration and working with a special projects officer within Australia Post, to update the existing governance program.

This involved:

• Engaging with procurement officers to fully understand processes across the enterprise
• Reviewing existing frameworks – to align with APCO reporting requirements
  Providing technical oversight for data capture processes
• Ensuring alignment with Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) requirements
  Consulting with suppliers
• Updating supplier questionnaires to align with requirements
• Ensuring a consistent approach to documenting and evidence bases for sustainability claims
• Training and education for staff on national packaging targets, Australia post’s commitments, governance requirements, engaging with suppliers

The approach needed to work within a decentralised procurement environment, within a large organisation, and remain practical for teams procuring at scale.

Bel’s Unique Value

As the previous Manager of Sustainable Packaging, Bel brings a deep working knowledge of Australia Post’s operating environment, including established procurement processes and procedures, and maintains strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

This enabled efficient collaboration, informed judgement and continuity throughout the engagement.

Her proven track record in governance design, delivery and risk identification is underpinned by a strong working knowledge of Australian recycling systems, the co-regulated packaging model, and the ACCC’s approach and guidance to greenwashing for businesses.

The result

Australia Post now has a revised and implemented packaging governance framework. This improved clarity for procurement teams, and standardised processes for evidence registers.

The project positioned Australia Post to more consistently manage packaging procurement across the enterprise, empowered procurement staff to understand sustainability requirements, and communicate with suppliers.

Australia Post formally endorsed Bel’s professionalism, industry expertise and dedication, valuing the partnership and outcomes delivered through the engagement.