Unpacking packaging at the Woodford Folk Festival
Dec 24, 2025Thank you for coming to our talk at the Woodford Folk Festival 2025! And if you've landed here some other way, you're very welcome too :)
Here's a roundup of the policy and legislative issues we discussed, relevant sources - and how to vote for Australia's best and worst packaging - entries are open until 4 January 2026.
One of the main waste challenges for Woodford, similar to our homes, is packaging - a broad term for everything from cereal boxes, beverage containers to takeaway coffee cups.
In current news, Australia didn't meet its national 2025 targtes (which are, in reality, voluntary) - the most drastic underperformance in the plastics category - with a target to make 80% recyclable or compostable; the rate hovers at 19 - 20% these past couple of years.
Packaging was supposed to be regulated from 2025, hoever this is stalled, despite a continuation of the incumbent Federal Government. Minister Watt did seem pretty tied up with the Environment Protection Reform Bill - but with that out of the way, I'm hopeful packaging will be picked up in 2026.
Around the States and Territories, we did see some notable movement this year:
NSW and SA have committed to expanding their Container Deposit Schemes - by late 2027 to include:
- Wine and spirits glass bottles
- Cordials and juice concentrate containers
- Larger containers of up to three litres of beverages that are already in the scheme, like flavoured milk, fruit and vegetable juice.
Tasmania actually has Container Deposit Legislation, as of 1 May this year - woohoo! In true Australian form, their scheme has a different name to neighbouring States and Territories.
South Australia created waves by banning more single use plastic - including limitations on soy sauce containers - putting those little plastic fish to extinction from 1 September.
South Australia has farewelled the single use plastic soy sauce fish.
NSW released its Plastics Plan 2.0 - which approached the aforementioned provocative sauce dispenser somewhat differently.
These little offenders make an appearance in the design for recycling mandate, stating that 'single-use plastic cups, single-use plastic food containers, plastic lids of single-use cups and containers, and single-serve plastic condiment packages to be designed for recycling' or they will be banned.
Based on their functionality coupled with Australian recycling systems, I have genuinely no.idea how this will be met ... so let the packaging re-design games begin!
In exciting news, Australians can have their own, very public say on the best and worst packaging they've seen ...
Entries are now open for the inaugural Unpackit Awards - a chance for Australians to vote on our best and worst packaging examples.
The Unpackit Awards are a collaboration between 3 NGO’s – WWF, the Australian Marine Conservation Society and the Plastic Free Foundation – best known for creating the Plastic Free July campaign.
They're a fun and innovative way to drive change, spotlight poor and best practice – and give everyone that wants one, a voice – everyone who’s ever been frustrated about over packaging, recycling claims that seem dodgy – now is your time!
The overarching aim is to drive some meaningful change in the packaging landscape, mimicking what happened when they were first run in New Zealand by Wastebusters. The 'Winner' of worst packaging - individually wrapped dates in plastic, is no longer sold.
Entering a product, is simple, quick and free:
- Head to https://unpackit.org.au
- Take a picture of the packaging you’re nominating - include a clear picture of the barcode if one exisits
- Nominate whether is a best or worst nominee
- Answer a few brief questions about what it’s made of, why you think it deserves an Award
There’s a chance for free text also - and you can put in as many entries as you like.
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Well thanks again for joining us, I love seeing the same people coming back to the waste program and to this Festival - it's my 8th Woodford and 3rd year on Stage; it's great to contribute back to this magnificent event.
I might also add, it's the only Festival I know of where the Site Manager and the Head of Waste Operations take time out to give an honest and transparent account to visitors of how things are run behind the scenes.
Massive ups to Tanya Miller, quietly running all things waste and recycling behind the scenes - and to all the hard working volunteers.
Big love to all, have fun, and keep being awesome, Bel xxx
Chris Shervey - Woodfordia Site Manager, Craig Miller - Head of Garbology, Hannah Bennett - PhD Packaging Student and me in our 'rehearsal space' (a shipping container) 2024.
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I'm Bel Chellingworth, a Circular Economy Consultant, Educator and Speaker.
For over 20 years, I've helped business, government, and community reduce waste via product stewardship, procurement, systems design and education - with an unshakeable dedication to sound governance, data and a sense of fun.
I'd love to help you too! Get in touch if you need circular assistance.
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References in order of appearance:
https://apco.org.au/national-packaging-targets
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/packaging/reforming-packaging-regulation
https://www.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au/banned-items-2025
https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Plastics/plastics-plan-20
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