Circular Economy Action
An Urgent Call to Action: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Soft Plastic Future
A Soft Plastic Future needs faster action, stronger recycling pathways and practical circular economy solutions.
At thinkpac, we believe soft plastic waste can become a useful resource when the right systems are in place.
Why Australia Needs a Soft Plastic Future Plan
A Soft Plastic Future for Australia needs urgent action. The suspension of the REDcycle program showed how fragile soft plastic recycling can become when collection grows faster than processing capacity.
The Soft Plastics Taskforce has released a Roadmap to Restart. This is a useful step, but it also shows that Australia needs faster, stronger and more scalable solutions.
Therefore, the industry must move beyond temporary fixes. We need circular systems that can collect, process and reuse soft plastics at scale.
Soft Plastic Future: What Must Change
The current challenge shows that collection alone is not enough. Australia also needs stronger recovery systems and demand for products made from recycled soft plastic.
More speed
Australia needs faster action on soft plastic recycling systems.
More capacity
Recycling pathways must handle higher volumes of soft plastic waste.
More demand
Recovered material needs buyers and real product applications.
More action
Retailers, recyclers, brands and suppliers must work together.
The Roadmap to Restart Soft Plastic Recycling
After the REDcycle suspension, the Soft Plastics Taskforce developed a Roadmap to Restart supermarket soft plastic collection.
The roadmap aims to restart collection through a pilot program. However, the plan depends on clearing existing stockpiles and building stronger recycling pathways.
For wider industry context, read this article from Waste Management Review.
Why Soft Plastic Stockpiles Are a Warning Sign
Existing stockpiles show the scale of the problem. Thousands of tonnes of soft plastic can build up when collection systems lack strong processing outlets.
Even so, stockpiles are only part of the challenge. Australia produces a steady stream of soft plastic waste every day.
As a result, long-term success needs more than clearing old material. It needs a system that can handle ongoing waste flows.
Australia Needs More Soft Plastic Recycling Capacity
Soft plastics can be difficult to recycle because they often contain mixed polymers. They can also be hard to sort and process through standard systems.
Because of this, Australia needs more recycling capacity and better pathways for mixed soft plastics.
Without these systems, collection programs may continue to face pressure.
Thinkpac’s Role in a Sustainable Soft Plastic Future
At thinkpac, we see urgency, but we also see opportunity. Soft plastic waste can become a valuable material when businesses choose circular solutions.
Our work focuses on turning recovered soft plastics into practical packaging products. This helps reduce landfill pressure and supports demand for recycled content.
Learn more about ReCree8® resin and how it supports circular packaging.
Beyond Stockpiles: Building a Scalable System
Clearing stockpiles is necessary. However, it does not solve the full soft plastic challenge.
A scalable system must manage material from collection through to processing and product use. It must also create demand for the recycled material.
That is why product design, procurement and recycling infrastructure must work together.
Collaboration Will Shape the Soft Plastic Future
The Roadmap to Restart is an important step. However, Australia must keep the bigger picture in view.
Major retailers, authorities, recyclers and packaging suppliers need to work together. Each group has a role in creating a stable circular economy.
With the right partnerships, soft plastic recycling can move from a fragile system to a stronger national solution.
What Businesses Can Do Now
Businesses do not need to wait for perfect systems. They can support progress through practical action today.
Choose recycled content
Buy products made from recycled soft plastic where suitable.
Review packaging
Look for ways to reduce unnecessary soft plastic use.
Support circular suppliers
Work with partners that can turn waste into useful products.
Learn More About Soft Plastic Recycling
To understand more about Australia’s soft plastic challenge, read our article on tackling Australia’s soft plastic dilemma.
You can also learn about circular economy principles through the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Final Thoughts: Put Soft Plastics Recycling in the Fast Lane
Australia faces an urgent soft plastics challenge. The Roadmap to Restart is useful, but the work cannot stop there.
We need faster systems, stronger partnerships and practical products that create demand for recycled material.
At Thinkpac, we are ready to help build a sustainable soft plastic future through circular economy action.
Take action on soft plastics
Build a Better Soft Plastic Future With Thinkpac
Contact the thinkpac team to explore ReCree8® resin, recycled packaging and circular solutions for soft plastic waste.
