Australia and the Rise of Producer Responsibility
Around the globe, regulators are increasingly focused on packaging sustainability, and brand owners are under mounting pressure to adapt. One country taking bold, accelerated steps is Australia, where the government-backed non-profit Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) established ambitious targets, initially set for 2025 achievement.
These targets include ensuring 100% of packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable; achieving a 70% recycling or composting rate for plastic packaging; integrating an average of 50% recycled content in all packaging; and phasing out single-use plastics. Last year, APCO introduced new frameworks around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This included eco-modulated fees that reward Better Packaging material choices and design for recyclability.
A Sustainable Leap: Cadbury and Sonoco Collaborate
One standout example of rising to meet new demand is through our long-standing partnership with Mondelez International, the global snack producer behind the iconic Cadbury brand.
For two decades, Sonoco supplied Mondelez with a durable, partially recycled paper can with a steel end for their Cadbury chocolate drink powder. However, new guidelines in Australia prevented the paper container from obtaining the ‘recyclable’ label due to limitations in some curbside programs. Recognizing the need to swiftly adapt and potentially avoid costly EPR fees, Mondelez turned to Sonoco for help developing a next-generation solution.
The Sonoco Paper Can Paper Bottom Design
Launched in early 2025, the Sonoco Paper Can Paper Bottom container meets Australia’s strict re-pulpability standards and is accepted in the country’s co-mingled curbside recycling stream. Made with at least 70% recycled material this new packaging maintains the cylindrical form and shelf appeal that consumers recognize but is entirely comprised of paperboard—a material with robust collection and recycling rates in Australia.
Importantly, the new paper end closely resembles the metal one, ensuring a smooth transition for both consumers and retail merchandising. The change is virtually seamless in terms of performance, but transformational in terms of sustainability. A subtle, yet powerful addition: a QR code linking consumers directly to the Mondelez SnackingRight platform, a site providing guidance for proper disposal as well as details on company commitments.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a win for Mondelez in Australia—it signals an inflection point for brand owners operating in regulated and eco-conscious markets. As countries enforce stricter EPR, the need for materials that are truly recyclable in real-world systems will only increase.
Sonoco’s Paper Can Paper Bottom container offers scalable, consumer-friendly features that balance compliance, corporate responsibility and commercial appeal. For brand owners facing increased regulation, this shows what’s possible when packaging partners and brand owners work together on doing the right thing for the company and the environment.
Learn more about Sonoco sustainability commitments in Europe.