Today, Planet Ark proudly launched its newest initiative, the Product Stewardship Hub a pioneering initiative aimed at providing critical support for industries navigating the complex process of establishing voluntary accredited product stewardship schemes, also known as extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes.
“We want to protect nature for future generations. This means all levels of industry working collaboratively alongside government and consumers,” said Lyndell Fraser, Planet Ark Chair.
“With the launch of Planet Ark’s Product Stewardship Hub, more support and guidance is available for industries to achieve this goal together through the transition to a circular economy.”
With a focus on breaking down barriers and creating sustainable pathways for businesses, this new division further solidifies Planet Ark's commitment to fostering positive environmental outcomes.
The launch of the Product Stewardship Hub today at Circularity 2023 comes at a crucial juncture, with Australia’s environment ministers agreeing last week that product stewardship schemes play a key role in holding producers accountable for managing their waste and committing to regulate where voluntary product stewardship doesn’t work. The hub will aim to address barriers that hinder businesses from embracing accredited product stewardship schemes such as the lack of templates for the creation of legally appropriate governance and finance models, and support ongoing operational structure and management.
“For most Australian businesses a voluntary accredited product stewardship scheme is something very novel,” said Beau Boundy, Head of the Product Stewardship Hub.
“With over 25 years’ experience supporting industries design, establish, manage and deliver well-known product stewardship schemes including Cartridges 4 Planet Ark, Podcycle and Batteries 4 Planet Ark, Planet Ark is well placed to assist businesses at each step of the process.”
Planet Ark's Product Stewardship Hub is poised to fill this void by offering consultation, design/ governance expertise, and practical solutions to guide businesses through the complexities of implementing effective and efficient stewardship schemes.
The Hub’s first task will be launching Podcycle, a national scheme for all Australians that collects and recycles all types and brands of coffee pods being established in collaboration with coffee pod brands and stakeholders. Podcycle aims to be accredited as a voluntary scheme by the Australian Government and is due for launch in 2024.
As a trusted mediator between industry/business competitors, consumers, and government, Planet Ark recognises the critical role of product stewardship in brokering positive environmental outcomes. The Product Stewardship Hub enhances Planet Ark's ability to facilitate cost synergies, collaboration and bridge gaps, ensuring that businesses, consumers, and government work together seamlessly to achieve shared sustainability goals.
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Key Facts:
- Planet Ark's Product Stewardship Hub launched today at Circularity 2023, an annual conference to share knowledge, collaborate and drive actionable change towards a circular future.
- The Product Stewardship Hub aims to provide critical support for industries navigating the complex process of establishing voluntary accredited product stewardship schemes, also known as extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes.
- Planet Ark has over 25 years’ experience supporting industries design, establish, manage and deliver well-known product stewardship schemes including Cartridges 4 Planet Ark, Podcycle and Batteries 4 Planet Ark.
- The Product Stewardship Hub will offer consultation, design/ governance expertise, and practical solutions to guide businesses through the complexities of implementing effective and efficient stewardship schemes.
- The Hub’s first task will be launching Podcycle, a national scheme for all Australians that collects and recycles all types and brands of coffee pods being established in collaboration with coffee pod brands and stakeholders
About us:
About Planet Ark
Planet Ark Environmental Foundation is an Australian not-for-profit organisation with a vision of a world where people live in balance with nature. Established in 1992, it is one of Australia’s leading environmental behaviour change organisations with a focus on working collaboratively and positively. Planet Ark promotes and creates simple, positive environmental actions – for everyone.
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Liam Taylor
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