National Packaging Covenant
The National Packaging Covenant is an agreement between the packaging industry and governments concerning the environmental impacts of packaging. It was renewed in July 2005 under a new agreement between Environment Ministers.
Covenant Mark II
The National Packaging Covenant Mk II continues the voluntary approach to engaging industry in packaging management. Like the first Covenant, Mark II will be based on voluntary sign up, non-prescriptive individual actions, financial contribution to a funding pot based on business turnover and a safety net which will apply to companies which do not participate in the Covenant.
The Environment Ministers have also committed to the parallel investigation of alternatives during the first three years of the Covenant Mk II, having recognised the need to have alternative instruments ready to launch in 2008 if the Covenant fails to meet its performance targets. The Local Government Associations from Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia all signed the Covenant in 2005, whlie those representing New South Wales and the Northern Territory did not.
WALGA Signs the Covenant
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) signed the Covenant on 1 November 2005. The decision was finalised following negotiations which addressed the Association's concerns regarding Representation and the Cost of Participation. WALGA, through the Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) will represent the interests of Local Government on the Covenant Council and various subordinate committees. MWAC will also develop an action plan in accordance with the requirements of the Covenant.
Other Links
National Packaging Covenant Website, click here
Boomerang Alliance (an environmental campaigning organisation), click here
Reports, Proposals and Evaluations Related to the Covenant - click here
Covenant History - click here