International Review of Waste Management Policy - Department of ...

Table 12-3: Average Compound Rate of Growth of Packaging by Material, 2001-2007
Packaging Packaging Material Material Average Average Annual Annual Growt Growth Growt
Rate Rate, Rate , 2001 2001-2007 2001
2007
Paper and Card 1%
Ferrous 2%
Glass 9%
Aluminium -1%
Plastic 2%
Other Metals -32%
Textiles -4%
Wood 14%
Others -3%
Source: EPA National Waste Reports, 2001 and 2007
The materials showing positive growth rates are those which arise in largest
quantities, and in absolute terms, the greatest growth has been seen in glass, wood
and plastic (in that order). There is a suggestion that glass packaging – typically used
for premium beverages – might have increased, possibly at the expense of growth in
other packaging materials, as disposable incomes have increased.
Repak provides data for a short period of time on EPA figures for packaging waste
tonnages, and those for Repak members (see Figure 12-1).
Figure 12-1: Trend in Tonnes of Packaging for Repak Members, Total Packaging
Reported by EPA, and Retail Sales Volume Index
It is not clear that the data enable one to conclude much other than that the quantity
of packaging waste, as reported by the EPA, has fluctuated considerably over time. In
the first year, there is a reported decline in EPA figures (-15%), but an increase in the
tonnages reported by Repak Members (approx +7%). In the following year, growth
rates are the same, but in 2006, growth appears lower in the Repak tonnages than in
211
International Review of Waste Policy: Annexes