Nearly all printed newspapers have been redirected from landfills through an industry-led product stewardship initiative for recycling newspapers and magazines, which has received approval from the Albanese Government.
In the previous year, merely 0.2 percent of all printed newspapers ended up in landfills.
The voluntary National Environmental Sustainability Agreement for newspapers and magazines has received official accreditation, contributing to Australia's shift towards a circular economy.
The initiative is managed by ThinkNewsBrands, a consortium comprising Australia’s leading national news publishing companies, including Nine, News Corp Australia, and Seven West Media.
As part of the scheme, news publishing media companies pledge to utilize sustainable fibers and non-hazardous inks to facilitate safe recycling, as well as to recycle any unsold products.
The industry-led scheme has been in operation for 30 years and has successfully contributed to an increase in printed news recycling rates, rising from 28 percent in 1989 to 61 percent in 2023.
The accreditation has enhanced the scheme by imposing more rigorous compliance obligations and reporting criteria for its members. This includes a focus on various environmental initiatives, such as improving energy efficiencies and implementing waste reduction strategies.
The Government's accreditation process is indeed stringent, evaluating schemes based on criteria that include their ability to promote a circular economy, maximize the continued use of products and materials, and safeguard both the environment and human health.
Product stewardship effectively implements circular economy principles for products and materials, ensuring that valuable resources are kept in circulation for a longer period. This approach not only helps to protect our environment but also benefits communities by reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Tanya Plibersek, the Minister for the Environment and Water, expressed her approval, stating, “It’s great to see Australia’s major news publishers at the forefront of the waste and recycling transition – taking responsibility for the impacts of their products and production processes on the environment.” This highlights the commitment of the industry to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Product stewardship indeed extends beyond mere recycling; it encompasses a comprehensive approach that evaluates all stages of a product's lifecycle. This includes aspects such as design, manufacturing, distribution and sale, usage, and the recovery of materials and products. By addressing each of these stages, product stewardship aims to achieve better environmental outcomes and promote sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of a product.
Vanessa Lyons, CEO of ThinkNewsBrands, emphasized the commitment of Australian news publishers to environmental sustainability, noting that they have been making significant progress for nearly 35 years in promoting more sustainable industry practices. She expressed pride in the industry's world-leading product stewardship scheme and the positive impact it has had on Australia. Lyons also highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the successes of the news industry in this area.
Jane Huxley, CEO of Are Media Group, Australia’s largest magazine publisher, stated, "Are Media has long been committed to reducing the impact we have on the environment, and supporting product stewardship is a key component in ensuring we deliver the best environmental outcomes for the magazine industry and our customers." This underscores the company's dedication to sustainability and its proactive approach to minimizing environmental impact through responsible practices.
