Overview / Executive Summary

GS1 Australia is supporting the Australian Government’s shift toward a circular economy by helping shape and guide the national framework for recycled content traceability. This work supports DCCEEW’s recycled plastics traceability initiative and aims to ensure that global supply chain standards underpin sustainable resource use, digital innovation, and market access.

Objectives

• Support the development of a practical, technology-agnostic framework for recycled material traceability

• Ensure interoperability across industry sectors and international supply chains

• Provide tools and training to support implementation and uptake by business

Outcomes / Impact

• Strong alignment achieved between the draft traceability framework and globally accepted GS1 and ISO standards

• Increased government awareness of the value of foundational data standards in achieving interoperability

• Enhanced foundation for reporting, verification, and chain-of-custody claims across the plastics recycling supply chain

• Ongoing collaboration on implementation guidance, registries, and digital tools

Lessons Learned / Insights

• Voluntary frameworks can succeed with strong foundational standards and clear public value

• A technology-neutral, outcome-driven approach promotes innovation and uptake across business types

• Traceability success relies not just on systems, but also education, registries, and trusted identifiers

Next Steps / Future Plans

• Continued collaboration with DCCEEW and industry stakeholders to co-develop supporting tools and resources

• Contributions to implementation guidelines, training, and awareness-building efforts

• Future alignment with broader initiatives including digital product passports and environmental claims verification

Partners / Stakeholders

• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

• Industry stakeholders across packaging, manufacturing, and recycling sectors

• GS1 Australia member base and global network