Australian Packaging Covenant
Action Plan for 2011 - 2013
Singtel Optus
February 2011
AUSTRALIAN PACKAGING COVENANT
ACTION PLAN FOR 2011-2013
Prepared for:
Singtel Optus
Prepared By:
KMH Environmental
Level 12, South Tower, Chatswood Central
1-5 Railway Street,
PO Box 5487
NSW 1515
Phone: (02) 9468 9300
Fax:
(02) 8008 1600
Document Control Log
Revision No.
Rev 0
Amendment
Date
Prepared By
20/7/10
TJ
1
28/07/10
TJ
2
17/1/11
TJ
3
10/2/11
TJ
Checked By
Approved By
RMc
RMc
© KMH Environmental 2011
The information contained in this document produced by KMH Environmental is solely for the use of the Client identified on the
cover sheet for the purpose for which it has been prepared and KMH Environmental undertakes no duty to or accepts any
responsibility to any third party who may rely upon this document.
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically
stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of KMH Environmental.
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive summary ................................................................................................................................5
1.
Introduction................................................................................................................................6
1.1.
Name of Organisation .....................................................................................................6
1.2.
Nature of the Organisation..............................................................................................6
1.3.
Brands Owned ................................................................................................................6
1.4.
Packaging Materials and Formats Used.........................................................................7
1.5.
Period Covered by the Plan ............................................................................................7
1.6.
Contact Details for Person Responsible for Implementing the Plan ..............................7
2.
Specific Actions and Baseline Data ........................................................................................8
3.
Formal Commitment by CEO to Implement the Action Plan ............................................. 16
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Executive summary
The following document sets out the proposed Action Plan for Singtel Optus for a three year period
commencing April 2011.
In 2007 Singtel Optus Pty Ltd (Optus) became a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant (NPC)
on behalf of Optus and Virgin Mobile (a wholly owned subsidiary.) Optus have complied with all of the
necessary requirements of the Covenant since becoming a signatory including the lodgement of a
three year action plan and reports annually to demonstrate progress against the action plan.
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications - serving more than seven million
customers each day. The company specialises in a broad range of communications services including
mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite
services and subscription television.
The packaging materials used by Optus include:






Cardboard
Cellophane Wrap
Styrofoam
PET Blister packs
Rigid plastic DVD style cases
Rigid plastic to house SIM cards
Optus has addressed each of the Covenant’s specific goals and associated key performance
indicators by devising specific actions to be undertaken. Details of these actions are provided in the
body of this document.
The contact officer responsible for overseeing the implementation of this plan is:
Brent Gerstle
Manager Environmental Affairs, Risk Management
SingTel Optus
1 Lyonpark Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113
0412 679 742 / 02 8082 7977
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
1. Introduction
In 2007 Singtel Optus Pty Ltd (Optus) became a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant (NPC)
on behalf of Optus and Virgin Mobile (a wholly owned subsidiary.) Optus have complied with all of the
necessary requirements of the Covenant since becoming a signatory including the lodgement of a
three year action plan and reports annually to demonstrate progress against the action plan.
With the endorsement of the new Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) which commenced on the 1st
July 2010, Optus is expected to prepare an action plan that addresses the Covenant’s three goals of:
 Design
 Recycling
 Product Stewardship
In addition, the Action Plan must demonstrate how Optus intends to demonstrate activities undertaken
to address the Covenant’s specific key performance indicators.
1.1
Name of Organisation
The following Action Plan relates to Singtel Optus Pty Ltd and covers the activities performed by Optus
and Virgin Mobile (a wholly owned subsidiary).
1.2
Nature of the Organisation
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications - serving more than seven million
customers each day. The company specialises in a broad range of communications services including
mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite
services and subscription television. In 2001, SingTel became the parent company of Optus.
Optus is comprised of four major business areas:
 Optus Consumer – who provide in mobile voice, data and wi-fi services. It also offers a range
of services and products to Australian consumers including Optus Television, long distance
and local telephony and high-speed internet and dial-up access.
 Optus Business – who provide alternative access services and providing a new level of
communications flexibility to corporate and government clients.
 Optus SMB – who focus on the telecommunications needs of small and medium businesses
in Australia.
 Optus Wholesale & Satellite – who provide services and capacity to other
telecommunications and communications companies as well as leading the Australian satellite
industry.
1.3
Brands Owned
The company primarily trades under the ‘yes’ Optus brand, while maintaining several wholly owned
subsidiary brands, such as Virgin Mobile Australia and Boost Mobile in the mobile telephony market,
Uecomm in the network services market and Alphawest in the ICT services sector. There are no
packaging materials however associated with Uecomm and Alphawest.
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
1.4
Packaging Materials and Formats Used
The packaging materials used by Optus include:






1.5
Cardboard
Cellophane Wrap
Styrofoam
PET Blister packs
Rigid plastic DVD style cases
Rigid plastic to house SIM cards
Period Covered by the Plan
This action plan is for the period of three (3) years commencing April 2011.
1.6
Contact Details for Person Responsible for Implementing the Plan
The contact officer responsible for overseeing the implementation of this plan is:
Brent Gerstle
Manager Environmental Affairs, Risk Management
SingTel Optus
1 Lyonpark Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113
0412 679 742 / 02 8082 7977
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
2 Specific Actions and Baseline Data
Optus’ proposed actions to respond to the requirements of the Covenant are addressed for each goal
and KPI in the following section.
2.2.1 Using Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
procurement of all new packaging.
for
the
design
and
Performance Goal
1. Design - optimise packaging to achieve resource efficiency and
reduce environmental impact without compromising product
quality and safety.
Key performance indicators
1. Proportion of signatories in the supply chain implementing the
Sustainable Packaging Guidelines for design or procurement of
packaging.
 To ensure the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines for design and
procurement are considered for all new packaging, Optus intends
to conduct a series of interactive workshops for relevant
personnel.
Specific Actions


Demonstrate how the
Sustainable Packaging
Guidelines will be used
for the design or
procurement of all new
packaging.

The workshops will provide detail on the Guidelines’ four key
principles (fit-for-purpose, resource efficiency, low-impact
materials, resource recovery) and associated strategies. These
sessions will also address how best to adopt and implement the
guidelines and provide an overview of each of 10 steps for
packaging review and introduce the reporting template for
assessing new materials. These workshops will also aim to
identify specific targets against the Guideline principles.

Commence in 2011.

Timetable included in this Action Plan.

Optus has established a Supplier Code of Practice. In March
2010, the Code of Practice was incorporated into a broader
Supply Chain Strategy as a way of ensuring the procurement
process is mindful of Corporate Responsibility and ethical
ordering of goods and services. This includes the consideration
of Buy Recycled where practical.
Provide a timetable for
reviewing existing
packaging.
Timeframe
Baseline Data
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
2.2.2 Provide a timetable for reviewing existing packaging.
The following table provides a proposed timetable for reviewing existing packaging materials. Due to the diverse and complex nature of product and packaging material
types, Optus has chosen to conduct the packaging review by product classes rather than material type. A reporting template for each material type is included in
Appendix A.
Product Classes
Packaging
Materials
Broadband
Modems
Satellite
Pre Paid Mobiles
Broadband Dongles
Starter Packs and
SIM cards
Accessories
Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM
card packaging)
Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM
card packaging)
Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM
card packaging)
Paper
Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM
card packaging)
PET Blister packs
Cardboard Box
Cardboard Box
Foam Insert
Cardboard
Cardboard
Collateral Information
(paper and CD)
Collateral Information
(paper and CD)
DVD Plastic Case
Collateral Information
(paper and CD)
Paper
LDPE Plastic Bags
Cellophane wrap
Wire Ties
2012
2012
2013
2013
Cellophane wrap
Polypropylene
Timeframe for
Review
KMH Environmental
2011
2011
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
2.2.2.1
Baseline Data For Existing Packaging Materials1
The following table provides a summary of baseline data for existing packaging materials.
Packaging Material
Quantity of Materials
currently sold into the
Australian market place. (kg)
2.2.2.2
Rigid Plastic
(eg: SIM card
packaging)
Rigid plastic
DVD style
cases
Plastic Wrap
Cellophane
60065 kg of non recyclable plastic
Paper
Cardboard
Styrofoam
PET Blister packs
11264
173672
2368
1318
Review of New Packaging Materials
Singtel Optus’ product development team will be made aware of the requirements of the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and a procedure implemented to duly
consider the 12 design strategies as a part of the packaging material choice and design for new product classes. A reporting template will be completed to document the
decision making process and provided as an Appendix to the annual report to the Australian Packaging Covenant.
1
Data Assumptions - The baseline data provided in the above table is based on the following assumption - Prepaid mobile handsets vary in model types and sizes. The total sales figures have been split
between representative samples and averages used to calculate relevant packaging data. Only Optus branded packaging was included in the packaging weight calculations.
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
2.2.3 Indicate whether there is a recovery system in place.
Optus will provide details of the resource recovery system currently in operation at its Macquarie Park facility. These details will be included in the Annual Report.
2.2.4 Conduct a qualitative review of Optus’ on site recycling facilities.
Performance Goal
2. Recycling - The efficient collection and recycling of packaging
Key performance indicators
3. Proportion of signatories with on-site recovery systems for
recycling used packaging

Optus will conduct an independent review of the performance
of the on-site recycling facilities to analyse participation and
acceptance by Optus personnel and ensure the system
adequately caters for materials being generated on site. This
review will also consider the waste management practices of
retail/restaurant tenants onsite.
Specific Actions

Indicate whether there is a
recovery system in place.

Conduct a review of Optus’
on site recycling facilities.

Collate the necessary data
from Optus to report on how
the system is performing.

Include the quantities of
materials sent for
reprocessing.
KMH Environmental

In conjunction with the qualitative review Optus will seek data
from its current waste service provider, on tonnages of material
collected from the Macquarie Park site, along with resource
recovery and materials diversion rates to ensure optimum
resource recovery is being achieved through the Advanced
Waste Treatment process currently being used to treat the
waste. This information will also form a part of the 2011 APC
Annual Report.

Optus will conduct a review of its distribution facility to ensure
onsite practices optimise resource recovery opportunities.

As a part of the implementation of the Supply Chain Strategy,
Optus will identify opportunities to review packaging materials
generated onsite, to ensure maximum use of recyclable
materials.
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Timeframe

Prior to preparing 2011 Annual Report
Baseline Data

Tonnage of consumer packaging sent (a) for recycling =
579000kg

Tonnage sent to landfill = 4900kg

Non-recyclable packaging sold:

Plastic Type 4 (LDPE – plastic bags) = 3175kg

Plastic Type 6 (PS) = 2368kg

Plastic Type 7 (Other) = 60065kg

TOTAL = 65608kg
6B. “Non- recyclable packaging as a % of total packaging sold=
18.57%
Optus has established a Supplier Code of Practice. In March 2010,
the Code of Practice was incorporated into a broader Supply Chain
Strategy as a way of ensuring the procurement process is mindful
of Corporate Responsibility and ethical ordering of goods and
services. This includes the consideration of Buy Recycled where
practical.
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
2.2.5 Optus’ approach to a Buy- Recycled Purchasing Policy.
Performance Goal
2. Recycling - The efficient collection and recycling of
packaging
Key performance indicators
4. Proportion of signatories with a policy to buy products made
from recycled packaging.
Specific Actions

Draft an overview that provides information on existing
environmental policies and activities within Optus.

Demonstrate the way in which these policies encourage the
procurement of recycled goods where economically
appropriate.
Timeframe

2011 Annual Report
Baseline Data

Tonnes of locally sourced packaging = 353.24T

Tonnes of packaged product sold = 1298.69T

Report ratio of packaging to product by weight = 0.28
2.2.6 Draft an overview that provides information on existing environmental policies and activities within Optus.
Performance Goal
Key performance indicators
KMH Environmental
3. Product Stewardship - a demonstrated commitment to
product stewardship by the supply chain and other signatories
6. Proportion of signatories that have formal processes for
working with others to improve design and recycling of
packaging.
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Specific Actions

Prepare a summary of Optus’
Corporate Responsibility
Supply Chain Strategy, to
demonstrate commitment to
improving packaging design
and increase the recycling of
used packaging.
7. Proportion of signatories demonstrating other product
stewardship outcomes
 Optus has a number of existing policies and initiatives in
place that demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. As
a part of the Annual Reporting process Optus will prepare a
summary document that provides information on these
policies and initiatives and demonstrates the way in which
these policies encourage the procurement of recycled
goods, where appropriate.

Optus will also review its existing supplier list against APC
signatories. Where suppliers are identified as existing
signatories, Optus will seek product stewardship information
and identify opportunities to cooperatively improve design
and recycling of packaging.
Timeframe

2011 Annual Report
Baseline Data

The Optus Supply Chain policy (still under development) will
seek to specify the steps the Procurement department, and
any other Optus personnel involved in supplier selection, will
follow and to clearly set out company standards and
expectations to deliver on these requirements.

Aspects of the complex and diverse supply chain are
required to be assessed to provide Optus visibility of existing
or potential areas of impact in the following identified areas;

Provide examples of
achievements made as a result
of this strategy.

Product Stewardship

Labour Sourcing

Environmental Management

Supplier partnerships
2.2.7 Prepare a summary of Optus’ Corporate Responsibility Supply Chain
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Strategy and other Environmental Initiatives
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
In order to demonstrate our commitment to Product Stewardship, Optus will provide a summary of the Corporate Responsibility Supply Chain Strategy. This strategy
has been developed in order to outline the procurement processes that Optus undertakes to do business with responsible suppliers to deliver on our commitment to our
staff, customer and community needs, and expectations on Corporate Responsibility and ethical procuring of goods and/or services.
The Optus Supply Chain policy seeks to specify the steps the Procurement department, and any other Optus personnel involved in supplier selection, will follow, and to
clearly set out company standards and expectations to deliver on these requirements. With the implementation of this strategy, Optus intends to assess aspects of the
supply chain with regard to:
o
Product Stewardship
o
Labour Sourcing
o
Environmental Management
o
Supplier Partnerships
This information will also provide examples of sustainability achievements made as a result of this strategy.
Optus will continue to make available to the Packaging Covenant Council detailed information on other relevant environmental initiatives currently in place. This includes
the following key projects:

Mobile Muster – handset recycling program

Toner recycling on site

Computer Hardware Recycling

Industrial Battery Recycling
More detailed information about the breadth of Optus environmental activities and initiatives can be found in our public Corporate Responsibility Report produced
annually. The most recent report is available on the Optus website at www.optus.com.au
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
3 Formal Commitment by CEO to Implement the Action Plan
Mr Paul O’Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive is committed to the Australian Packaging Covenant and ensuring the organisation continues to comply with specific
requirements. Mr O’Sullivan has been briefed on the requirements of the Covenant and has instructed the appropriate management personnel to undertake the
necessary actions to ensure ongoing compliance and adoption of the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Appendix A
Reporting Templates for Product Classes
Review Reference






Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM card packaging)
Cardboard
Collateral Information (paper and CD)
LDPE Plastic Bags
Cellophane wrap
Polypropylene
Contact:
Contact Details:
Design strategy
How the strategy
was
considered
/
answers
to
key
questions
Minimise
reduction)
Date:
: Broadband Modems
materials
If the answers to the design
strategy questions are ‘no’, what
alternatives
have
been
investigated?
(source
Use recycled materials
KMH Environmental
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Documentary evidence available for
auditors?
If the answers are no, what
alternatives have been investigated?
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Design for transport
Maximise
efficiency
water
and
energy
Minimise risks associated with
potentially toxic and hazardous
materials
Use
renewable
materials
Use materials
suppliers
or
recyclable
from
responsible
Design for reuse
Design for recovery
Design for litter reduction
Design for consumer accessibility
Consumer Information
Summary Considerations:
Activities to undertake to improve sustainability of packaging format/category
Examples:
KMH Environmental
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Environmental benefits of review:
Examples:
Environmental Constraints:
Examples:
KMH Environmental
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Review Reference:

Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM card packaging)
Contact:
Contact Details:
Design strategy
How the strategy
was
considered
/
answers
to
key
questions
Minimise
reduction)
Date:
Satellite
materials
If the answers to the design
strategy questions are ‘no’, what
alternatives
have
been
investigated?
(source
Use recycled materials
Design for transport
Maximise
efficiency
water
and
energy
Minimise risks associated with
potentially toxic and hazardous
materials
Use
renewable
materials
KMH Environmental
or
recyclable
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Documentary evidence available for
auditors?
If the answers are no, what
alternatives have been investigated?
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Use materials
suppliers
from
responsible
Design for reuse
Design for recovery
Design for litter reduction
Design for consumer accessibility
Consumer Information
Summary Considerations:
Activities to undertake to improve sustainability of packaging format/category
Examples:
Environmental benefits of review:
Examples:
Environmental Constraints:
Examples:
KMH Environmental
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Review Reference:




Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM card packaging)
Cardboard Box
Collateral Information (paper and CD)
Cellophane wrap
Contact:
Contact Details:
Design strategy
How the strategy
was
considered
/
answers
to
key
questions
Minimise
reduction)
Date:
Pre Paid Mobiles
materials
If the answers to the design
strategy questions are ‘no’, what
alternatives
have
been
investigated?
(source
Use recycled materials
Design for transport
Maximise
efficiency
water
and
energy
Minimise risks associated with
potentially toxic and hazardous
materials
Use
renewable
materials
Use
materials
KMH Environmental
or
recyclable
from
responsible
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Documentary evidence available for
auditors?
If the answers are no, what
alternatives have been investigated?
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
suppliers
Design for reuse
Design for recovery
Design for litter reduction
Design for consumer accessibility
Consumer Information
Summary Considerations:
Activities to undertake to improve sustainability of packaging format/category
Examples:
Environmental benefits of review:
Examples:
Environmental Constraints:
Examples:
KMH Environmental
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Review Reference:




Paper
Foam Insert
DVD Plastic Case
Wire Ties
Contact:
Contact Details:
Design strategy
How the strategy
was
considered
/
answers
to
key
questions
Minimise
reduction)
Date:
Broadband Dongles
materials
If the answers to the design
strategy questions are ‘no’, what
alternatives
have
been
investigated?
(source
Use recycled materials
Design for transport
Maximise
efficiency
water
and
energy
Minimise risks associated with
potentially toxic and hazardous
materials
Use
renewable
materials
Use
materials
KMH Environmental
or
recyclable
from
responsible
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Documentary evidence available for
auditors?
If the answers are no, what
alternatives have been investigated?
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
suppliers
Design for reuse
Design for recovery
Design for litter reduction
Design for consumer accessibility
Consumer Information
Summary Considerations:
Activities to undertake to improve sustainability of packaging format/category
Examples:
Environmental benefits of review:
Examples:
Environmental Constraints:
Examples:
KMH Environmental
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Review Reference:



Starter Packs and SIM Cards
Rigid Plastic (eg: SIM card packaging)
Cardboard Box
Collateral Information (paper and CD)
Contact:
Contact Details:
Design strategy
How the strategy
was
considered
/
answers
to
key
questions
Minimise
reduction)
materials
If the answers to the design
strategy questions are ‘no’, what
alternatives
have
been
investigated?
(source
Use recycled materials
Design for transport
Maximise
efficiency
Date:
water
and
energy
Minimise risks associated with
potentially toxic and hazardous
materials
Use
renewable
materials
Use materials
suppliers
KMH Environmental
or
recyclable
from
responsible
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Documentary evidence available for
auditors?
If the answers are no, what
alternatives have been investigated?
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Design for reuse
Design for recovery
Design for litter reduction
Design for consumer accessibility
Consumer Information
Summary Considerations:
Activities to undertake to improve sustainability of packaging format/category
Examples:
Environmental benefits of review:
Examples:
Environmental Constraints:
Examples:
KMH Environmental
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Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Review Reference:



PET Blister Packs
Cardboard Box
Paper
Contact:
Contact Details:
Design strategy
How the strategy
was
considered
/
answers
to
key
questions
Minimise
reduction)
Date:
Accessories
materials
If the answers to the design
strategy questions are ‘no’, what
alternatives
have
been
investigated?
(source
Use recycled materials
Design for transport
Maximise
efficiency
water
and
energy
Minimise risks associated with
potentially toxic and hazardous
materials
Use
renewable
materials
KMH Environmental
or
recyclable
Page 28
Documentary evidence available for
auditors?
If the answers are no, what
alternatives have been investigated?
Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan
Singtel Optus Pty Ltd
Use materials
suppliers
from
responsible
Design for reuse
Design for recovery
Design for litter reduction
Design for consumer accessibility
Consumer Information
Summary Considerations:
Activities to undertake to improve sustainability of packaging format/category
Examples:
Environmental benefits of review:
Examples:
Environmental Constraints:
Examples:
KMH Environmental
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