New research-backed centre will help food and beverage SMEs adopt reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging while reducing food waste and maintaining product quality.
RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia Cooperative Research Centre (EFW CRC) have launched the Food and Beverage Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Packaging and Machinery Solution Centre, a new initiative designed to help food manufacturers transition to more sustainable packaging and processing solutions. The centre will provide independent, research-backed guidance to businesses adopting reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging while ensuring food quality, shelf life, and safety are maintained.
The initiative is a collaboration between RMIT University, End Food Waste Australia, the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), and Tetra Pak. Together, the partners will deliver co-funded applied research, technical expertise, and practical support to help SMEs evaluate sustainable packaging materials, processing technologies, and machinery solutions aligned with Australia’s circular economy goals.
As food manufacturers replace conventional packaging with environmentally friendly alternatives, many face challenges related to shelf life, food safety, product integrity, and processing performance. The new centre aims to address these issues by enabling businesses to test and validate packaging innovations before commercial implementation, ensuring sustainability improvements do not unintentionally increase food waste or reduce product quality.
The centre will also serve as a national “source of truth” for SMEs seeking evidence-based advice on packaging design, processing technologies, and manufacturing equipment. Through access to university laboratories, technical consultants, and life-cycle assessment expertise, businesses will be able to make informed decisions based on scientific research rather than relying solely on supplier recommendations.
Industry experts highlighted the growing need for packaging that meets evolving regulatory requirements while reducing environmental impact. The initiative will support businesses in areas such as designing recyclable packaging, transitioning to mono-material structures, incorporating recycled content, improving accessibility, reducing packaging waste, and minimising food loss throughout the supply chain.
The partnership also focuses on advancing sustainable manufacturing by helping SMEs integrate new packaging materials and processing technologies without compromising operational efficiency. By connecting industry expertise with applied research, the centre aims to accelerate innovation, improve manufacturing performance, and support Australia’s transition to a more circular and resource-efficient food packaging industry.