Powerhouse Parramatta
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1 December 2026
Powerhouse Parramatta
1 December 2026
Tuesday, 1 December 2026
Powerhouse Parramatta
34/47 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW
Putting circularity to work
Recognising Australian and New Zealand organisations and industry bodies that deliver positive impacts in circular packaging.
The Sector Forum invites thought-provoking insight and discussion on the future of the industry before we celebrate achievements over the past two years.
Recognising organisations delivering real-world circular packaging outcomes, not just ambition. We celebrate those stepping up to the challenge, demonstrating measurable impact, transparency and systemic contribution.
Open to all APCO Members. Represent your organisation, hear updates from APCO leadership and contribute to important decisions at this year’s AGM.
Open to all APCO Members, providing you with a unique opportunity to have a voice in important decisions.
Australian businesses are operating in a changing market, with increasing expectations from customers, and stronger accountability across the value chain—packaging circularity is no longer aspirational, it’s an investment for future prosperity.
The APCO Biennial Awards and Sector Forum brings together industry, government and innovators to exchange ideas, confront challenges and recognise the organisations driving progress and building momentum towards a circular packaging future in Australia.
This year’s event will be held at the newly unveiled Powerhouse Parramatta, Australia’s first public institution with a 6-Star Green Star rating, with a commitment to net-zero operational emissions, 100% renewable electricity and climate-positive performance.
Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Powerhouse Parramatta has been designed with climate resilience, responsible material use and circular economy principles at its core, reflecting many of the values that underpin APCO’s vision for a more circular future.
The APCO Awards celebrate organisations and industry bodies that lead the way for circular packaging transformation in Australia and New Zealand.
Demonstrate measurable progress against APCO’s 2030 targets.
Position your organisation as a leader in circular packaging delivery.
Gain recognition from a cross-sector, independent judging panel and industry peers.
Contribute to industry-wide learning and marketable case studies.
Benchmark your performance against peers.
From policy and stewardship reform through to packaging innovation, recovery infrastructure, data and reporting, this year’s line-up of speakers bring diverse perspectives that will challenge thinking, encourage collaboration and spark ideas that you can take back to your organisation. More speakers to be announced.
Awards Night keynote speaker
Anders Sörman-Nilsson (Global EMBA, LLB) is a Swedish-Australian futurist, award-winning keynote speaker and founder of Thinque, a Sydney-based foresight firm and think tank. He helps leaders turn provocative questions about the future into proactive answers, particularly how organisations can transform digitally and sustainably at once.
Master of Ceremonies
A pioneer in climate courage activation, Jo Taranto is revolutionising how leaders approach environmental responsibility. Her career spans leadership roles across diverse industries, working with leaders who feel disconnected from their environmental impact, guiding them through a uniquely powerful methodology that doesn’t just change how they think, it changes how
they lead.
Cofounder & CEO, Phantm
As Phantm’s Cofounder and CEO, Elliot combines commercial, advisory, technology and social impact experience to reduce unnecessary packaging and prepare industry for a regulated circular economy. An advocate for nationally harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility, he leads world-first packaging data technology used by customers including Toyota, Kmart, MECCA and Amazon.
Director, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
Nicholas has spent many years at the ACCC in competition and consumer protection enforcement. He sets the ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Priorities, leads its strategy and coordination team, and oversees environmental and sustainability fair trading work and engagement with Australian Consumer Law regulators. He previously managed its International Unit.
Head Of Packaging, Woolworths
Chief Value Officer, Value Australia
Rayne is a Chartered Accountant and globally recognised pioneer in corporate sustainability and natural capital reporting. As former Forico CFO, she transformed decision-making to include the costs of externalities and value of natural capital. She leads Value Australia, the Capitals Coalition’s hub, building capacity in natural and social capital valuation.
A proud Queenslander, Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt has represented the State in the Senate since 2016, building strong relationships in all corners of the State. As a Senator and Shadow Minister, he led a number of Senate inquiries into issues including regional development, energy and resources, emergency management and health care.
Sam Andersen currently serves as Chair of APCO, leading strategy to reshape Australia’s packaging supply chain for recycling and strengthening confidence in co‑regulated product stewardship. Sam also chairs committees for VicRoads, SERV and Victoria Police, overseeing risk, governance, privacy, security and ESG in complex, high‑accountability environments.
Australia’s packaging landscape is entering a new era of accountability. As expectations continue to evolve across industry, government and the broader community, circularity is no longer a future ambition, but a practical business imperative.
The 2026 APCO Sector Forum and Biennial Awards will explore what it means to put circularity to work in practice. Through real-world case studies, industry insights and award-winning initiatives, our program will showcase the organisations turning ambition into action and delivering measurable outcomes across packaging design, reuse, recovery, collaboration and stewardship.
Seats are limited! Book your ticket before they run out.
Membership status of all attendees will be verified during registration.
