SMaRT-Pack centre to help drive sustainable packaging transition

A new Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre, SMaRT-Pack (Sustainable Materials and Responsible Technologies for Packaging), has been launched to help accelerate the transition to a circular and sustainable packaging economy in Australia.

Led by Monash University in collaboration with Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the centre brings together academic researchers and key industry partners to focus on replacing single-use plastics with recyclable and compostable fibre-based alternatives, while advancing the manufacturing, recycling, testing and policy frameworks needed to support their adoption. Its work will span the full packaging life cycle, from material development through to recyclability, degradation and end-of-life management.

Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sharon Pickering said: “SMaRT-Pack is an opportunity to tangibly and visibly demonstrate to the community that progress on sustainability is not just possible but is readily achievable. Each win in sustainability creates a cascading effect, driving further ambitions and building community support.”

Centre Director Professor Gil Garnier, of Monash University, said: “Through strong industry partnerships spanning forestry, fibre processing, recycling, coatings, biomaterials and manufacturing, SMaRT-Pack will accelerate the pathway from research to commercial application while supporting new jobs, regional opportunities and a more sustainable future for Australian packaging.”

The centre is designed to deliver an end-to-end approach to packaging innovation. Beyond developing new materials and manufacturing processes, it will be establishing rigorous test methods, clear standards, measurement protocols and policy recommendations to evaluate functional performance, recyclability, degradation, CO₂ impact and energy intensity across full life cycles.

Image caption: Monash University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sharon Pickering along with Hon Andrew Giles MP, Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Professor Gil Garnier at the launch on Tuesday, 6 October.