Haircare Group Packaging Sustainability Policy

1. Purpose

The Haircare Group (HCG) is committed to improving the sustainability of packaging associated with the products we distribute. As a distributor, we recognise that our influence is primarily through procurement practices, supplier engagement, our own secondary and tertiary packaging and operational waste management.

This strategy outlines a practical and achievable approach to aligning with the APCO Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) and contributing to Australia's National Packaging Targets, within the scope of our operations.

2. Scope

This strategy applies to:

• Packaging directly placed on market by HCG (e.g. shippers)
• Packaging associated with products supplied by third-party brands
• Internal operational packaging and waste

3. Guiding Principles (Aligned to APCO Sustainable Packaging Guidelines)

HCG will consider the following principles in packaging-related decisions, where we have influence:

• Design for recovery: prioritise recyclable materials in our own packaging.
• Optimise material efficiency: reduce unnecessary packaging whilst preventing avoidable product waste.
• Use recycled and/or renewable materials: preference for recycled and/or renewable materials where feasible.
• Eliminate problematic materials: avoid or phase out known problematic plastics and hazardous materials where possible.
• Design for transport efficiency: optimise packaging size, weight and format to maximise pallet efficiency, reduce empty space and minimise transport-related environmental impacts.
• Provide clear disposal information: support correct end-of-life outcomes (e.g. ARL).

4. Objectives & Targets (2026–2028)

4.1 Governance & Integration

• Establish and maintain a documented packaging sustainability strategy (this document).
• Review progress annually as part of APCO reporting.

4.2 Supplier Engagement

• Communicate HCG's packaging expectations to key suppliers, including:
  • Preference for recyclable packaging
  • Encouragement to increase recycled content
  • Awareness of problematic plastics (e.g. EPS, PVC, carbon black)
• Where feasible, prioritise suppliers aligned with sustainable packaging practices.

4.3 HCG Packaging

• Ensure all HCG-controlled packaging (e.g. shippers):
  • Is recyclable and/or renewable where commercially and technically feasible
  • Avoids problematic materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and similar materials
• Continue to explore opportunities to:
  • Optimise packaging design and shipper configurations to improve transport efficiency and reduce unnecessary material use
  • Increase recycled content in packaging materials over time

4.4 Disposal Labelling

• Expand the use of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) on HCG packaging (e.g. shippers).
• Where feasible, encourage suppliers to utilise clear and recognised disposal labelling to support correct end-of-life outcomes for packaging.

4.5 Problematic Plastics

• Identify any problematic or unnecessary plastics within HCG-controlled packaging.
• Where feasible, phase out or replace with more sustainable alternatives.
• Engage suppliers to encourage similar actions.

4.6 On-site Waste & Community Engagement

• Maintain and improve on-site recycling and waste diversion practices across operations.
• Participate annually in a Business Clean-Up Day to support litter reduction and environmental awareness.

5. Responsibilities

6. Monitoring & Review

Progress will be reviewed annually as part of:

• APCO Annual Reporting
• Internal review of packaging practices

Targets and actions will be updated over time as capability and influence increases.

7. Commitment

Haircare Group is committed to continuous improvement in packaging sustainability, recognising that as a distributor, meaningful impact is achieved through collaboration with suppliers, responsible operational practices, and clear communication with customers.