Delivering for the future: how our 2030 Sustainability Framework supports Australian businesses

Running a business today means balancing growth, customer expectations and long‑term resilience - all while navigating a rapidly changing world. Sustainability is an increasingly important part of that picture, but it doesn’t always come with clear answersAs customer expectations for speed and convenience grow - while demand simultaneously surges -  many organisations are grappling with the need to respond, while also keeping costs down. Supply chain specialist Craig Bamford shares some thoughts to consider.

Every day, Australia Post operates at national scale. In FY25 alone, we delivered more than 2.2 billion articles across Australia — a reminder of the size, reach and responsibility of our network. As volumes continue to grow, how we deliver matters more than ever.

That’s why we’ve introduced our 2030 Sustainability Framework: the next step on our sustainability journey (PDF 2.3MB), outlining how Australia Post is focusing its efforts over the next five years, while keeping a clear line of sight to our longer‑term Sustainability vision for 2050.

“We’re upgrading Australia Post for the future. We’re moving beyond incremental improvements to focus on the structural changes that will have the greatest impact, particularly across transport, energy and resource use.” explains Australia Post Chief Sustainability Officer Richard Pittard.

The Framework builds on what we’ve already achieved and helps us continue supporting businesses and communities as expectations around sustainability continue to evolve.

Why 2030 matters

Our long-term sustainability vision, Delivering for the Future (PDF 2.3MB), aligns with Australia’s national ambition to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. The 2030 Sustainability Framework is an important step on that journey - helping translate long-term intent into practical action today. 

By focusing on the years to 2030, we’re laying strong foundations for the decades ahead. It allows us to invest thoughtfully, learn as we go and respond to changing customer and community needs - without losing sight of where we’re heading.

What the Sustainability Framework focuses on

The Framework sets out our sustainability focus areas for the next five years, concentrating on where we can have the greatest impact across our network. 

Reducing carbon emissions

Transport is the largest contributor to Australia Post’s carbon footprint. Under the 2030 Framework, we’re sharpening our focus on the more complex emissions challenges across our transport network.

Our 2030 targets include:

• maintaining Scope 3 emissions at 2025 levels
• an additional 8% reduction in Scope 1 emissions (from a 2025 baseline)
• expanding on‑site solar capacity from 14MW to 30MW
• maintaining 100% renewable‑matched electricity across operational sites.

“Reducing emissions in a network as large and complex as ours is not simple. It requires electrification, low‑carbon fuels, renewable energy and smarter logistics - but just as importantly, it requires partnership across our supply chain,” notes Pittard.

Keeping resources in use

Circularity is another key focus area. The Framework signals a shift away from a traditional ‘take‑make‑waste’ model, with 2030 targets to:

• achieve a further 30% reduction in waste to landfill from 2025 baseline
• reach 80% waste diversion from landfill.

This includes rethinking day‑to‑day operations to reduce material use, extend product and asset lifespans, and enable reuse, alongside scalable recovery and recycling approaches that maintain customer expectations for safety and reliability.

This work sits alongside our ongoing commitments to reconciliation, community partnerships, diversity and inclusion, and social and Indigenous procurement - all of which remain central to who we are and how we operate.

Building on progress already made

The 2030 Sustainability Framework builds on progress made to date, as outlined in Australia Post’s FY25 Annual Report (PDF 16.5MB). 

By FY25, we had:

• transitioned operational sites to 100% renewable electricity
• reduced carbon emissions by 20% compared to FY19
• cut waste to landfill by 39% over the same period. 

These results provide a strong foundation as we move into the next phase of work, recognising that the path to 2030 brings more complex challenges and requires continued collaboration across our network.

What this means for businesses

Practical infrastructure plays an important role in improving our network.  Solutions like Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and repeat delivery attempts, offering customers greater flexibility and helping businesses benefit from more efficient, reliable deliveries.

As part of our broader approach, Parcel Lockers support a smarter network - helping reduce unnecessary trips and make better use of shared delivery locations.

Circularity also presents opportunities for businesses. By testing new approaches to packaging and materials, we’re learning what’s practical at scale and working with partners to trial solutions that can help reduce waste over time, while continuing to meet customer expectations.

Read more about our Circular Clothing Service pilot program.

Looking ahead together

Our work to 2030 connects what we’re doing today with our longer-term ambitions to 2050 and beyond. Sustainability isn’t just about targets - it shapes how we evolve Australia Post so we can continue serving every community and business that relies on us. We believe coordinated activity can meaningfully drive change. By being clear about where we’re focusing our efforts, we aim to support businesses navigating their own sustainability priorities - now and into the future.