As part of our members’ commitment to taking responsibility for their packaging throughout its lifecycle, we’re inviting expressions of interest from members with special expertise or knowledge to join us in forming two technical advisory groups – one for compostable packaging, and another for fibre packaging (card and paper).
28 May 2020
Each of these packaging types has unique challenges when it comes to end of life resource recovery, be it collection, processing or end markets. Sound, scalable solutions will require input from those within the industry as well as others with specialist technical knowledge.
The Packaging Forum had previously formed a working group that was investigating the possible adoption of a compostable packaging standard. This group was disbanded pending the results of research being carried out on compostability of materials by other parties. The scope of the new advisory group will likely extend beyond establishing a standard.
The groups will explore the barriers and possible pathways to end of life solutions for these packaging types. Their findings and advice will inform decisions made by The Packaging Forum board. The terms of reference for the advisory groups will be established at the first meeting of interested parties. The Packaging Forum is committed to continue working collaboratively with other industry groups on these issues.
If you are interested in becoming a member of either of the groups, please register your expression of interest with Adele Rose (adele@packagingforum.org.nz) by 15 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 lockdown enters its third week we would like to applaud our members who are doing their part in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
14 April 2020
The lockdown has put unprecedented pressure some of our members with many unable to operate and others having to ramp up production or adapt their processes.
Watties, for example, have set new production records with employees its factories in Hawke’s Bay, Christchurch and Auckland working like never before to keep up with demand for essentials. This while adhering to strict protocols mandated by MPI and enacted by the business to keep staff safe.
Countdown launched an initiative to ensure home deliveries were prioritised for vulnerable people. This was done alongside an increase in home delivery capacity as demand for the service surged.
Foodstuffs have also worked hard to help older and vulnerable customers, with New World and Student Volunteer Army having added Auckland to a growing list of communities with access to a contactless grocery delivery service.
Across the ditch Detmol Group have prepared to employ up to 160 extra staff to produce millions of respirator and surgical masks for the South Australian and Federal Governments, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
O-I New Zealand has been quick to assist Hamilton’s Good George brewing company, who have switched their production to hand sanitiser. O-I New Zealand has created the packaging for their sanitiser – a recycled version of their existing 946mL Squealer glass bottle.
Foodstuffs and Prolife Foods are trialling a new, recycled paper packaging solution in the Alison’s Pantry departments of 30 stores.
25 February 2020
The recycled paper bags are on trial at 30 New World and PAK’nSAVE stores around the country until the end of March. This option will be available alongside the existing Alison’s Pantry resealable LDPE (type 4) bags.
Read more: Supermarket News article
The Collective, is leading the charge as the first yoghurt company in New Zealand to use recycled plastic (rPET) in its packaging.
26 February 2020
As part of a company-wide sustainability journey to reduce its environmental impact, The Collective’s kefir probiotic yoghurt is the first of its products to hit the shelves with recycled plastic packaging.
Read more: Supermarket News article
