Another important step has been taken towards reducing plastic packaging waste in New Zealand, with new research conducted into the amount of plastic packaging on our market, and how it flows through our resource recovery system. The insights from this study are a crucial part of developing a new plan for the management of plastic packaging in New Zealand – the Plastic Packaging Product Stewardship (PPPS) scheme – being led by The Packaging Forum and the Food and Grocery Council.
The research, commissioned by the PPPS Project Team, was divided into two parts: the first aimed at identifying the amount of plastic packaging placed on the market, from both consumer and non-consumer sources; the second following the path of this packaging, from collection to processing and destination, including whether it stayed in Aotearoa or was sent abroad.
The report is now available for download and provides a snapshot of the New Zealand plastic packaging system. With acknowledged data gaps, extrapolated data is used to present a complete picture. Extensive review by the PPPS Steering Group and technical advisors, also allows discussion around the level of confidence in the data highlighted within the report (Figure 14). The data will be updated as more reliable information is identified. We welcome stakeholder input at any time.
Research Organisation
Valpak Consulting was selected as the service provider for this research following a tender process by the PPPS Project Team and evaluation of the proposals by the Steering Group.
Scope & Methodology
The scope was limited to plastic packaging placed on the market in the consumer/ retail sector and the non-consumer sector.
Where consumption data for New Zealand was available (e.g., food & grocery sector surveys) this was used. However, where data was not available, Valpak used the UK Environmental Product Information Centre (EPIC) database as a proxy to estimate the amount of plastic packaging placed onto the New Zealand market and sense-checked this data with technical and industry experts advising the project.
Valpak surveyed councils, waste collectors, recyclers and processors supported by secondary research to determine the flow of plastic packaging within New Zealand.
The report has been reviewed by the PPPS Steering Group, with data and flows considered at a workshop comprising a range of technical advisors.
Download report here