In May 2023 Kantar Research surveyed a sample of over 1000 New Zealanders online to understand consumers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours around plastic packaging recycling.
The insights from this survey 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. The research shows that the new scheme will need to engage consumers and enable them to make a difference in their recycling through clear and transparent labelling and where possible making it convenient for the consumer to recycle.
The research finds that:
- The key barrier to recycling plastics is that people are confused by the different types of plastic packaging and what to do about food residue.
- Plastics are believed to have the greatest negative impact on the environment.
- Few people have a clear understanding of what happens when plastic packaging is put out for recycling.
- People look to on-pack labelling for guidance on how to dispose or recycle the packaging.
- People would like recycling to be easier.
The research is now available for download.
Download now