WALKING THE WALK

Small changes can all add up to a sustainable future.

Sustainable sourcing, recyclability, biodegradability and plastic free solutions are all hot topics in the current environment.

In the most recent Colmar Brunton Better Futures Survey* the No. 1 concern for New Zealanders was the build-up of plastic waste in the environment and 88% of Kiwis surveyed believe biodegradability is important. Potential new regulations are looming, including Mandatory Product Stewardship where retailers and suppliers will be held accountable for packaging from as early as 2020. The NZ plastic packaging declaration pledges to use 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.

“Manufacturers need to take these trends into account and work to improve the environmental performance of their products. This can be a large undertaking and requires a significant amount of investigation, resource and maybe even progression of company values,” says Chair of the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme and Cottonsoft Marketing Manager, Malcolm Everts.

Cottonsoft has just undertaken two such challenges, breaking new ground in launching NZ made plastic free water wipes for babies, and now EarthSmart 360° toilet tissue with Recyclable Paper packaging. The EarthSmart Aquawipes project has taken almost three years to create premium quality biodegradable product, while paper packaging has taken six months of intensive trial and development to commercialise.

“When challenges look insurmountable, the best thing to do is just START,” says Cottonsoft Country Manager Kim Calvert.

“It’s fair to say changing packaging from plastic to paper created significant challenges, especially while commissioning a new factory at the same time, so plenty of coffee helps! We always had strong ambitions to lead change in this space, and are committed to providing consumers a range of NZ made alternatives to plastic baby wipes and plastic packaging that could only be recycled overseas,” says Calvert.

“Consumers are actively seeking to buy certified products so they have peace of mind they are making the right social and environmental choice. For example, ECNZ (Environmental Choice New Zealand) licensing and PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification) are excellent options for paper products, covering both environmental AND ethical sourcing criteria. All Cottonsoft tissue is PEFC certified plus brands such as Tuffy and CottonSofts also carry ECNZ certification. Cottonsoft is also a proud foundation sponsor and advocate for soft plastic recycling in New Zealand.”

“In addition to certification, Paseo premium toilet tissue is made with pure pulp and rapidly renewable fibre,” explains Everts. “We harvest every six years and replant within a year, so it’s a good environmental choice”.

He adds: “Every little bit of change that a company can make to reduce waste, increase recyclability or sustainably source products will help us look after our planet for future generations – even if it’s just ensuring grounds from the office coffee machine go to compost rather than landfill. So please, if you are thinking about change but finding it challenging – START. Even if it’s not perfect, you make progress and can course correct as you learn more. It’s better than doing nothing.”

*Source Colmar Brunton better Futures Survey 2019

FRESH REDESIGN FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Farmland Foods are putting their stamp on creating a more sustainable future for New Zealand with their freshly redesigned Just Cut packaging, made from NZ sourced recycled #1 RPET plastic.

Brand Manager Steven Young explains: “A lot of #1 plastic says recyclable, but NZ recycled is very different, and is a critical difference. The plastic material for the tray is sourced from Flight Plastics

NZ who actively capture NZ waste stream plastic from kerbside collection, reprocessing it through their wash plant and transforming it into food grade material, which Farmland Foods then use to make the trays. Most other #1 PET are 100% imported material – some of them virgin material, some of them recycled in other countries, but are an addition to New Zealand’s imported plastic volumes. “Importantly, Kiwis will know that their recycling efforts now have a local use, saving the need for more imports, more carbon, and more freight - instead supporting New Zealand’s economic and environmental performance.

“With consumer demand growing for environmentally sustainable products and packaging, the new recyclable tray will be diverting over half a million packets per year from landfill, making a true step towards a circular economy in our country where resources can be used again and again. Farmland Foods plans to expand the use of NZ #1 RPET to its other pre-packaged meats ranges in the future,” says Young.

Along with the fresh new look for the Just Cuts range, they have added a new variant - Glazed Ham - to the range of six flavours, which includes Pastrami, Roast Beef, Corned Silverside, Hot Beef and Hot Pork, giving consumers premium cuts of meat at an affordable price.

For more information please contact your sales rep or phone 0800 806 328, email info@flf.nz or visit www.farmlandfoods.nz

SUSTAINABILITY: A GOOD NEWS STORY

In the world of packaging design, the increasing focus on sustainability has driven a number of changes. “As designers, it’s something we increasingly take into account,” says Jenny McMillan, Business Director at Brother Design.

“But the changes aren’t all at our end. In fact, changes in how waste is processed are having a significant positive effect. Councils and other organisations are doing an ever-better job of sorting and processing plastics and other materials. They’re also getting greater consumer buy-in to improve recycling rates.

The result, in many places, is that plastics categorised as 1 to 7 can now all be recycled – a significant move on from the recent past. Of course some some recycling facilities can still only cope with types 1 and 2, but things are changing.

“So, while plastic has been targeted as a bogeyman, the reality is more nuanced. Sometimes there is no economically-viable alternative, but knowing alternatives that work is key.

“An example is the packaging we recently completed for Trade Aid. A 100% compostable film gave their organic, fairtrade chocolate range a premium feel while meeting Trade Aid’s keen desire for sustainability. In household and cleaning products, we’ve sourced bamboo closures and measuring scoops to replace plastic.

“The reality is, while we can’t always eliminate plastic, at least not yet, there are steps we can take that reduce it. And improvements are happening all the time in the waste stream. It’s a constant learning process and we’re always happy to share our knowledge with clients,” says McMillan.

For more information contact jenny@brotherdesign.co.nz

PLANET, PEOPLE AND PROFIT - SUSTAINABILITY IN FMCG

How many companies report their sustainability objectives and performance? Is sustainability left to the big international brands, or is it feasible for all companies to benefit by embracing a sustainable practice?

“Of course, profit is essential in business; however, consumers now expect ‘people’ and the ‘planet’ to be on the agenda too,” says National Sales Manager Desarae Payne.

“Customers are becoming increasingly aware of unnecessary packaging, excessive carbon emissions and correct recycling techniques. They care about our planet and want to know that the companies they buy from care too.

“A fresh approach to procurement is often required, and a more holistic view to purchasing decisions should be made. Look for more environmentally friendly alternatives and ensure these suppliers are aware of your objectives and goals. Embracing innovation can make a huge difference, and the great news is that we do not need to re-invent the wheel. Many countries have prioritised sustainable practices for decades and we should turn to them for ideas and inspiration.

“For example, innovative solutions like Longopac, made by the Swedish company PAXXO, can make a significant difference to the volume of plastic a company throws away, along with significant CO2 savings and a substantial increase in recycling rates. Not only that, when you include the time savings, this change can also reduce costs.

“Here is just one example of how a typical supermarket could benefit when changing to the Longopac bagging system:

• Carbon Savings - 4,990 kg p.a

• Plastic Savings - 982kg

• Time saved - 253 Hours •Recycling rates increase by 50% + (Figures based on 120-litre bins emptied twice per day)

For a free trial, or to find out more visit www.easirecycling.co.nz or give us a call on 0800 342 3177.”

EARTHWISE - A 50 YEAR LEGACY IN SUSTAINABILITY

The Earthwise story began more than 50 years ago, long before many had considered the environmental impact of chemical-based consumer products. Earthwise founder and eco-friendly pioneer, Tom Robinson created his first plant-based product in his garden shed in Orini, a small town in Waikato in 1967. Sustainability remains at the heart of everything they do.

“Earthwise has the largest range of household cleaning and toilet products that are certified by Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ). ECNZ is the highest independent accredited eco label, considering the full life cycle of a product and recognising genuine moves made by manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact,” explains Jamie Peters, Managing Director.

Earthwise takes a holistic view on sustainability, reducing their carbon footprint by working with local suppliers where possible, reducing the use of virgin plastic, using recycled and biodegradable materials, and monitoring energy and water consumption. For example, Earthwise removed the plastic bag from their laundry powder packaging, uses shipper boxes made from recycled materials and a biodegradable film for dishwasher tablets. Earthwise also uses plant-based ingredients that are grey water and septic tank safe, that are biodegradable - breaking down into mineral and plant material, which is better for the environment.

“We’ve moved the largest range of Grocery household cleaning products to locally manufactured bottles using a minimum of 75% recycled plastic, sourced from milk, water and juice bottles,” says Peters. Since October 2018, they have reused and diverted approximately 163 tonnes of plastic from landfill*. The company also pledged support for the New Zealand Plastic Packaging Declaration to have 100% of packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 or earlier, and also joined the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.

TC PACKAGING

With over 25 years’ operating experience in New Zealand, Transcontinental New Zealand (TC NZ) is a leading supplier of flexible packaging to the FMCG, horticulture, retail and manufacturing markets. TC NZ is both a reputable manufacturer and trader, supplying all forms of flexible packaging including paper, traditional plastic films and alternate sustainable resin based films. TC NZ employs over 85 people in New Zealand with centres in Auckland and Christchurch, home to an ultra-modern food grade packaging manufacturing plant. Globally, TC Transcontinental (www. tc.tc ) is committed to a circular approach to plastic. “As global signatories to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, we have committed that by 2025, 100% of our plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable, and 10% of our plastic output will be made from recycled plastic waste,” says TC NZ Sales Director Donald Lee.

TC NZ can meet customer requirements by extruding and converting compostable resins, green PE (PE derived from renewable resources such as waste sugar cane), and also has the ability to manufacture with recycled resins.

“Already, TC NZ recycle a significant volume of in-house, post-industrial waste which goes into our industrial and refuse packaging. Recently, TC NZ has launched a retail carry bag range called the “I am a Keeper” range. These bags are also made from post-industrial recycled plastic, the first retail bag of its kind made in New Zealand. Lee explains: “to create a circular economy we must give our customers choice in the marketplace and support the demand for recycled content.”

The ‘I am a Keeper’ range is fully compliant with the Waste Minimisation (Plastic Shipping Bag) Regulations 2018 Act and currently comes in two sizes, medium and large.

Contact salesnz@tc.tc for more information.

HARRINGTON’S SMALLGOODS LEADS THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

Harrington’s Smallgoods is now available in ecofriendly packaging, one of only a few Kiwi food producers using new technology to reduce its environmental impact.

Made from recycled and plant-based materials, all elements (except the soft plastic wrap sealing the trays) can be recycled - including ink on the packaging, which is a significant departure for the industry.

“The new packaging for bacon and sausages has been warmly welcomed by consumers and aligns with the New Zealand Plastic Packaging Declaration - which commits to using 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025. Many companies support the Declaration, including Countdown and Foodstuffs,” says Angus Black, General Manager of Harrington’s Smallgoods. “It’s a natural progression for our company to reduce its footprint.”

“All our meat comes from New Zealand farms and is free-range - we believe in making ethical products, which are good for the environment and good for Kiwis. Improving our packaging was the next step,” says Black.

Lawrence Olsen, Managing Director of Exemplar NZ, has been working with Harrington’s on its new packaging and says it’s both sustainable and environmentally friendly. “It uses materials from renewable sources (plant-based materials), recycled plastic and is recycle-ready. In our case, this means taking plastic from trays, bottles etc. and recycling them into new trays and bottles. A full end-toend process.”

Next year, Harrington’s hopes to phase in a foodsafe alternative to the soft plastic which seals the meat tray.

For more information visit www.harringtonsmallgoods.co.nz