Our role in the product stewardship of packaging, where there is shared responsibility across the entire packaging value chain including consumer behaviour and recovery methods, is in our DNA. We've been actively engaged in the topic since we signed the 'Packaging Accords' with the Minister for the Environment in 1996 and 2004 respectively.

A key element of the Packaging Accords was to determine New Zealand’s packaging recycling rate.  The most recent data collected at the direction of the Packaging Council was compiled by an independent body ensuring complete confidentiality of the data for contributors and providing confidence on the independence of the final numbers for stakeholders.

The Packaging Council membership continues to practice voluntary product stewardship in its broadest concept demonstrating real environmental benefits within their own businesses, for their customers, clients and communities. 

AN OVERVIEW OF THE PACKAGING ACCORDS:

FIRST NEW ZEALAND PACKAGING ACCORD (1996-2001)

The main objectives were to:

• promote the adoption of an industry code of practice focusing on minimising the environmental impact of packaging;
• collect data and report annually on quantities of packaging and packaging waste;
• establish an integrated education programme on packaging and packaging waste.

SECOND NEW ZEALAND PACKAGING ACCORD (2004-2009) 

Focused on improving the sustainability of packaging used in New Zealand by:

• better partnerships, policies and processes;
• brand owners and retailers taking the primary responsibility for product stewardship throughout the packaging lifecycle;
• greater material and energy efficiency in the production, use and recovery of packaging materials;
• supply chain initiatives that foster markets for sustainably-made packaging, including more use of recovered packaging materials.