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WINTER 2006
PAC.NZ PRESS RELEASE - WASTE MINISTATION BILL The Packaging Council of New Zealand is concerned that the Green Party’s Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill, which passed its first reading in parliament yesterday, will introduce further punitive legislation on New Zealand’s manufacturers CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT THE PACKAGING COUNCIL HAVE TO SAY WASTE LEVIES – TO HAVE OR NOT TO HAVE? MfE have been directed by Benson-Pope to do their homework and report back by late June. Much consultation with all players is required. CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT THE PACKAGING COUNCIL HAS TO SAY CLICK HER TO SEE WHAT THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT HAVE TO SAY BIO-BASED AND DEGRADABLE PLASTICS Bio based and degradable plastics have been hitting the news of late. The issues surrounding this form of plastic are being discussed by the Plastics and Recycling Sectors. CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT PLASTICS NEW ZEALAND CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT THE RECYCLING OPERATORS OF NEW ZEALAND AND THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD ARE SAYING ACCORDing to PACKAGING will now be produced quarterly. Our new editor, Anne Scott will compile the Spring issue more… The latest from our sector groups: Packaging Council of New Zealand
If you are unable to read this newsletter or to use the links, please refer
To us her greatest attribute was her wicked, intelligent wit. Bron had the ability to take a serious situation and see the funny side of it without detracting from the issue, that and her ability to astutely assess people’s characters, their strengths and weaknesses. She was empathetic, wise, funny, astute, creative and incredibly brave - she faced and handled her illness and subsequent death with dignity and grace. Bronnie is sorely missed by our team and to many within the industry. The world is a lesser place for her not walking in it.
PACKAGING ACCORD GOVERNING BOARD Tony Nowell – Accord Chair – Griffins Foods Ltd Melissa Hodd – Foodstuffs (NZ) Ltd George Campbell – Sealed Air (New Zealand) Ltd / Cryovac Peter McElroy – Amcor Kiwi Packaging Brian Slingsby – O-I New Zealand
Rachel Depree – Ministry for the Environment Susan Edwards – Local Government New Zealand Peter Thorne – Recycling Operators of New Zealand
The Governing Board has met twice this year 2 March and 19 May. At both meetings the issue of Waste Levies was paramount. WASTE LEVIES The Governing Board requested the Secretariat to write to the Ministry for the Environment stating that it was opposed to a levy on business to business transactions of waste and was opposed to any levy structure which increases the cost of recycling.
The Ministry responded advising that it, the Ministry, would be taking into account the views of all parties concerned.
A draft waste levy proposal was prepared by the Metro Councils and larger waste management companies, which outlines what a national waste levy could look like: http://www.packaging.org.nz/newsletter/draft_proposal_one.php
The Ministry has been charged by the Minister for the Environment, the Hon. David Benson-Pope, to liaise with all parties concerned and report back to him by the end of July.
The Ministry’s role is to view all outcomes, especially perverse outcomes where a levy may work against or increase the cost of recycling, as integral to the final report to the Minister
The Ministry for the Environment does not hold a position on Waste Levies nor does Local Government New Zealand who are in the process of soliciting responses from their Territorial Authorities.
After this initial consultation is complete, if the Minister decides to progress with a waste levy, then a public consultation document will be prepared and there will be wider consultation.
The Governing Board will monitor progress. _________________________________________________________________
DEGRADABLE PLASTICS While this natural alternative has many positive benefits there is no system in New Zealand to identify bio degradable / degradable plastics from that of PET etc. The lack of identification codes and high contamination levels into plastic mixes are of concern and need to be addressed.
Plastics New Zealand is investigating development of a standard / code of practice.
The Governing Board is kept briefed by Plastics New Zealand on this issue.
CONTAINER DEPOSIT LEGISLATION (CDL) CDL was discussed as it is part of the Green’s Waste Minimisation Bill which is due to have its first reading in Parliament on the 14th June. It was agreed that the Bill is very prescriptive and whatever form taken, there was a need to look at the range of tools there is to work with.
The Secretariat was asked to put together a paper to better inform the broader industry on CDL – this must give a balanced view of both sides of the argument.
The next Governing Board meeting is scheduled for the 7th July 2006.
WASTE LEVIES The Ministry for the Environment is seeking feedback on that proposal and will make a formal proposal to the Minister by the end of June. Under this proposal, the tax would be set at $10 per tonne in year one, $20 in year two and $30 in year three, at which point there would be a review. The size of the tax bill to New Zealand would be in the region of $200 million over the first three years on material going to landfill. The money would go into a central fund to finance waste minimisation activities. Only the local councils would have access to the fund in year one. Industry would have access (upon application) to 25% of the fund in year two and 50% of the fund in year three. The Ministry will be employing a consultant to assess the impact that the tax may have on voluntary product stewardship programmes such as the Packaging Accord. The Packaging Council has serious concerns that the process is moving much too fast and that consultation has been limited. The Council does not supported a tax on packaging waste, on the basis that it signed the Packaging Accord 2004 with the understanding that it is a voluntary product stewardship initiative to reduce the proportion of packaging in the total waste stream and that Government would only consider regulation if the voluntary approach does not provide sufficient improvements in reducing packaging waste. The Packaging Accord clearly is working and the great success of the project to date was highlighted recently in a speech made by the Hon. David Benson-Pope MP at the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association AGM on the 25th May: "You certainly make a mockery of the recent comment by Green's Environment Spokesperson Nandor Tanczos when he said the present voluntary Packaging Accord has proved to be a 'remarkable failure.’ "In fact, national targets for the recovery of paper, plastic, aluminium, glass and steel, by weight of consumption, are all tracking towards their 2008 targets. "These recycling targets are of course comparable with those overseas, for example Europe, and the current recovery rates in New Zealand are similar to those achieved in regulated jurisdictions." On the 25th May, the Packaging Council organised a breakfast workshop with its Accord partners to discuss the waste tax proposals. The workshop was attended by 67 delegates from the packaging industry, central and local government & the recycling industry. The question and answer session demonstrated the depth of the packaging industry’s concerns that the process is moving too fast and that much greater research needs to be conducted on the appropriateness of a waste tax in New Zealand. The two areas of greatest concern are the impact a waste tax could have on a voluntary product stewardship scheme like the Packaging Accord and the perverse outcome that a tax on waste could increase the cost of recycling, where waste by-products of certain recycling operations can currently only be sent to landfill. The Packaging Council is working with its members, the packaging material sector associations, including Plastics New Zealand and the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association and the Ministry for the Environment to further investigate these perverse outcomes, but has not changed its position that a tax should not be applied to packaging waste. One mechanism for ensuring that outcome could be an exemption granted to companies who are signed up to Government recognised product stewardship schemes, which is the position taken by the Employers and Manufacturers Association. It is interesting to note that the recently released Australian Productivity Commission’s draft report on Waste Management recommends that (Australian) Governments should discontinue the current practice of using landfill levies since:
There is no doubt that there is much water still to flow under this particular bridge. GREEN’S WASTE MINIMISATION BILL
During his speech to the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association AGM on the 25th May, the Minister for the Environment, Hon. David Benson-Pope, made the following comments about the Bill: “This Bill is concerned only with solid waste and many, including me, consider that it is excessively detailed and prescriptive. We have, after all, made huge progress on waste issues already using voluntary approaches, which I strongly support. The provisions of the Bill cover a number of policy elements already under consideration by the Government, such as waste levies and product stewardship, and could provide a statutory basis for these initiatives. We need to explore how we could work with this Bill to take forward some of our initiatives and what the views of the community are on those issues. The Government will, therefore, be supporting the Waste Minimisation Bill through to the Select Committee stage. I strongly encourage you to participate in the Select Committee process and to make submissions that clearly argue your interests.” For more information, visit the following websites: Hon. David Benson-Pope’s Speech to the NZPPA AGM http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=25926 Green Party’s Press Release http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/PR9781.html Ministry for the Environment – Current Issues for Waste Management http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/waste/current-issues/index.html
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – MEMBERS ONLY The Packaging Council of New Zealand will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 29th June 2006, Butterfly Creek (Papillon Room) Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland International Airport at 4:30pm.
A brief presentation from Celia Lashlie – author of HE’LL BE OKAY: GROWING GORGEOUS BOYS INTO GOOD MEN, will follow. Please contact Naomi Raveora to register your attendance.
David Perchard has been involved with packaging waste management policy ever since the European Commission started taking an interest in the environmental impact of packaging in 1974. He has been a member of a number of official advisory committees and is Consultant to CEN TC261, the Technical Committee which developed European standards for packaging. He began his career with the Food Manufacturers Federation in the UK and spent eight years with Cadbury Schweppes before co-founding his own independent consultancy, Perchards, in 1987. Perchards specialises in monitoring, strategic political advice and policy analysis on packaging and related issues, and publishes regular updates on national and EU packaging policies. We have expanded our interest in recycling and waste management to cover waste electrical and electronic products, spent batteries and end-of-life vehicles as the EU has developed producer responsibility policies for these sectors. Perchards has been engaged by some 280 companies and trade associations based in 26 countries. We have worked for clients in every continent except Antarctica! We have also carried out projects for the European Commission and for government bodies in Australia, Ireland, the Slovak Republic and the UK. These have covered issues such as policy options for packaging regulation (Australia and the UK); compliance cost assessments (Australia and the UK); aspects of implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and the pitfalls to be avoided (for the Commission’s DG Enlargement); packaging data-gathering methodologies (for the Irish EPA); a packaging waste management plan (for the Slovak Republic), and a review of packaging definitions across Europe to identify a consistent set of principles which could be used to establish whether a “borderline item” is to be regarded as packaging or not (for the UK). David Perchard was team leader for the Commission’s study on the progress of implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, and its impact on the functioning of the Internal Market, published in 2005. He is also Vice-President of the Sydney-based Product Stewardship Council, which was recently set up to exchange and disseminate knowledge and understanding of how product stewardship initiatives work in practice. September 2006
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING FOR MARKETERS, SUPPLY CHAIN AND PURCHASING & PRODUCT MANAGERS On Thursday 27 April, the Packaging Council of New Zealand with support from the Ministry for the Environment held a one day workshop "ACCORDING to PACKAGING: AN INTRODUCTION FOR MARKETERS".
The workshop was well attended with 30 representatives from industry, recyclers, local and central government.
Presenter, Helen Lewis from the Centre of Design, RMIT University - Melbourne gave an overview of understanding the environmental impacts of packaging which included, the Australian National Packaging Covenant & the New Zealand Packaging Accord, eco-design strategies, design for recycling and degradability, life cycle thinking.
The bulk content of this course will be presented on the 18 October at Foodtech Packtech at a workshop aimed at the supply chain and product managers. Further information and course content will be posted to the website.
For further information on Foodtech Packtech please go to: http://www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz
MEMBER NEWS THE PACKAGING COUNCIL WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS - Glass Packaging Forum - Hunt Agencies Ltd - Kimberly-Clark Australia Pty Ltd - PZ Cussons (New Zealand) Pty Ltd - Reckitt Benckiser (New Zealand) Ltd - Recycling Commodities Ltd 3DM Worldwide plc has recently signed an exclusive agency agreement with a local Auckland based company called Hunt Agencies Ltd (tel 09 274 4114) who are now responsible for assisting 3DM Worldwide in developing the New Zealand market. Hunt Agencies Ltd and 3DM Worldwide are currently seeking commercial partners who would benefit from their sandwich-maker.
Do you take the lids off plastic bottles before putting them in your recycling bin? If you don’t, the bottles are less likely to be recycled because bottle and lid are made from different plastics and current recycling methods require their separation before any reprocessing can take place. Despite their simplicity, such bottles are ecologically ugly: designed for a linear life that ends in landfill rather than a cyclical life of constant reuse.
Our world is full of ugly products that are extremely difficult to recycle in full. If you shred a fridge, for example, you can recover the metals but you are left with a pile of shredded plastics that cannot be sorted by type. If we are to overcome the entrenched linearity of our consumer society and become truly cyclical, most of our products will need a serious redesign. But some of the ugliness is likely to linger: making all the mechanics, electrics and finishes of a fridge with only one plastic is never going to be easy. Innovation is needed, therefore, in the methods of materials recovery as well as in the design process.
For a great example of such innovation, look no further than 3DM Worldwide plc where a new technology has been invented that turns mixed plastics of all types into moulded products with development potential in almost any market you can think of.
Our process, called Powder Impression Moulding (PIM), is relatively simple. Whereas plastics are typically recycled using high pressure injection moulding systems, PIM relies on little more than a giant sandwich-maker. The two outer layers of the sandwich are virgin polymer – brand new plastic – between which the more substantial filling is cooked. This is a finely ground powder made from up to 100% recycled mixed plastics, depending on the requirements of the product being made. Arguably the process then becomes more cake-like than sandwich-like as the filling expands in the oven, aided by the secret PIM baking powder. The final product,shaped by the moulds in the sandwich-maker, is strong, light and any colour you desire.
At the end of the production line the cyclical credentials of the PIM process become very clear. Unlike cakes and sandwiches, which must be fed to the birds or composted if they don’t turn out as expected, any unwanted output of the PIM process can be fed straight back into the next production run as a raw material.
The process plant is still very new so 3DM Worldwide plc has recently signed an exclusive agency agreement with a local Auckland based company called Hunt Agencies Ltd (tel 09 274 4114) who are now responsible for assisting 3DM Worldwide in developing the New Zealand market. Hunt Agencies Ltd and 3DM Worldwide are currently seeking commercial partners who would benefit from their sandwich-maker. As the feedstock is very cheap, not least because there is so little demand for recovered mixed plastics, the process can reduce the costs of manufacturing as well as improving environmental performance. In time, the plastic dog-house in the corner of their factory ought to be joined by roof tiles, drainage pipes, pallets, agricultural food boxes, scaffold boards, hoardings, cladding, decking and emergency housing – and that’s just a few possibilities.
Unfortunately, even when a new manufacturing process is as unassailable as PIM, turning it into a commercial success remains a long struggle. Everyone likes to stick to their favorite cheese and onion toastie rather than try something new, however enticing the chef’s new recipe might be. So if you are involved in manufacturing or the recycling business then get in touch with either 3DM Worldwide or Hunt Agencies Ltd and see whether our mustard is to your linking.
If not, keep binning those yoghurt pots and removing those milk bottle lids. Let’s hope we won’t have to wait too long before our many plastics can be ground up, baked and returned to productive use, with even the ugliest of bottles made beautiful by the remarkable sandwich men of 3DM Worldwide.
GOVT3 All 47 central government departments are now signed up to the Govt3 programme. Govt3 is a programme for agencies to improve the sustainability of their activities, giving practical effect to government’s sustainability policies. Information, tools, and case studies are available at: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/sustainable-industry/govt3/index.html. WASTE LEVIES, PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP AND THE WASTE MINIMISATION BILL Waste management is currently a topical issue. The Ministry for the Environment is undertaking work on a policy framework for product stewardship, and is preparing advice for Government on different options for a waste levy. Also, a Private Members Bill from the Green Party on waste minimisation was drawn from the ballot recently, and is currently waiting for its first reading in Parliament. The Ministry for the Environment has set up a new page on its website where you can find the latest information on these issues. We suggest you check it out regularly. You can access this webpage via: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/waste/current-issues/index.html. The Minister for the Environment Hon David Benson-Pope spoke to the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association on 25 May and addressed these issues you may be interested to read his speech at: http://www.packaging.org.nz/media_news.php. GENTLE FOOTPRINTS BOOTS 'N' ALL A snapshot of New Zealand’s key environmental issues has been published in a new book. Gentle Footprints – Boots ‘n All is an easy to read document providing a factual basis. We encourage you to check it out at: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/ser/gentle-footprints-may06/index.html
UPDATE ON PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS IN AUSTRALIA Foreshadowed ban on HDPE plastic shopping bags Extracted from: Productivity Commission 2006, Waste Management, Draft Report, Canberra. For the whole report: http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/waste/draftreport/waste.pdf In July 2005, the Australian, State and Territory Governments announced an in-principle agreement with the Australian Retailers’ Association (ARA) to phase out HDPE shopping bags by the end of 2008 (EPHC 2005d). In announcing their decision, the Governments noted the ARA wanted legislation to prevent any retailer, including non-ARA members, from supplying HDPE bags beyond 2008
No details are available about any legislation governments might be contemplating to ensure HDPE bags are not supplied beyond 2008, or how retailers plan to phase out such bags in the interim. However, Australian, State and Territory environment ministers have asked for regulatory options to be developed (EPHC 2005a). Such regulation should only be adopted if it is supported by a thorough cost–benefit analysis, and other policy options are unlikely to deliver a greater net benefit. To date, there appears to have been no cost–benefit analysis of the consequences of banning plastic bags, or the likely consequences in terms of consumer alternatives should such a ban be implemented. The key potential benefits from banning plastic bags are argued to be a reduction in:
The extent to which plastic bags harm Australia’s marine wildlife is very uncertain: A [worldwide] figure of 100 000 marine animals killed annually has been widely quoted by environmental groups; this figure was from a study in Newfoundland [Eastern Canada] which estimated the number of animals entrapped by plastic bags in that area over a four-year period from 1981–1984. Actual numbers of animals injured or killed annually by plastic bag litter is obviously nearly impossible to determine. (Nolan-ITU 2002, p. 30) What is more certain is that only a very small proportion of plastic bags could cause the above-mentioned problems. Research commissioned by the Australian Government estimated that:
Plastic bags also account for a very small proportion of waste going to landfill (by weight), and may even assist in managing the environmental impacts of landfills: … plastic bag disposal to landfill is estimated at … roughly 0.2 per cent of total solid waste going to landfill each year in Australia [by weight].
… the environmental impact of plastic bags in landfill is likely to be low due to their essentially inert or unreactive nature. It appears that plastic bags may have some landfill management benefits including stabilising qualities, leachate minimisation and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. (EPHC 2002, p. 11)
Given the above, it appears that further enforcement and community action against littering might be more effective and efficient than banning HDPE bags, especially the 99 per cent that do not end up as litter. Governments have already taken steps in this regard by developing guidelines for the management of plastic bag litter at landfill sites and public places (EPHC 2005b, 2005c). These are the locations where plastic-bag litter is most likely to occur (Nolan-ITU 2002).
Any cost–benefit analysis would need to take into account the impact of banning plastic bags on consumers. As research for the Australian Government has noted, plastic bags provide a valuable service for shoppers:
The current plastic shopping bag is well suited to its task — it is cheap, lightweight, resource efficient, functional, moisture resistant, allows for quick packing at the supermarket and is remarkably strong for its weight.
… Plastic bags also currently perform an important task in product and food safety, keeping uncooked meat or cleaning products separate from other foods. (Nolan-ITU 2002, p. 4)
Banning HDPE bags could inconvenience consumers — such as when you forget to bring a non-HDPE bag to the supermarket — and impose an additional financial cost on them:
… on average, plastic shopping bags cost one cent each (wholesale), and as this cost is incorporated into retail store overheads, most consumers would see plastic bags as ‘free’ commodities. However, the real average cost per household is more likely to be around $10 to $15 per year … If plastic bags were replaced by alternatives, including degradable bags, the financial cost to the consumer would certainly increase. (EPHC 2002, p. 13)
Past research also indicates that a large proportion — possibly as high as 75 per cent — of householders reuse plastic shopping bags for purposes such as bin liners and general carry bags (EPHC 2002). Banning HDPE bags would deny consumers this benefit. Instead, they are likely to purchase more plastic garbage bags, at additional financial cost to themselves. This could also counteract at least some of the anticipated environmental benefits from banning HDPE bags.
In conclusion, it is clear there would be costs that might well outweigh the claimed benefits associated with banning HDPE shopping bags, and such a ban would only address problems associated with the less than one per cent of plastic bags that become litter.
DRAFT RECOMMENDATION 8.1
Governments and retailers should not proceed with their foreshadowed plan to eliminate plastic shopping bags by the end of 2008, unless it is supported by transparent cost–benefit analysis. The analysis should clarify the problems that the ban would seek to address, the response of the community to a ban, and whether or not alternatives — such as tougher anti-litter laws and means for encouraging greater community participation in controlling litter — would achieve better outcomes for the community.
1 EPHC (2002) reported that plastic bag litter on land does not appear to be a major problem for wildlife, despite reports that some cattle have died from plastic bag consumption.
GROCERY MASS BALANCE DATA New Zealand Food & Grocery Council The FMCG industry has a well entrenched culture of efficiency improvement throughout the supply chain. This has often been evidenced in the reduction/light weighting of packaging materials to reduce overall costs and the introduction of new technologies to improve performance and/or aesthetics. Emerging changes in consumer demographics and requirements (i.e. smaller households and smaller portion sizes) do however have the potential to effectively work against the reduction of packaging volumes. To ensure the right industry response, it is therefore vital to capture robust data which clearly shows trends in overall packaging usage. An ambitious project is underway to capture actual packaging Mass Balance data based on retail sales volumes. The plan is to combine volume sales in Grocery outlets by individual SKU (identified via ACNielsen retail scan data) with packaging type/weights for each SKU (as held in GS1 New Zealand’s EANnet database) to provide a quantitative view of the packaging Mass Balance as it reaches New Zealand households. This is a mammoth undertaking, ultimately requiring the validation of packaging weights/type for several thousand individual line items, but once in place will provide an automated view of total volumes on an annual basis. Further insights will be gained when reported in conjunction with a number of critical metrics e.g. packaging weight per transaction; packaging weight per capita; packaging weight vs product weight. By the end of June ’06 it is hoped to have in place a “panel” of data representing 20-25% of scanned items. This panel will increase significantly over time as supplier use of EANnet for transactions with retail customers becomes more widespread.
GLASS PACKAGING FORUM The Glass Packaging Forum represents over 110 companies that make, fill or sell glass containers in New Zealand and the levies raised from its members are being used to fund some very exciting research and development initiatives around the country. This voluntary levy is an important step for the Packaging Accord demonstrating further our commitment to product stewardship. During the course of the past few months, applications have been considered against the Forum’s approval criteria and a number of projects are already underway. An early winner has been the new road specification which we have funded under Transit which allows up to 5% of glass cullet in the base course for new roading. Ashburton – Wastebusters Canterbury and Zero Waste requested and received support to host a seminar and prepare specifications to present a multi-party proposal (recyclers, local council, Green Party and Glass Packaging Forum) to Potters Industries Asia Pacific who are seeking up to 16,000 tonnes of high quality flint cullet for their Melbourne based operations. Potters is a leading producer of engineered glass materials serving the highway safety sector. Such a contract could go a long way to finding a viable use for the region’s glass. Amberly District Residents Association – The Forum is supporting a business plan by Hurunui Recycling to test the viability of crushing and washing glass as a “sand equivalent” for a range of markets. Palmerston North - During a visit to Palmerston North, David Carter, Chair of the Steering Group thanked Mayor Heather Tanguay and her council for their support in promoting the use of glass in a local cycle track. The Forum is funding research into the use of glass as aggregate mixed and crushed through Higgins’ normal crushing system. The council plans to utilize its surplus glass in roading and other projects and to offer this facility to other councils serving the 1 million residents within a 100km of the city. We took the opportunity to talk to the Manawatu Standard and were interviewed on Newstalk ZB. The focus for the Forum will continue to be working with local communities, councils and recycling operators to find economically viable alternative uses for glass. To achieve this, John Webber will be out and about around the country to encourage ideas for funding and to share work being done elsewhere. The Forum now has its own website page on the Accord’s website: http://www.packagingaccord.org.nz/cross_sector_groups.php To view the May Update go to http://www.packagingaccord.org.nz/documents/NEWSUPDATE-MAY2006.pdf GLASS IN ROADS - SPECIFICATION UPDATED Transit's specification TNZ M/04 2006 has been changed to include a regional variant to allow the addition of 5% crushed glass to base course aggregate. This is a positive step in reducing barriers to the use of recovered glass in roads. The specification can be downloaded from: http://www.transit.govt.nz/technical/specifications.jsp Back to top
LITTER ALLIANCE This organisation albeit not formally constituted, continues to gain momentum. Those currently involved include Central Government through MfE, Local Government New Zealand, New Zealand Retailers Assn, PAC.NZ, Glass Packaging Forum, Transit New Zealand, major individual local councils, major multinationals such as Coca Cola, The Wrigley Co, British America Tobacco, DDB Advertising and Keep New Zealand Beautiful. It is chaired by Richard Dodds, CEO of The Wrigley Company. The Government has indicated that it will assist in providing resource for achieving a “cleaner” environment but the anticipated way forward will be through a wide range of partnerships with KNZB playing a lead role in supplying the deliverables to the community. A Draft National Litter Strategy has been prepared for consideration by members of the Alliance. It is considered to be an excellent proposal but as yet has not been costed. It is the view of the government that the packaged goods industry is inextricably involved in the litter debate and that it and the recycling industry have principal roles to play in an anticipated successful programme.
It’s my pleasure to give the local government update in this issue of According to Packaging. Packaging is an issue close to my own heart; this has been a constant issue since my election as President of Local Government New Zealand five years ago. Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go to resolve current waste issues. What is clear though is that this isn’t just an issue for councils, or rather shouldn’t be, industry, recycling operators and central government all have key roles to play in the solution to packaging problems. This feeling is now widely accepted and the Accord has given us an umbrella to work under collaboratively. Local Government New Zealand recently held workshops in the South and North Islands to gain feedback from councils on the draft proposal for a national waste levy prepared by the parties to the recent High Court judicial review. There were many issues, comments and concerns raised in the workshops and it became clear, from the feedback gained from participants, that North and South Island councils have different views on a levy. Generally, South Island councils didn’t support a national levy, preferring a local approach to waste management where possible. However, North Island councils were a different story altogether, either supportive or open to the concept of a national waste levy. We also saw very different views depending on the ownership and funding arrangements different councils have for waste facilities. I would like to say that there’s a single solution that fits all, but as with most things, different issues and situations call for different approaches and this was clear in the workshops. It would be nice to think that there’s a solution in sight but we’re balancing a very fine act, and, unfortunately, this doesn’t get us any closer to an agreement on a solution, or proposed solution. Information about the proposed levy and feedback from the workshops is now available in the current projects section at http://www.lgnz.co.nz Local Government New Zealand has also been talking to Packaging Council members about waste levies. The purpose of this exercise has been to give the local government perspective on waste levies and get some understanding from other Accord parties of why local government may support a levy and how it relates to its commitments under the Accord. The Green Party’s Waste Minimisation Bill is expected to receive a mixed reaction from local authorities. Green Party MP, Nandor Tanczos, met with Local Government New Zealand representatives recently to discuss the Bill and gain an understanding of local government issues and some of the concerns councils may have with the Bill. Local Government New Zealand will be coordinating a sector response to the Bill shortly. The Agrecovery Programme is worth a mention here, this is a product stewardship programme for the sustainable recovery of triple rinsed agriculture and forestry sector plastic containers. This nationwide collection and processing scheme will be financed by a levy, paid by supporting producers, on every litre or kilogramme of eligible products in the New Zealand market. This is a self-sustaining programme that will provide a long-term solution for agriculture and forestry sector plastic containers. Local Government New Zealand supports the programme and is assisting the Agrecovery Foundation to make contact with territorial authorities to discuss their role in the implementation of this programme. That’s all from Local Government New Zealand for this issue. Our work continues in the area of packaging and we look forward to some long-term solutions to current waste issues in the near future. Basil Morrison President Local Government New Zealand
MINISTER PRAISES IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT Paper Turns over a New Leaf
At the recent AGM of the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association (NZPPA), the Minister for the Environment, the Honourable David Benson-Pope praised the Association and its members for the impressive achievements they had completed over the last two years. These included encompassing the NZ Packaging Accord; the development of an industry Code of Practice; unique research into attitudes to packaging, recycling and the environment; research into regional waste flows; the development of a company environmental sustainability audit and action plan. Speaking to a meeting of the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association in Auckland he described their achievement of 72 per cent recovery of paperboard packaging for the year to March 2005 as impressive. The paper packaging sector collects and recycles over 200,000 thousand tonnes of paper waste every year and is committed under the NZ packing Accord to a target of 70% of paper packaging being recycled. The paper based packaging sector has, after a concerted effort, exceeded its target and recovered 206,353 tonnes in the year, a 72% recovery rate. This rate of paperboard packaging recovered or stopped from going to landfill, is one of the highest in the world and compares well with the 50 -60% obtained in environmental conscious countries like UK and Germany.
Mr Benson-Pope said “ this success exceeds the Accord target of 70 per cent by 2008, set for the paper sector. Although I appreciate that the paper sector enjoyed favourable market conditions during this period, it is certainly an effort to be celebrated. The NZPPA’s “Together we can close the Loop” project is an example of smart thinking by the paper industry demonstrating great business sense. "You certainly make a mockery of the recent comment by Green's Environment Spokesperson Nandor Tanczos when he said the present voluntary Packaging Accord has proved to be a 'remarkable failure'. I would also like to congratulate the wider paper sector for the formation of the New Zealand Paper Forum this year, enabling the broader paper sector to work collectively on environmental sustainability. It is an initiative to be commended and I will be keen to see developments through the forum including the effects that this will have on recycling.”
The President of the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association (NZPPA), Mr Bill Berry, speaking for the paper based packaging sector, confirms that company members within the Association have worked very hard on environmental sustainability and that the Accord is in fact working very well.
NZPPA have just completed the to March 2006 recovery figures and announces that there has again been a 72% recovery rate. This is a excellent effort as the actual tonnes of waste recovery of 209,922 tonnes have kept pace with the increased production of paperboard and paperboard packaging.
“To reach 72% again this year is a very pleasing result when you consider the widespread use of paper based materials for food wrapping, fire lighting, long term storage etc makes 100% recovery impossible” said Mr Berry. “Paper based materials have the advantage that they are derived from a naturally renewable resource (plantation pines) and are ultimately biodegradable.”
Hon. David Benson-Pope’s Speech to the NZPPA AGM http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=25926
NEW ZEALAND PAPER FORUM ESTABLISHED (21 March 2006) Printing Industries New Zealand Chief Executive, Joan Grace, announced the formation of the NZ Paper Forum. The Forum has been established to provide a cohesive whole of industry voice for the broad paper industry with its immediate focus to collectively manage the environment risks for the sector. The Forum will have membership from major manufacturers, distributors, converters and consumers of paper. Membership will be drawn from businesses and associations in the industry.
The Forum was established mainly in response to the growing emphasis on waste reduction and the need for the industry to be able to provide robust information on the performance of the sector on environmental matters. For example, 72% of paperboard packaging in New Zealand was recycled in the year ended 31 March 2005. This level of recycling exceeded the paperboard packaging targets under the Packaging Accord.
President of the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association, Bill Berry, commented that “the recycling target set for paper in the Accord was exceeded by our members but we believe we needed to look wider than paperboard packaging if we are to tell the full story about the benefits of using paper over other materials for packaging and communication. The NZ Paper Forum will allow for a broader industry group to look at the steps being taken to reduce waste, recycle and reuse paper. With the current Government’s focus on environmental sustainability there are some very good news stories arising from this sector that they, business and the public need to be aware of.” The announcement follows agreement within the sector on a constitution for the new body, the election of officers, and the confirmation that the body would initially be hosted within Printing Industries New Zealand. In accepting the role as the inaugural Chair of the Forum, Charles Miller, GM, PaperlinX NZ said “the broad paper sector needs to work collectively on environmental sustainability. The Forum will be our industry’s voice and advocate on this and other matters that may arise. My first task will be to work with the members of the Forum on a workplan that supports our objectives.” Founding members of the Forum:
- ACP Media - Amcor Kiwi Packaging - Blue Star Print Group - Candida Stationery Limited - Carter Holt Harvey - Norske Skog Tasman Limited - Paperlinx - Visy Board NZ Limited - Marketing Association - New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association - Printing Industries New Zealand - Self Adhesive Manufacturers Association
For further information please contact:
Joan Grace Chief Executive Printing Industries New Zealand Mobile: 027 248 9327 Charles Miller General Manager PaperlinX NZ Mobile: 021 414 311
by Ket Bradshaw Plastics New Zealand Background Degradable and bio-based plastics are increasingly entering the market. Bio-based plastics are projected to increase to 10% of the world supply of plastic by 2020. There are constraints over the supply at this stage. The main driver for brand owners and retailers choosing degradable and bioplastics relates to concerns about diminishing global oil reserves and an increased demand for products made from renewable resources. Degradability and bio-based characteristics are seen as attractive attributes. While degradable plastics have the potential to ‘break down’ in the environment, bio-based plastics come from renewable resources (and also tend to be biodegradable which means they decompose). The five main types of degradable plastics and the range of bio-based polymers are set out in Appendix 1. Opportunities and Challenges Bio-based plastics have significant potential in the area where recycling or composting is not currently taking place, for example packaging fruit and vegetables, bakery and deli bags, agricultural twine and silage wrap. The advantages of these materials are that they are renewable and compostable. However, there are a number of challenges around these polymers that need to be addressed. These challenges relate primarily to degradable characteristics (including the degradable characteristics of bio-based plastics), and include impacts on recycling streams, misleading claims, and uncertainty of performance. 1. Impacts on Recycling Streams: In situations where the product is used in similar uses to non degradable plastics, there is a risk that it might contaminate recycling schemes, for example, introducing degradable polylactic acid (PLA) bottles to replace traditional PET. And while information is unclear, it appears that even at low levels contamination levels of 0.1% (such as 1 bottle in 1000) a small quantity has the potential to disrupt material recycling (through affecting the mechanical properties of the product) and yet be insufficient in quantity to set up a viable alternative recovery infrastructure, for example composting. Unlike other countries, NZ doesn’t have infrared sorting technology available, making our recyclers particularly vulnerable. This could have flow on effects to the NZ Packaging Accord in the waste minimisation and recycling area, as it could impact on the 8,000 tonne recycling market for PET. In 2004 28,000 tonnes of plastic packaging was recycled (20% of the plastic packaging consumed in New Zealand), making PET recycling approximately 30% of the total recycled material. PLA and PET is the most serious example we are presently aware of. However, in the absence of further information, it is possible that degradable plastics could also have an impact on other existing recycling streams such as bags and film. 2. Misleading claims and uncertainty of performance: Because of the different types of degradables (see Appendix 1), it’s difficult to know exactly what ‘degradable’ means. It’s also difficult to know just how ‘degradable’ a product really is. So, for example, plastic packaging may claim to be ‘100% biodegradable’, when in fact it will not break down in a home composting environment. As a result, some companies are making deliberately or unintentionally misleading claims about performance. The Australian competition watchdog, Australian Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has already prosecuted successfully in this regard. Misleading claims also increase the risk of negative consumer experiences by inviting claims of ‘greenwash’. There are mixed perceptions (in both public and industry) as to what degradable plastics are, how they perform, what the difference is between the different types and how to dispose of them. A common claim is that these materials disposed into landfill will biodegrade. This is not desirable as landfills are designed to prevent decomposition. What is being done about this? Plastics NZ (together with the Packaging Council, Ministry for the Environment and local government and Recycling Operators of NZ input), has held two workshops to discuss the issues and solutions. These workshops were a good example of the NZ Packaging Accord in practice, and endorsed an approach be taken similar to Australia. This would see the development of an industry-led Code of Practice (or similar) to oversee labelling, claims, and appropriate applications. This would also be supported by a parallel process to draft the necessary standards for degradable polymers Plastics NZ has resolved to investigate the development of a NZ Standard, a labelling system and Code of Practice for degradable plastics, by working in conjunction with the Packaging Accord, the Australian Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA), RONZ, composters and the Ministry for the Environment. The overall aim will be to develop a framework for the responsible use of degradable and bio based plastics. Possible Solutions We need to manage the impacts of introducing degradable and bio-based plastics into New Zealand. While the work on industry-led frameworks and standards will help, short term options being considered are:
Appendix 1 Degradable plastics are those that break down by natural processes into the constituent polymer chains. Bio-based plastics are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable which means they breakdown into carbon dioxide, water and organic matter. The five main types of degradable plastics and the range of bio-based polymers are:
Sustainable End of Life Options for Plastics in New Zealand, 2005 Plastics New Zealand NatureWorks LLC PLA RecyclingStream APacific.pdf 2005 Plastics New Zealand is forming a working group to agree on standards, labeling, and an industry code of practice. Those interested in should please contact: Jaquetta (Ket) Bradshaw Environmental Manager Plastics New Zealand Mobile: 021 369 495
RECYCLE CONCERN OVER 'GREEN' PLASTICS New Zealand Herald -Tuesday June 6, 2006 by Anne Beston New-generation "green" plastics are being greeted with concern in New Zealand because recycling systems are not equipped to handle them.
Last month British company Belu Natural Mineral Water launched a "compostable" water bottle derived from corn starch in one of the country's boutique grocery chains.
While there is no organic waste collection system in Britain designed to cope with the new "bio-bottle", which breaks down into compost in three months, the company hopes it will have consumers demanding more.
Plastics New Zealand environment manager Ket Bradshaw said the new plastics could be a "contaminant" in recycling systems.
"The issue for New Zealand is that we haven't got the infrastructure to pick out things like corn starch bottles and keep them separate," she said.
Most backyard composts can't break the new plastics down completely. They have to decompose at temperatures of at least 65C, usually only achieved at commercially run compost facilities.
Even waste reduction lobby groups aren't convinced the new materials are a good thing. "There is a whole generation of biodegradable plastics on the horizon," said Zero Waste spokeswoman Jo Knight.
"Some do decompose right away, others are made of plastic with molecules in between that degrade so the plastic just falls into little bits. They are a nuisance as they get into the recycling system and cause havoc."
Called enviro-polymers, bio-plastics or polylactides, the new materials are made from plant extracts instead of the crude oil in traditional plastic or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The idea is to collect them in a third waste stream, along with other kitchen waste, and dump them in commercial compost plants.
Waitakere City wants to introduce an organic collection but is waiting to see whether a new waste levy, under discussion between Government and industry, will be introduced to help pay for it.
Jon Roscoe, manager of Waitakere's Vertical Compost Unit, which processes organic waste, said the facility was up and running and designed for expansion but it was up to councils to make sure it happened.
"The packaging industry will adopt the cheapest and nastiest form of packaging they can lay their hands on," he said.
Ron Starnes, technology and innovation manager for New Zealand's biggest plastics manufacturer, Alto Holdings Ltd, said the company already supplied compostable sandwich packs to Milford Sound tourism company Real Journeys and cups for Auckland's annual Round the Bays run.
While rising oil prices would make plastics more expensive to produce within the next two years, no one had yet taken the first step towards a mass-produced, bio-plastic container.
"If I could find a customer who was keen to use them in reasonable numbers I could have [a product] on the market in six months," he said.
New Zealand's two big supermarket chains, Foodstuffs and Progressive, appear to be adopting a wait-and-see attitude.
"There are some inherent problems if it confused the existing recycling process," said Progressive managing director Marty Hamnet. OUR RUBBISH * New Zealanders throw away about 3.4 million tonnes of rubbish each year. * Around a third of rubbish going to landfills is organic. * Decomposition rates: paper 2.5 months, orange peel 6 months, milk carton 5 years, cigarette butt 10 to 12 years, beer can 200-500 years, styrofoam, never.
Steel cans are 100% recyclable. The average family uses six steel cans each week – but only one of these cans is recycled.
CANZBAC STEPS UP THE PACE The Steel Can Association of New Zealand has introduced a series of new initiatives to step up steel can recycling rates.
As part of raising awareness and promoting steel can recycling, the Association appointed PR company, Donovan Boyd Communications six months ago. In that time the organization has rebranded and relaunched itself as CANZBAC, the public face of steel can recycling.
CANZBAC chairman, Keith Parker, said it was a necessary part of the commitment to achieve the 43% steel recycling rate. “In order to get some traction across local government, brand owners and householders we decided to take a strategic approach to raising awareness of the issues and educating people on steel can recycling,” said Mr Parker. Since its rebranding, CANZBAC has launched www.canzbac.co.nz which contains information for councils, industry and householders as well as educational resources and relevant local and international news. In order to develop useful tools for councils a survey has been completed on the status of steel can recycling throughout New Zealand. “A very enthusiastic response was received and we were able to determine the need for various information materials and assistance that would be relevant and helpful.” A quarterly newsletter, CANZCHAT was launched at the beginning of the year and while initially it is being provided in printed format, it will be delivered electronically by the end of the year. A media relations programme has also been implemented to promote steel can recycling across all forms of media. “We are delighted with the results to date and will be continuing to develop a range of activities that will impact on the recycling rate. If we can get everyone to recycle just a few more cans each, we will meet our target,” concluded Mr Parker.
MISSION: To gather, represent and support the diverse interests of members committed to minimising waste through resource efficiency and recycling initiatives.
Recycling Challenges by Sarah Gordon Acting Chair Recycling Operators of New Zealand Glass is still the main issue for the recycling industry with excess volumes being recovered and lower returns not covering collection, processing and transport costs from many areas. RONZ recently completed a report on the viability of off-shore export markets and some operators have had success in economically transporting surplus glass to overseas markets for recycling back into glass.
Degradable plastics could become a concern for recyclers if they are introduced into mainstream packaging without clear identification and also knowledge of potential markets for these plastics. As yet there is no information / infrastructure to recycle or compost these plastics and they would end up in the landfill. Plastics New Zealand has been very proactive in this area by engaging with RONZ on the issues that need to be addressed before this type of plastic becomes more widely used. Plastics New Zealand members have also contacted RONZ for advice on the recyclability of new packaging, which is very encouraging in showing that the Accord process is working to encourage good dialogue between different parties.
Sadly not all packaging suppliers are members of the Packaging Council, and we are still getting some strange packaging coming across the recycling sorting lines. The latest, which is becoming more prevalent, is the PET / aluminum can. This has a PET body and an aluminum top, often encased with a PVC sleeve printed with “Please Recycle”. Yes – PET and aluminum are recyclable, but not sealed together, so unfortunately the whole container is destined for the landfill.
That’s just a few of the challenges facing the recycling industry, but it is hoped that the Accord process will facilitate good discussion and cooperation between all involved to address these types of issues.
If any packaging producers / brand owners etc require information / advice on the recyclability of their packaging, please don’t hesitate to contact us info@ronz.org.nz. RONZ & THE ACCORD PROCESS RONZ has an important role to play in the Accord process in representing the recycling industry. It is therefore imperative that RONZ is representative of our members. The Executive is currently developing a long term strategic plan on the future of the organisation. We plan to hold a series of workshops in July / August to get feedback from our members on the future structure, function and resourcing of RONZ.
E-WASTE RECOVERY PROGRAMME APPLAUDED (JUNE 2006) Green MP Nandor Tanczos today congratulated Dell Computers for announcing a computer recycling day in Wellington, and said that his Waste Minimisation Bill would ensure that the IT sector got serious about e-waste. The Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill comes up for its first reading on Wednesday and is likely to pass its first vote and go to select committee. It has been welcomed by those in the resource recovery sector and by local government. One of its provisions requires brand owners to develop and implement plans for extended producer responsibility. This means taking responsibility for the waste generated over the full life cycle of a product. How different industries deal with this is up to them, subject to approval by a new national waste authority. “One way ahead for the IT sector is to put a front-end levy on all new computer gear sold. A $50 charge, for example, would hardly be noticed by consumers, but would pay for disassembly and reuse or processing at the end of the computer's life,” says Nandor Tanczos, the Green Party Waste-Free Spokesperson. “While Dells' initiative is great, it’s really just a drop in the bucket. It is time for a more comprehensive approach and my bill would provide that.” MASSEY UNIVERSITY FOOD AWARDS The dmg world media (nz) ltd Gourmet Products Award was won by Country Culinaire, Frozen Pavlova Roulades (also winner of the AJ Park Packaging Design) more... Smaller pre-paid bags for rubbish collection North Shore City Council is to cease its coupon system for rubbish collection but residents will have the choice of smaller, cheaper pre-paid rubbish bags instead. From July 1, the new 40-litre rubbish bags will be available wherever the existing 60-litre rubbish bags are sold. Both sizes are available with handles or drawstrings. The 60-litre bags are sold individually or in bundles of five, and the 40-litre bags in bundles of five only. The smaller bags will be 20 per cent cheaper
The new size is perfect for residents with less waste, and for those who have difficulty moving larger, heavier bags, says North Shore City Council's community waste prevention officer, Sarah Cole.
"It rewards people who reduce their waste, and an incentive for those who don't," she says.
Ms Cole says the coupons will no longer be used because they are hard for collectors to see, and are often placed on non-approved bags.
"Coupon sales have also been decreasing and there is a need to standardise the system, which tidies up city streets," she says.
Coupons bought before July 1 will continue to be accepted.
The smaller, cheaper bags have been welcomed by older residents, and those already cutting down the amount of waste they produce.
Marilyn Glover, a member of the city's Disability Advisory Group, says the 60-litre bag is too big for many in the community. "The smaller bag is ideal for people with restricted mobility, for those with limited income and for others who do not produce a lot of waste," she says.
John Crews, of Forrest Hill, says he currently uses only one 60-litre bag every three weeks for a household of four, due to composting and smart shopping practices.
"The smaller bags are a great idea, and an excellent incentive to reduce, reuse and recycle," he says.
Residents wishing to know more about North Shore City's waste collection services and how they can reduce the amount of rubbish they create, should visit the council's website at: SIGNALS An MfE Publication covering Waste Levies, Product Stewarship and more…
RETAILER – RECYCLING - UK: SAINSBURY’S JOINS ‘GREEN WAR’ Sainsbury’s will this week launch what it describes as the biggest recycling initiative by a supermarket, equipping 347 of its outlets with recycling units, according to a report in the Financial Times. The move, to be announced along with its year end results tomorrow, is the latest in a round of ‘green wars’ among the leading supermarkets as they compete to prove their environmental credentials. WARMER BULLETIN ENEWS #21 (MAY 2006) AUSTRALIA - REPORT URGES HANDOVER OF WASTE FROM PUBLIC TO PRIVATE SECTOR Waste management in Australia needs to be refocused if it is to achieve the best outcomes for the community, according to a draft inquiry report released by the Australian Government's Productivity Commission. The draft report - Waste Management - responds to a request from the Australian Government to identify policies to address market failures associated with the generation and disposal of non hazardous wastes. 'Waste policy should be guided by a rigorous analysis of costs, benefits and risks in order to secure the best returns for the community,' said Presiding Commissioner Philip Weickhardt. 'Australian Governments have shown that they are committed to recycling, and minimising waste disposal to land fill. Recycling can be good up to a point. But there are diminishing returns from recycling and there will be costs to the community where it is pushed too far - recycling itself consumes resources'. That waste disposal can cause pollution is not disputed. But the Commission notes that the extent of this pollution has sometimes been exaggerated. By appropriate management it can be reduced to very low levels. The Commission argues that the best way of addressing potential pollution problems is through appropriate regulation, not landfill levies.
Draft recommendation 9.1: Governments should discontinue the current practice of using landfill levies since:
Draft finding 9.2: Deposit-refund schemes are typically costly and would only be justified for products that have a very high social cost of illegal disposal. Container deposit legislation is unlikely to be the most cost-effective mechanism for achieving its stated objectives. Kerbside recycling is a cheaper option for recovering resources, while general anti-litter programs are likely to be a more cost-effective way of pursuing litter reduction. Draft finding 10.1: Mandatory product stewardship and extended producer responsibility schemes — involving either industry-government co-regulation or government regulation — tend to be costly. They are unlikely to deliver a net benefit unless:
The Commission is not convinced that many of the products currently being targeted by governments - including packaging, computers, televisions and tyres — satisfy all of these requirements. The Commission has released its draft report to encourage further discussion and input before it completes its final report in October 2006. Copies of the 440 page report (2 MB) are available from the Commission's website at: http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/waste/draftreport/waste.pdf
JUNE 2006 PROPAK ASIA 2006 Asia's Leading Processing, Filling and Packaging Event more...
NPE INTERNATIONAL PLASTICS NZIFST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PAC.NZ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Butterfly Creek, Auckland more... JULY 2006
WASTEMINZ ONE DAY WORKSHOP 11 July 2006, New Zealand Community & Stakeholder Engagement for Waste Management & Resource Recovery more... 39th ANNUAL AIFST CONVENTION 2006 9-12 July 2006, Australia more... ACCORDing to PACKAGING will now be produced quarterly. Our new editor, Anne Scott will compile the Spring issue.
Back issues of ACCORDing to Packaging are available here We welcome and encourage those involved in bringing the Packaging Accord 2004 to life to contribute to this newsletter. Please send us your stories and comments so they can be shared with others. |
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| REPRESENTING MANUFACTURERS, FILLERS, BRAND OWNERS, WHOLESALERS, RETAILERS & CONSUMERS OF PACKAGING |
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UNIT K - 175 HARRIS ROAD - BOTANY DOWNS - PO BOX 58 899 - GREENMOUNT - AUCKLAND TELEHONE: 09 271 4044 - FAX: 09 271 4041 EMAIL: pac.nz@packaging.org.nz WEB: www.packaging.org.nz |
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