Foodstuffs has transitioned New World and PAK’nSAVE stores away from non‑recyclable PVC plastic wrap, replacing it with recyclable low‑density polyethylene (LDPE) across butchery, bakery, produce and deli departments.
As of January 2026, the majority of Foodstuffs North and South Island New World and PAK’nSAVE stores have adopted the recyclable LDPE wrap.
Both co-ops plan to have fully transitioned all departments from PVC to the new wrap by the end of June 2026. The change forms part of the co‑operatives’ commitment to reducing problem plastics and sending less waste to landfill.
This is expected to remove around 850 tonnes of PVC plastic from landfill each year, equivalent to approximately 1,400 skip bins. This initiative supports Foodstuffs’ 2025 - 2030 sustainability commitments and lifts Foodstuffs’ overall packaging recyclability to 94 percent.
The change follows more than three years of evaluation. Working closely with packaging supplier Wedderburn, Foodstuffs conducted in-store blind trials, with teams testing the old PVC wrap against the new recyclable LDPE wrap.
Three objectives were set:
- The new wrap had to perform as well as or better than PVC, in-store, and for customers at home.
- It had to be recyclable through the New Zealand Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme.
- It had to be cost-effective; adding cost to fresh produce was not an option.
We knew the new wrap had to work across our machinery, our fresh departments, and in customers’ homes. It had to do everything the PVC was doing previously.
“For us, this entire process comes back to our promise to customers. PVC was difficult to recycle, and we’ve been working towards a goal of making all our packaging at least recyclable. It took nearly three years to find a wrap that worked. There were a few issues to iron out, but we’ve arrived at a great, innovative solution,” said Foodstuffs New Zealand sustainable packaging manager Debra Goulding.
The LDPE wrap scored higher overall, and while it handles slightly differently, stores have adapted quickly. Working closely with the overwrap supplier, Wedderburn, Foodstuffs stores have recalibrated in-store machinery across the North and South Islands.
The new wrap works well with chilled and ambient products, including meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables, and baked goods.
Hot foods are being transitioned to packaging options better suited to their temperature, such as paper bags, tubs and LDPE carry bags. These alternatives ensure the new recyclable packaging delivers the same functionality as the former PVC wrap.
Foodstuffs acted ahead of possible regulations and Plastic Packaging Product Stewardship requirements. By going early, the co-operatives have set a precedent for responsible packaging design across the retail sector.
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