Plastics NZ is pleased to start co-designing plastic packaging after waiting more than two years since the government announced that plastic packaging is a priority product. They agree with the intentions to do right by the environment but are concerned by the limited scope of the stewardship.
“We’re excited to be part of the co-design process and continue advancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a circular economy for plastics. Our local manufacturers are working hard to continuously improve the recyclability and recovery of locally made plastic packaging at scale. Formalised product stewardship will ensure that all plastic packaging, including imported products, are in focus and on an even playing field,” said Rachel Barker, Plastics NZ CEO.
“Focusing only on plastics rather than all single-use packaging is problematic and will likely result in more long-term harm to the environment. Where is the incentive for producers to improve all products and all packaging to minimise whole-of-life environmental impacts."
“Placing a levy on plastics but not on other packaging materials will have unintended consequences. All packaging materials have an environmental impact. While some plastics are harder to recycle, glass is heavy and energy-intensive to produce, resulting in high climate impacts. Fibre materials may include forever chemicals to help them resist liquids and oils. Focusing only on plastics means that producers are less likely to consider overall environmental impacts as increased costs will drive them to consider only the end of life.”
A recent report from McKinsey showed that plastics have a lower greenhouse gas impact in 13 of 14 of the analysed applications, including direct and indirect value-chain emissions.
“Moving away from plastic packaging without proper analysis will result in increased food waste and potentially increased emissions.”
