Does composting happen in New Zealand?

A big talking point within the industry at the moment is how sustainable food packaging businesses need to become more commercially attractive at the consumer-facing end.

We have written previously about how consumers are incredibly discerning today about where their products come from. They want to know the story around the products. Customers have an endgame in mind. ‘What happens to my takeaway box once it leaves my home for recycling?’

In this article, you’ll discover more about commercial composting in New Zealand.

According to a recent survey, 50% of global consumers want eco-friendly products made from renewable and responsibly sourced resources. Consumers need to have the confidence that the food packaging they use to hold their favourite takeaways meets all possible local and global industry standards – and that they are good for the planet.

Commercial Composting in New Zealand

Commercial composting in New Zealand is all very well, but not if there is nowhere to compost. As of mid-2021 there are twelve industrial facilities and three community facilities up and down the country which currently accept compostable packaging. Kerbside collections are out, so we are reliant on just a few facilities to make a difference.

A dozen facilities is a positive, but we need more. This number can only rise by consumers insisting on buying products with certification labels and suppliers partnering with outlets who are keen to take on a more sustainable-friendly stance.

The good news is that there has been a 65% increase in composting programmes worldwide in the last five years. The supply chain is making more environmentally conscious decisions across every step of the supply chain.

Composting is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you live in an urban environment. Look for the compostable logo for materials that can be composted at home.

Global organisations are doing well in raising the compostable bar, both in terms of educating suppliers and customers on the benefits to the environment and showing that high-quality compostable products can be well-made, strong, and look good. If these products meet all international standards such as the TUV Austria OK Compost Industrial, then even better!

So in summary, we still have a long way to go but we are on the right path.

You may also be interested in reading our review about compostable and biodegradable food packaging.

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