Tranche 2 phase out of single-use food items

From 1 July 2023, single-use plastic product bags, plastic straws, plastic produce labels and plastic plates, bowls and cutlery will be banned or phased out in New Zealand.

This is Tranche 2 of a three-tranche phase-out, which began in October 2022 under the Waste Minimisation (Plastic and Related Products) Regulations 2022 – to support Aotearoa’s move towards a low-waste, circular economy.

Through phasing out certain hard-to-recycle plastics and single-use items, Tranche 1 dealt with the banning of PVC food trays and containers and polystyrene takeaway food and drink packaging (plastic type #6). While more information on Tranche 3 will be released at the end of 2023, it will focus on ‘all other PVC and polystyrene food and drink packaging’.  

The environment.govt.nz website states, ‘Plastic is one of our greatest environmental challenges. Many single-use plastic products are used only once, not properly disposed of and end up littering our moana and whenua.’

‘Plastic tableware includes plates, bowls, platters, trays and cutlery made primarily of any type of plastic (including recyclable, degradable and compostable plastics) and sold for the purpose of eating food.’

It's big news for catering companies, take away food establishments, coffee shops, delis – you name it. Naturally, at Berica, we’re excited by the next phase of this long-awaited legislation, as we view wasteful single-use plastic food packaging as one of the major hurdles to a greener, cleaner planet.

Recyclable tableware, such as pre-assembled fully recyclable food trays, reusable plastic-alternative platters, disposable birchwood cutlery, NeverLeak meal boxes, and so much more, are all available now from Berica.

For quick and easy ordering, fast delivery, and quantity break pricing – and to enhance your sustainability story – please visit: www.berica.co.nz.

berica.co.nz | 0800 237 422 | sales@berica.co.nz