New Zealand
New Zealand faces significant waste management challenges, including high per capita waste generation and a heavy reliance on landfills. To address these issues, the government has implemented the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, which introduced a waste disposal levy to incentivize reduction and fund waste minimisation initiatives. wcrc.govt.nz
In line with global best practices, New Zealand is moving towards Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks. The Glass Packaging Forum (GPF), part of The Packaging Forum, administers a government-accredited product stewardship scheme for glass bottles and jars. This scheme encourages producers to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, including design improvements and recycling efforts. The GPF has proposed an EPR model for container glass, suggesting it would be more cost-effective, result in fewer emissions, and lead to higher recycling rates compared to a traditional container return scheme (CRS).
This approach aligns with New Zealand’s ambitions to transition to a more circular, low-emission economy.
Despite these initiatives, challenges persist, such as gaps in recycling infrastructure and contamination issues in kerbside collections. Ongoing collaboration between government, industry, and communities is essential to strengthen EPR schemes and advance sustainable waste management practices across the country.
Legal basis
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In New Zealand, product stewardship, including packaging waste management, operates under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. This legislation provides the framework for voluntary and regulated product stewardship schemes, encouraging businesses to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle. The Packaging Forum NZ runs voluntary product stewardship schemes, aligning with the Act’s objectives by promoting recycling and sustainable packaging solutions. While voluntary schemes like those managed by The Packaging Forum are industry-led, the New Zealand government has the authority to declare certain products as priority products, which can lead to mandatory stewardship requirements. Compliance with environmental regulations, waste reduction policies, and industry codes of conduct further shape the legal landscape for packaging stewardship in New Zealand. More details on the regulatory framework can be found through the Ministry for the Environment and relevant government sources.
Facts and figures
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The Packaging Forum NZ is actively involved in packaging stewardship, contributing to significant waste reduction efforts across New Zealand. The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme has established over 200 public drop-off points, enabling the collection and processing of millions of plastic bags and wrappers that would otherwise end up in landfills. Meanwhile, the Glass Packaging Forum has funded more than 100 glass recycling projects, improving the recovery and reuse of glass containers nationwide. As a membership-based organization, The Packaging Forum represents a substantial portion of New Zealand’s packaging supply chain, including major retailers, manufacturers, and recyclers. Their efforts align with national waste minimization strategies, supporting the transition toward a circular economy where packaging materials are recovered and reused efficiently. More details on their impact and progress can be found on their official website: https://www.packagingforum.org.nz.
Packaging organisation/s in New Zealand:
