The Packaging Forum

The Packaging Forum, established in 2006, is a membership-based organization in New Zealand dedicated to promoting sustainable packaging solutions. Its primary vision is that by 2025, all packaging in New Zealand will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

To achieve this goal, The Packaging Forum collaborates with industry stakeholders, local and central government, and communities to develop comprehensive product stewardship solutions. The organization manages several initiatives, including:

• Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme: This program facilitates the collection and recycling of post-consumer soft plastics, converting them into new products.

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• Glass Packaging Forum: Focused on increasing the recovery and recyclability of container glass, this forum works to improve glass recycling processes.

• Food and Beverage Carton Recycling Scheme: Aimed at enhancing the recycling rates of food and beverage cartons, this scheme ensures these materials are processed into sustainable building supplies.

Additionally, The Packaging Forum provides grants and funding opportunities to organizations seeking to maintain clean public spaces, improve recycling efforts, and invest in sustainable solutions.

Through advocacy, collaboration, and the design of practical solutions, The Packaging Forum strives to make it easier for businesses and consumers to adopt sustainable packaging practices, contributing to a more sustainable future for New Zealand.

GOVERNANCE

The Packaging Forum NZ is a membership-based organization that operates voluntary product stewardship schemes under New Zealand law. Established in 2006, it is not owned by any individual or shareholders but is composed of member companies from across the packaging industry, including suppliers, importers, and manufacturers. Governance is overseen by a Board of Directors, consisting of 10 elected members from its membership, with Nick Baker (Visy Recycling) serving as the Board Chair and Rob Langford as the Chief Executive Officer. The Forum also has several steering committees focused on specific packaging sectors, including the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme, the Glass Packaging Forum, and the Food & Beverage Carton Recycling Scheme, each chaired by industry representatives. A Code of Conduct is in place to ensure responsible and ethical operations. More information can be found on their official website: https://www.packagingforum.org.nz.

The Packaging Forum in New Zealand actively engages in various communication initiatives to promote sustainable packaging practices and foster industry collaboration. They organize events and workshops throughout the year, providing members with opportunities to share knowledge and strategies aimed at achieving the goal of making all packaging in Aotearoa New Zealand reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.

Additionally, The Packaging Forum disseminates information through regular news updates, highlighting developments in recycling programs, policy changes, and member activities. These communications serve to inform and engage stakeholders across the packaging supply chain, including industry members, government entities, and consumers.

Through these efforts, The Packaging Forum aims to build a collaborative approach to sustainable packaging, ensuring that all parties are informed and involved in the transition towards more environmentally friendly practices

Prevention: Commitment to Sustainable Packaging

The Packaging Forum is committed to driving industry-led product stewardship solutions that ensure all packaging in New Zealand is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. This goal requires collaboration across the entire supply chain, including industry, local and central government, councils, and communities.

Members are actively working to reduce packaging waste by exploring sustainable alternatives, optimizing design, and increasing the use of recyclable or reusable materials. However, achieving this balance is complex—packaging has been developed over decades to meet strict food safety, quality, and waste reduction standards. Transitioning to new solutions requires careful consideration of various factors, such as:

• Environmental impact: Is an alternative truly more sustainable, or does it introduce new challenges?
• Recycling and waste management: Will it contaminate existing recycling streams or create new waste streams?
• Carbon footprint: Does the alternative generate more emissions than the current packaging?
• Food waste prevention: Will a new material compromise product freshness and lead to increased food waste?
• Infrastructure readiness: Does New Zealand have the capacity to produce, collect, and process the alternative at scale?

Collaboration is key to overcoming these challenges. By working together—industry, government, councils, research organizations, and consumers—we can create a packaging system that protects the environment while maintaining functionality, safety, and efficiency.

Webinar Monday 15 May 2023

General Contact Information:

Email: info@packagingforum.org.nz 

Mailing Address: PO Box 58110, Botany, Auckland 2163, New Zealand

Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme Enquiries:

• Phone: 09 271 0073
• Email: donna@packagingforum.org.nz