Ecostore Backs Diagnostic Study on Plastic Packaging System

Media release

ECOSTORE BACKS NEW DIAGNOSTIC STUDY ON NZ’S ENTIRE PLASTIC PACKAGING SYSTEM

New Zealand, 7 August 2018: Ecostore is backing a new diagnostic study of New Zealand’s entire plastic packaging system. The work will identify key challenges and interventions for the adoption of a circular economy approach to plastics.

Ecostore is among ten businesses backing the study, which is being completed by the Sustainable Business Network's Circular Economy Accelerator (CEA), with widespread support from across the packaging sector.

Ecostore’s managing director Pablo Kraus says it is a ‘no-brainer’ to be part of the plastic packaging diagnostic, which will help its business make informed decisions about its packaging.

“Businesses must lead the way and step up in this area if we are going to see change. We completely support the diagnosis Sustainable Business Network is embarking on and look forward to working with the other businesses involved, to find viable, long term solutions.”

Ecostore has been lead the way in New Zealand constantly reducing its eco-footprint since its inception 25 years ago. In 2014 ecostore was the first company in New Zealand to innovate in plant-based packaging with their Carbon Capture bottles. Plant plastic is bio-based, renewable and carbon neutral, with no nasty chemicals found in the production of petrochemical plastic such as BPA, PVC, phthalates. Currently, 92% of ecostore’s plastic packaging (bottles and containers) content comes from renewable sugarcane content. Kraus says it’s only a matter of time before the technology evolves and ecostore will be able to manufacture 100% of their products in sugarcane/plant-based plastic.

“We manufacture our own products in a factory that is carbon neutral and meets the highest ISO standards that exist. We are currently investing over $1M into our manufacturing facility to futureproof and to ensure the warehouse and distribution centre continues to be of an impeccable standard.

“We are currently researching and trialling in-store recycling experiences that will enable our customers greater options when it comes to refilling rather than rebuying, making it convenient for them to be part of the planet saving solutions. Of course, this requires greater innovation and retail support, but it is an area of focus for us.”

Ecostore bottles are already 100% recyclable, and they plan to accelerate recycling initiatives.

“We are committed to aligning our business with the global New Plastics Economy initiative led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, world leaders in accelerating the circular economy.”

The company continues to innovate, launching plant-based toothbrushes last month as part of its new oral care range. The toothbrushes and toothpaste tube are recyclable through the company’s new oral care recycling program, where ecostore will collect the brushes and toothpaste tubes from consumers via freepost and collection bins at key retailers. Ecostore is reusing the plastic from the toothbrush handles, creating spanners for wholesale customers to open bulk containers, reducing the amount of virgin plastic the brand consumes while helping to create a circular economy.

Ecostore has provided refill options for over a decade enabling customers to refill bottles themselves in a drive to help reduce single use plastic. Now, new state-of-the-art stations are being rolled out to enhance this experience, making it more user-friendly.

The results of the Sustainable Business Network’s packaging diagnostic study will be made public in October.

ENDS

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