10 August 2006
Firm expands, will help glass mountains to recede
Nandor Tanczos, Green Party Waste Minimisation Spokesperson, says he is delighted to hear that glass manufacturer,
Owens-Illinois of Ohio, has chosen to proceed with its $78 million plant expansion in Auckland.
"Congratulations to O-I for actively seeking a solution to our current glass recycling crisis. This plant expansion is a
step in the right direction in addressing the problem of rapidly expanding 'glass mountains' across the North Island."
Nandor says..
"Unfortunately, it is not a total solution. For example, shipping glass from the South Island for recycling is currently
uneconomical.
"My Waste Minimisation (Solids) Bill, currently before a Select Committee, is the next big step forward. The Bill
obliges importers and manufacturers to be responsible for dealing with their products after use. This might require them
to implement a take-back system and to pay for appropriate re-use or reprocessing.
"This is especially good news when it comes to glass, which can be recycled almost indefinitely while still retaining
its value.
"O-I' s expansion plans confirm that waste minimisation is a key economic opportunity. Recycling is a relatively new
industry in New Zealand, but has the potential to grow enormously if we take sustainable resource use seriously. My Bill
strongly encourages this."
ENDS