15 November 2007 Media Statement
Packaging accord vital for the environment
New Zealand industry is listening to peoples’ concerns and helping to reduce waste to protect the environment, according
to a government report released today.
Associate Environment Minister Nanaia Mahuta says the New Zealand Packaging Accord, now entering its fourth year, plays
a crucial part in dealing with one of the key environmental issues for Aotearoa/New Zealand – reducing packaging waste.
“It is great to be able to celebrate what has been another successful year for the Packaging Accord, and what can happen
when key stakeholders – councils, recyclers, manufacturers, retailers and government – work together,” said Nanaia
Mahuta.
The minister was speaking at the release of the third annual Packaging Accord progress report in Auckland.
“It is great to note that the overall recovery of packaging has hit 57 per cent, which is significantly higher than last
year.
“The Accord is working well, and this is a reflection of the commitment made by Accord members. We should celebrate
this.”
Nanaia Mahuta last week highlighted the government’s major sustainability initiatives at the Waste Management Institute
of New Zealand Conference.
The goal of the Accord is for everyone to waste less and be more efficient when making, using and recovering packaging
materials.
Under the arrangement, producers, brand owners, retailers and importers take responsibility for what happens to their
packaged products throughout their lifecycle - from manufacture to use, to recycling and eventual disposal. Also
involved are packaging manufacturers, councils and businesses that collect used packaging material for recycling, and
consumers who buy and throw away packaging.
The Accord is run by the Environment Ministry, the Packaging Council of NZ, Recycling Operators of New Zealand and Local
Government New Zealand to bring together brand owners, retailers, importers, manufacturers, recyclers and local
government.
More information: www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/sustainable-industry/initiatives/packaging/