Chris Bishop
National List MP based in Hutt South
2 August 2017
Innovative New Recycling Plant Opens In Hutt
Chris Bishop today joined Environment Minister Nick Smith and Associate Environment Minister Scott Simpson at Flight
Plastics in Gracefield for the opening of a new plastics recycling facility.
“This high tech facility is a first for New Zealand and a huge addition to the Hutt Valley’s technology industry,” said
Mr Bishop.
“Until now we haven’t been able to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – the kind of plastic that soft drink
bottles are made of – onshore in New Zealand. Having the ability to do it right here in the Hutt will mean more
employment and a more sustainable solution to this waste longer term.”
“This fantastic facility is the complete package – it takes in PET bottles, cleans and sanitises the plastic, breaks it
down into chips, and reforms it into new food packaging all right here.”
“Given China recently announced a ban on importing recyclables from countries including New Zealand, it’s brilliant to
have this facility set up and ready to go. Flight Plastics will be able to recycle up to three quarters of the 8000 tons
of PET plastic collected in New Zealand each year,” said Mr Bishop.
“One of the first events I went to as a new candidate in 2014 was the announcement of the funding for this project from
the Waste Minimisation Fund, so I’m delighted to be back here today to see it up and running.”
The Waste Minimisation Fund provides financial support to projects that reduce environmental harm and provide social,
economic and cultural benefits. It is funded from a levy introduced by the National-led Government in 2009, which is
charged on waste disposed of at landfills to discourage waste and to fund recycling initiatives. More than $80 million
has been awarded to more than 130 projects to date.
ENDS