Packaging Accord : Not to be Rubbished

Packaging Accord : Not to be Rubbished

A recent press release by the Green Party suggested that the voluntary Packaging Accord was not working effectively.

The President of the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association (NZPPA), Mr Bill Berry, speaking for the paper based packaging sector, confirms that the Accord is in fact working very well.

The paper packaging sector collects and recycles over 200,000 thousand tonnes of paper waste every year and is committed under the Accord to a target of 70% of paper packaging being recycled. The Sectors Mass Balance Report, just completed, confirms that the paper based packaging sector has, after a concerted effort, exceeded its target and recovered 206,353 tonnes in the year, a 72% recovery rate.

“72% is a very pleasing result when you consider the widespread use of paper based materials for food wrapping, fire lighting, long term storage etc makes 100% recovery impossible” said Mr Berry. “Paper based materials have the advantage that they are derived from a naturally renewable resource (plantation pines) and are ultimately biodegradable.”

Mr Berry said “The NZPPA has developed an ‘action plan’ for the sector and has just completed developing an industry Code of Practice which individual companies within the sector can implement” “We are also working to develop guidelines to assist packaging manufacturers in making appropriate product and design choices to aid recycling.”

“We take this matter very seriously, and considering the Accord has only been in effect for 8 months of its 5 year term the NZPPA is particularly happy with the commitment from the sector and the progress made to reducing paper waste in New Zealand” said Mr Berry.

ENDS

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