8 Jul 2009 | DEGRADABLE PLASTICS GUIDE
Prime Minister, Hon John Key launched Degradable Plastics Guide and Industry Commitment at 4pm on 2nd July 2009, Plastics Centre of Excellence, Tamaki Campus, The University of Auckland.
Plastics New Zealand takes a serious view of its responsibilities on environmental issues, and has always taken a proactive approach.
Degradable plastics are a complex and evolving area with new products entering the market place all the time.
In 2006 Plastics New Zealand recognised the need for industry led management as a new group of materials, degradable and bio-based plastics were being introduced into the New Zealand market. They saw the potential for misinformation and misunderstanding without clear and concise labeling and guidelines. They wanted everyone involved to be able to make balanced and informed decisions regarding degradable plastic products, to take a life cycle approach and to understand their environmental impact.
Plastics New Zealand formed a working group comprising brand owners, raw material suppliers, manufacturers, recyclers, composters, community groups and independent experts. With the assistance of the Ministry for the Environment, this group first assessed the Australian model developed by PACIA and progressed through the issues to form a document relevant to the New Zealand experience.
Plastics New Zealand’s objective was to prepare a guide and commitment to assist in managing degradable plastics in New Zealand with agreed definitions and standards, to help consumers, manufacturers and brand owners understand the performance they can expect from degradable plastics and how they will behave in the environment.
As this new technology is constantly changing Plastics New Zealand planned for the document to be a living one updated by a reference group as the need arises.
The Degradable Plastics Guide and Commitment document is an excellent example of a group of interested parties coming to an agreed understanding on the important issues surrounding these materials under the guidance and management of Plastics New Zealand. As an industry body they have shown that through their inclusive approach they can successfully manage voluntary initiatives to produce real and effective outcomes.
It has been a long and at times, spirited process, but the resultant document is one which Plastics New Zealand can proudly take to the wider community to educate and improve understanding of how degradable materials may be used to the communities advantage with minimum environmental impact.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dennise Chapman
Chair
Plastics New Zealand Environment Committee
Email: dennisec@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 03 326 7162
As an industry body Plastics New Zealand had shown that through their inclusive approach they can successfully manage voluntary initiatives to produce real and effective outcomes.
Degradable Plastics Guide
SOME OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS ARE:
- HSNO, achieved industry self regulation
- Plastics Sustainability Initiative launched 2003
- Diploma in Design and Development of Plastics launched 2005
- Design for the Environment Guidelines published 2006
- Packaging accord, commitment and targets achieved 2004-2009
- Iconic Kiwi Plastic products published 2007
- Best Practice Energy Programme launched 2007, recognised as leaders in our field with our sector based programme being used as a model by EECA
- Energy efficiency being included in industry training learning units 2010
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LAUNCH
Prime Minister Hon John Key
PNZ National President - Terry Mischefski
PLASTICS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE TOUR WITH PRIME MINISTER HON JOHN KEY
TOUR GUIDED BY DR PETER PLIMMER
DEGRADABLE PLASTICS GUIDE SIGNATORIES
DEGRADABLE PLASTICS GUIDE LAUNCH ATTENDEES
Photographs taken by Olivia Scott
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