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Label your packaging for sustainability

By Caddie Digital on July 31st, 2021 in Consumer goods, Food and beverage, Waste reduction
3R Recyclability labelling

The fifth in a series written for NZ Food Technology.

By Natalie Martin, 3R Group Materials Innovation Manager

The desire for more sustainable packaging is greater than ever in New Zealand, but if we are going to reach this goal we have to take a holistic approach.

This means working from the design phase right through to a product’s end of life and considering how it will be handled by the consumer when they are finished with it. Designing packaging to be sustainable is one thing but getting consumers to recycle, reuse or properly dispose of it is another.

Confusion is not uncommon with many consumers wanting to do the right thing but often not knowing how. These ‘wish-cyclers’ can cause more harm than good by contaminating recycling systems but also have the potential to have a hugely positive impact and become ‘sticky customers’ if properly informed.

This is where labelling plays a vital role in making it simple for consumers to understand what to do with their packaging at point of disposal, and easier to make an informed choice at point of sale – surely a win-win for those moving to more sustainable packaging.

In the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand report by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, it’s recommended we adopt the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) system.

It’s a universal evidence-based system which identifies each component within the packaging, its level of recyclability and any additional steps required (such as in store drop off), all with simple iconography. As a result, consumers are well informed as to what they should do with their packaging.

The report suggests the system could work cross-Tasman, which is critical considering the commonality of products within Australia and New Zealand markets and the value of packaging real estate.

The report also recommends the adoption of a standardised national kerbside recycling system, as this and the labelling system go hand-in-hand. In fact, a standardised kerbside system is critical to the success of a universal labelling system.

Even without a universal labelling system brands can have a big impact by simply ensuring all material types are clearly identified and keeping packaging as simple as possible and avoid ‘Frankenstein packaging’.

Highlighting packaging’s sustainability features not only makes it easier for consumers to do the right thing but offers a competitive advantage at a time when more and more people are basing their purchasing decision on sustainability credentials.

Previous Don't muck up compostable packaging says 3R

Don’t muck up your compostable packaging

Next 3R NZ produces a large amount of food waste

A golden opportunity ripe for the taking

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ISO 14001:2015

Environmental management systems and safe work practices.

ISO 14001:2015 is an internationally recognised standard that certifies our commitment to environmental management systems and safe work practices.

Consistent with our environmental policy, the intended outcomes of our environmental management system include:

  • The enhancement of environmental performance;
  • The fulfilment of compliance obligations;
  • The achievement of environmental objectives.

Our ISO 14001:2015 certification includes 3R Operations, the Paint Product Stewardship Programmes, ChemCollect Service and the SeatSmart Child Car Seat Recycling Programme (owned and operated by 3R).

This certification is audited by TELARC.

ISO 45001:2018

Keeping our people safe, healthy and happy.

ISO 45001:2018 certification has been chosen to demonstrate the importance we place in caring for our people as we bring to life our values of Kaitiakitanga and Manaakitanga.

Keeping our team safe, healthy and happy is a primary focus for our business. We feel that the work our operations staff do makes this particularly important. Their responsibilities can include collecting and processing paint; collecting chemicals; driving trucks around the country; and getting hands-on with work wherever needed.

3R received ISO 45001:2018 certification in 2021. The ISO 45001:2018 certificate is valid for 3 years and includes annual surveillance audits which provide a valuable framework for further growth.

What is a circular economy?

New Zealand is “one of the highest generators of waste per person in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)”. The way we currently produce and manage our waste is not sustainable.

The current economy in New Zealand is linear: this equates to a process of take-make-use-dispose. The aim of the government is to move towards a circular economy.

A circular economy can refer to either biological or technical materials.

With biological materials, the cycle could be defined as make-consume-enrich. In this cycle waste returns to the environment and enriches the land.

A technical materials cycle may be more like make-use-return. In a technical materials cycle waste is repurposed and used to make something new.

Whether you need help with biological materials, technical materials, or both; 3R can partner with your business to assess your current waste, then help you reduce it.