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Our work: Lubricant containers scheme design

By Caddie Digital on November 13th, 2020 in Automotive, Product Stewardship, Work
3R product stewardship lubricant containers

Aim: To minimise the environmental impact of lubricants containers through diversion of containers from landfill and the utilisation of the recovered materials.

The problem

Lubricant packaging is hazardous and problematic to recycle due to the residue left inside even when they’re empty. This makes the containers and drums difficult to handle and lowers their value as a useful recycled material. While a small percentage are recycled, the majority end up in landfill.  

The solution

3R was asked to help key industry stakeholders design a nationwide product stewardship scheme to minimize the environmental impact and investigate options to create a circular solution for containers.


What did we do?

  • We brought together competing brands to collaborate on the design of a voluntary product stewardship programme
  • We designed a scheme in line with the guidelines for regulated schemes to future proof the project
  • We presented processing options for contaminated lubricant containers that would allow the industry to progress towards a circular solution
  • We set out clear project milestones and reporting to provide momentum and transparency for all stakeholders
  • We identified the options for a voluntary national programme and advice on how this would fit with potential regulation

How did we do it?

  • We engaged and collaborated with all stakeholders to ensure their buy in to a future solution
  • We validated our ideas by conducting research into the current situation and potential solutions for contaminated plastics
  • We modeled effective end-to-end collection and consolidation operations which informed the financial model
  • We used our in-depth knowledge of product stewardship governance, operations and regulation to model effective, practical options to help the stakeholders decide on the best course of action

Where to next

We designed the proposed scheme to mirror the accreditation requirements for a mandatory product stewardship scheme to future proof it and ensure it was in line with best practice.  This foresight became critically important following the Government announcement in July 2020 around the declaration of six products, including packaging, as priority products under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. We will continue to support the working group as they progress towards implementation.

“Having 3R as project manager was critical to ensure that we were designing a scheme that was fit for purpose but also future proofed.  3R’s knowledge of the regulatory environment gave me confidence that the proposed scheme would not only be operationally sound but meet best-practice guidelines for regulated product stewardship.”

Bob Foothead, Total Oil NZ Ltd
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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.