Yes to fresh ‘shrooms – no to fresh plastic

We're proud to be the first mushroom brand in Aotearoa NZ to trial 100% recycled plastic punnets. This is just another step on our sustainability journey, which is focused on actively measuring and reducing carbon emissions, and reducing our impact on the planet. 

The trial pack features a punnet made in New Zealand, from 100% recycled PET plastic (rPET). An independent study that we commissioned from Environment Services consultants Thinkstep-ANZ, confirmed it has a lower carbon footprint and the best circularity than other punnets assessed, including the cardboard alternative. 

The 100% recycled plastic punnet is kerbside recyclable and can be recycled multiple times after use, helping create a circular system and saving tonnes of plastic from landfill. The soft plastic top seal can also be recycled at stores across the country participating in the Soft Plastics Recycling scheme. 

How we package our fresh mushrooms is just one of many sustainability initiatives already completed or in progress.

The environment is an integral part of our business, which is why our commitment to sustainability guides our decision-making every step of the way.

By replacing just the White Button 200g plastic-wrapped cardboard punnets with the rPET alternative, we would avoid emitting the equivalent of 49,467kg of CO2 annually – or the equivalent of around 54,000 return trips to your local supermarket*.  That would take 406^ native trees 30 years to absorb that one year’s CO2 emissions from the atmosphere!  

If the trial is successful, we hope to roll rPET packaging out across its entire pre-packed range as a long-term sustainable solution.

The trial pack also helps protect the mushrooms better, keeping them fresher for longer and helping reduce food waste.

The Meadow Mushrooms White Button 200g trial pack is available at all Countdown stores in the lower North Island (from Taupo south) until May 2022, or while stock lasts.

For more info, refer to Frequently Asked Questions.  Or view the full Thinkstep-ANZ report here.

* Based on a standard family hatchback emitting 154g CO2/km with an average travel distance of 3km.  Actual number of trips 53,535.   ^Calculated using https://www.tanestrees.org.nz/...