Packaging

We now use locally made 100% recycled PET (rPET) punnets for our 200g and 400g pre-packaged ranges. These new packaging formats are fully recyclable in New Zealand and designed to improve product storage, in-store presentation and quality.

The more robust and protective packaging format replaces the old 200g cardboard trays that were wrapped in cling film and the 400g bags, ensuring greater product quality for the mushrooms. Greater protection of the mushrooms during transit means less food waste.

An independent study we commissioned from Environment services consultants, Thinkstep ANZ, assessed a number of options and found that a pack, locally made from 100% rPET plastic with a recyclable soft plastic top, had both lower carbon emissions and the best circularity, than other suitable packaging – including the current cardboard punnet. 

The 100% rPET punnet can be disposed of locally through kerbside recycling and recycled multiple times after use. This helps create a circular system and saves tonnes of plastic from landfill. The new peel-back lids of the 200g punnet and flow-wrap of the 400g punnet can be recycled via soft plastics recycling at participating New Zealand supermarkets.

Our Meadow Mushrooms punnets, have custom breathable plastic films that provide the perfect balance between letting moisture out and not too much air in.  They also help protect the mushrooms during handling, all so that it reaches the end user in its best condition.

Ventilation holes help mushrooms to breathe and reduce condensation, helping the product stay fresher for longer, and it’s recyclable - which is why we’re a proud member of The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme.

The Scheme is a Government accredited voluntary programme that helps enable kiwis to recycle plastic wrappers and bags. It’s funded by members (including us!) with additional support from Woolworths, The Warehouse, New World, and Pak'nSave stores who provide recycling facilities. Find out more, including collection bin locations, at www.recycling.kiwi.nz

Each year, 157 tonnes of food is thrown away by Kiwi households. Vegetables make up nearly one third of that total*, usually binned because they’re past their prime. Despite the bad rap (wrap!) plastic packaging gets, its purpose is to protect and preserve our food - so it plays a big role in helping reduce food waste.

*Source: WasteMINZ https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/pubs/new-.../

As a member of The Packaging Forum, we’ve committed to a shared vision with others from across the packaging industry: that all packaging in New Zealand will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. We’re even taking it one step further, by making sure any of our new packaging alternatives have a lower carbon footprint.