Recyclable butchery trays get the green light from New World and PAK’nSAVE
Foodstuffs
Foodstuffs innovative new recyclable butchery trays that have
given the big thumbs up by customers and stores alike, with
consumer research revealing a staggering 90% of customers prefer
the recyclable trays to the old polystyrene foam ones.
The resoundingly positive results bring to a close a trial
across 19 New World and PAK'nSAVE stores across the country and
mean that national rollout is now planned for early 2016. An
outcome that marks the end of a two year project to find a viable
solution to the issue of the 100 million non-recyclable polystyrene
trays currently finding their way into customers' homes, and
eventually to landfill.
Recently the tray was awarded top prize in the best commercial
initiative category in either the private or public sector at the
waste and recycling industry awards (WasteMinz). The award
acknowledges the innovation and wide ranging consultation involved
in bringing the trays to market.
Mike Sammons, Sustainability Manager, Foodstuffs New Zealand Ltd
says, "Being the first to introduce a packaging solution that is so
completely different is a bold move but we know it's what our
customers want and also what they expect from us."
"We are proud to partner with Alto Packaging to bring a unique
butchery tray design to the market place, this helps solve a very
long running global environmental issue."
"By moving to this tray, New World and PAK'nSAVE customers can
avoid sending the equivalent of 700 rugby pitches worth of
polystyrene trays to landfill each year," continues Sammons. "The
initiative also provides the recycling market with much needed
revenue."
"The meat tray ticks all the right boxes in terms of
sustainability and performance and furthermore it's made right here
by one of New Zealand's leading rigid plastic packaging
companies."
Customer feedback has been extremely positive with the below
comments capturing general customer sentiment;
• "Can put in the recycle bin which is much more
convenient"
• "Seems to curb the liquid spilling out"
• "Looks better"
• "Clean, fresh and environmentally friendly"
The new tray is made up of 50% recycled material and is accepted
by every kerbside recycling scheme across New Zealand and as its
made of clear plastic not black, it can be easily separated in the
recycling centres.
"Customers pay nothing for the introduction of the trays and for
those who have a cost associated with waste disposal they will in
fact make a saving," confirms Sammons.
The recyclable meat tray together with the new soft plastic
packaging recycling project launched in Auckland this month, means
Foodstuffs is moving closer to its target of moving their packaging
to be 100% recyclable for their customers either at kerbside or
back at store. Sammons confirms the business is committed to
leading the charge on providing sustainable supermarket shopping
solutions.
