Two Major Milestones
Two Major Milestones: EPS & C&D Reports Launching 28 April
+ Operation Clean Sweep Relaunch in May!
First Up: Groundbreaking Reports Launch, 28th April 2025
Mark your calendars! On 28th April, we’ll release two critical reports from our Waste Minimisation Fund-funded projects – each packed with actionable insights to accelerate the circular plastics economy. Whether you’re manufacturing construction products, packaging, or recycling, this work has something for you.
Construction & Demolition (C&D) Plastics Report
C&D waste accounts for more than half of New Zealand’s total waste stream – and plastic is a not-so-hidden contributor. This report tackles the sector’s top three plastics types:
- Soft plastics (e.g., wraps, barriers)
- PVC/HDPE (e.g., pipes, fittings)
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) (e.g., insulation, packaging)
Key takeaways:
- A full-system approach is needed—from design to disposal—to reduce waste.Roles for government, manufacturers, contractors, and waste managers to collaborate.
- Solutions aren’t just theoretical – this is about practical steps we can take now.
EPS Product Stewardship Reports
This work explores recovery solutions for EPS packaging from consumer goods, medical, and seafood sectors. Developed with our EPS Working Group and with additional research from 3R Group, it outlines:
- The current landscape of EPS recovery and recycling technology
- Pathways towards a national, industry-led product stewardship scheme
- Feasibility of integrating C&D waste into a larger EPS solution.
What’s next? This work is exploratory, not regulatory (yet). We want to hear from you – what’s realistic, what’s needed, and what role your business can play. Your input will shape PNZ’s next steps!
Coming Soon: Operation Clean Sweep Relaunch - 15th May
We’re turning the spotlight to plastic pellet pollution prevention with the relaunch of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) at our Auckland conference.
What’s new in OCS?
- 3-year audit cycle: Year 1 external audit, self-checks in Years 2–3. Higher accountability, credibility and impact.
- Expanded resources: New guides, videos, website, and in-house collateral.
- New support pathways: Brands, retailers, and service providers can now join through the Partners & Supporters programme.
Already part of OCS? No problem – you’ll automatically transition into the updated cycle. We’ll walk
through the changes at conference and in subsequent communications.
Conference highlights:
- Unveiling the new OCS programme
- Keynote from Hon. Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment and for Vocational Education (pending parliamentary leave approval)
- Networking with industry leaders
- Strategic conversations to future-proof plastics in Aotearoa
Register now by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Get involved:
- 28th April: Download the [EPS] and [C&D] reports and give us your thoughts
- 15th May: Join us in Auckland to help lead the charge on OCS
- Forward this newsletter to colleagues who’ll benefit from these initiatives.
Let’s lead the change – closing the loop, protecting our environment, and future-proofing our industry!
