Press Release: Two Major Reports Released

Plastics New Zealand is proud to announce the release of two major reports from their Waste Minimisation Fund-supported working groups focused on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Product Stewardship and Construction and Demolition (C&D) plastics. The working groups explored practical and collaborative solutions for improving the recovery of EPS packaging and reducing C&D plastic waste.

The two reports offer comprehensive analysis, key findings, and tangible recommendations to support industry and government in driving meaningful change.

“These reports are the culmination of months of cross-sector collaboration and research,” says Plastics New Zealand CEO, Rachel Barker. “We’re excited to share them with the wider industry and start the conversations that will turn insight into action.”

Key Themes and Findings Include:

• Construction & Demolition Plastics Report:
  • Focuses on the three most common plastic waste streams on construction sites: soft plastics, PVC/HDPE, and EPS.
  • Emphasises the need for a full-system approach—spanning design, installation, recovery, and recycling.
  • Calls for coordinated roles across government, manufacturers, contractors, and waste handlers to reduce plastic waste on-site and off-site.
• EPS Product Stewardship Reports:
  • Explores options for recovering and recycling EPS packaging from consumer goods, medical, and seafood sectors.
  • Identifies opportunities for a national, industry-led product stewardship scheme.
  • Assesses the feasibility of including C&D EPS waste into a unified recovery solution.

 Read the full Press Release here