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Paper Sector
Recycling 76% of paperboard saves 640,000 barrels of oil and makes New Zealand one of the world leaders
The New Zealand paper sector continues to secure its place as having one of the highest paper recovery rates in the world. With a 76% recovery rate, 4% increase and almost 50,000 tonnes more than the previous year, paper has again exceeded its Accord target. Although production is down slightly on last year to 492,300 tonnes, consumption (mainly through imports) increased to 356,500 tonnes.
To verify the robustness of the consumption and recovery data, the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association (NZPPA) outsourced the mass balance data analysis to independent consultancy Infometrics Ltd. Infometrics will continue their work with the NZPPA to further improve the methodology.
Globally and locally, paper products and packaging have a high environmental profile. They are tenth on the European Union's list of materials with the highest environmental impacts. Today's consumer wants assurance that paper and paper packaging are sourced from sustainably managed forests or are made from recycled paper. They also expect to be able to recycle the product and its packaging after use.
The 256,200 tonnes of recovered paperboard was used to make new paper products either at a New Zealand based paper mill (see Case Study) or traded overseas. This represents a saving of 640,000 barrels of oil this year (http://www.zerowaste.co.nz/default,72.sm).
As one of the world's leaders in paperboard packaging recovery, the New Zealand industry is focused on delivering on its commitment to product stewardship and ensuring members are continually raising the bar in terms of their sustainability performance. Achievements this year include:
- The majority of the 27 member companies of the New Zealand Paperboard Packaging Association (NZPPA) have developed or commenced the development of Company Code of Practice Action Plans.
- 60% have introduced Environmental Management Systems - ISO 9002 and EnviroMark which require an external audit of their environmental footprint and systems.
- Paperboard waste to landfill from the manufacturing process is negligible.
- 'Making a Difference - Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability from the Paper Sector' was published to inform customers of the environmental commitments made by paperboard manufacturers and users.
- Ongoing education programmes include apprentice training and Awards programmes and environmental categories in the annual Pride in Print Awards.
- There has been an increase in the use of the recycle logo on paperboard products due to work with brand designers.
As part of its education programme, the NZPPA (with the assistance of the Ministry for the Environment) hosted a series of forums with international packaging and environmental policy expert David Perchard, of independent UK consultancy firm Perchards, to share opportunities and challenges to the packaging sector with the packaged goods industry, recycling operators and local and central government departments.
The establishment of the Paper Forum has increased outreach to the broader 'whole of paper' sector, especially relating to environmental sustainability, and has led to formal ties with Paper Round, its Australian counterpart, to leverage cross-Tasman best practice.
Click here to view the 2007 Annual Report [663KB pdf].
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