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Plastics New Zealand: We need to be smart about how we use plastic

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Dec 2019, 10:32AM
There is only a small amount of polystyrene in circulation in the country. (Photo / 123RF)

Plastics New Zealand: We need to be smart about how we use plastic

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Dec 2019, 10:32AM

The buck doesn't stop at single-use plastic bags for this Government.

It's announced the next phase will involve getting rid of polystyrene meat trays, takeaway cups, fast food containers and fruit stickers.

It follows the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand report, calling for a nationwide plastics action plan.

Plastics New Zealand chief executive Rachel Barker told Mike Hosking plastic has its uses but we just need to be smart about how we use it.

"Plastic is a great material. Basically it enables a lot of the technology we use today, it keeps our food safe, it extends shelf life and it actually reduces our carbon emissions through that."

She says that there is only a small amount of PVC and polystyrene in circulation in the country, which makes it economically difficult to recycle it offshore.

She says that her organisation was heavily involved in the technical side of the new report. 

 

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