Annual Report 2009 - Plastics New Zealand

Annual Report 2009 

Maximising the growth 

and success of Plastics 

based technology in 

New Zealand in an 

economically socially 

and environmentally 

responsible manner

Annual Report 2009 

Plastics New Zealand is a National 

Industry Group established in 1944 

which represents 200 member 

companies. Members include plastics 

processors, service providers, training 

consultants, raw material and machinery 

suppliers, tool makers, designers and 

recyclers. It is through member support 

that Plastics New Zealand can continue 

to maximise the growth and success 

of plastics based technology in New 

Zealand in an economically, socially 

and environmentally responsible 

manner. This Annual Report details our 

progress over the past year and sets 

out future objectives. 

Plastics 

New Zealand 

Strategy 

Informing – collection and 

dissemination of information and data 

relevant to members. 

Marketing – educating the public on 

the benefits and opportunities offered 

by the industry. 

Leveraging Volume – encouraging and 

facilitating cooperative activity between 

members to grow the industry and to 

create savings for members. 

E Commerce – fostering and assisting 

the development and adoption of 

e-commerce by the industry and to 

create savings for members. 

Legislative Input – actively 

participating in the development of 

all government policy likely to affect 

members. 

Environmental – assisting and 

encouraging members to operate 

their businesses in an environmentally 

responsible manner. 

Training – promoting the development 

of a skilled work force for the industry. 

Social – providing a forum for social 

interaction between members. 

Corporate Activity 

National President.........................................3 

National Executive........................................4 

Key Projects..................................................6 

Keeping You Informed...................................6 

CEO Report...................................................7 

Membership Services....................................9 

Design Awards............................................10 

Branch Activities.........................................12 

Sector Reports 

EPS........................................................14 

PaMPITO...............................................14 

PIPA ......................................................16 

ITAT .........................................................16 

Plastics Centre of Excellence......................17 

Corporate Suppliers....................................18 

Industrial Relations......................................19 

Environmental Activity 

Environmental Reports 

Chairman’s Report.................................20 

Environmental Manager’s Report..........21 

Degradable Plastics...............................21 

Environmental Achievements................22 

Best Practice Energy.............................24 

$10M Waste Levy Fund.........................25 

Packaging Accord.................................25 

Annual General Meetings & Presidents.........26 

Life Members...............................................27 

Current Membership 

Manufacturers 134 

Recyclers 19 

Corporate Suppliers 52 

Associate Members 18 

Current PNZ member companies 223 

proudly sponsored by 

Platinum Sponsors 

Gold Sponsors 

Bayer New Zealand Ltd 

Hunt Agencies Ltd 

Borouge NZ Ltd 

Viscount Plastics (NZ) Ltd 

Silver Sponsors 

CAPAC International Ltd

National President’s Statement 

Terry Mischefski 

National President 

Plastics New Zealand 

Corporate Activity 

Welcome to the Plastics New Zealand 

Annual Report. I trust you will find it an 

informative collection of reports from those 

involved across all sectors of our industry. 

What a difference a year makes, only 

hindsight would have worked for the year 

of 2008. 

Our industry continued to grow through the 

first three quarters of 2008, until the World’s 

economies peaked, at which time volatility 

created a black hole for the demand of all 

commodities. Raw materials pricing has had 

unprecedented swings in a relative short 

time and the demand for our products has 

certainly diminished over the same period. 

“Cash is now King”, there has never been 

a time when that statement has held so 

much truth. 

We all look back on 2008, and begin to 

understand the process in which we have 

been a part. Most manufacturers are now 

finding a solution for survival mode rather 

than expanding their businesses. 

As we enter 2009 we begin to deal with a 

very different economy with reduced interest 

rates, lower dollar, tax cuts for employees, 

lower fuel prices, and a change of 

Government willing a change of attitudes. 

The strength 

and quality of 


plastics companies 

will ensure that 

our industry will 

be well prepared 

The current difficult trading conditions may 

have placed a damper on the rate of growth 

for the short to medium term, however 

the strength and quality of New Zealand 

plastics companies will ensure that when 

our economy does turn our industry will be 

well prepared. 

Plastics New Zealand is helping to prepare 

the way for increased exports by developing 

an Export Strategy in partnership with New 

Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Price 

Waterhouse Coopers. 

Following preliminary meetings, four projects 

are to be investigated, namely; 

Plasticulture; an opportunity for New Zealand 

plastic companies to form a strategic group 

with other compatible industries to develop 

an integrated farm management solution in 

India, targeting irrigation, piping, tanks, and 

plastic sheeting, to name a few. 

Med-tech; to form a strategic group in 

conjunction with hospitals, manufacturers, 

and research organisations, to design and 

produce specialised medical components 

for export. 

Aquaculture; form a strategic group to 

develop a range of products for use in 

the aqua farming sector, with the aim of 

exporting to countries which are early in the 

development of this industry. 

Packaging and recycling of plastics in 

Vietnam; this project is to target opportunities 

with the assistance of the Vietnamese 

Government to provide packaging and 

recycling solutions for this developing 

nation. 

This year has been extremely busy for 

Plastics New Zealand with the added 

responsibility of organising the plastics Bi- 

Annual Awards at the Ellerslie Convention 

Centre, and the official opening of the 

Plastics Centre of Excellence at the Tamaki 

Campus of The Auckland University. 

The Centre is now fully operational and offers 

a single location research resource centre 

available to all companies in the industry. 

Our ongoing commitment to environmental 

and sustainability issues continues to 

make progress through the work carried 

out by the Environmental Manager and 

committee through the Packaging Accord, 

the biopolymer network, and other similar 

organisations, including the Best Practice 

Energy Program, having recently obtaining 

another two years of EECA funding. 

I would like to wish Ket Bradshaw all the 

best for the future, when she leaves as 

Environmental Manager at the end of the 

year. Ket has done a fantastic job during 

her three years with us, and she will be 

sadly missed. 

Commitment to training industry members 

continues to improve with the success 

of Barbara Wilkinson and her team at 

PAMPITO, and with the prospect that ITAT, 

under its new CEO, David Carruthers will be 

very active in 2009. 

Conference this year will be held at Wairakei 

near Taupo on the 14-16th May 2009. 

The theme, “Plastics Means Business” is 

a grand opportunity to revisit the basics of 

doing business, and experience the views of 

others on how to grow your business under 

a new World economy. 

I would like to thank the work carried out by 

Robin Martin and the PNZ team, and let’s 

not forget the voluntary time provided by 

members of the National Executive, and all 

those who support Plastics New Zealand n 

ANNUAL REPORT 2009 

I PLASTICS NEW ZEALAND

National Executive 

Committees of the 

executive 2008 

Committee 

Industrial Relations............... Nigel Donne 

Chairman 

Environmental...................... Dennise Chapman 

Chairman 

PCOE Governance Board..... Steve Wilson (Jan-May) 

Laurie Cronfield (May-Dec) 

Chairman 

Auckland Branch.................. Eddie Devine 

President 

Waikato/BOP Branch……… Ray Pryor 

President 

Wellington Branch................ Vacant 

President 

South Island Branch............. Dennise Chapman 

President 

Sector groups 

EPS...................................... Peter Spackman (Jan-Nov) 

Mark Maiden (Nov-Dec) 

Chairman 

Pipes & Fittings (PIPA).......... Robin Martin 

Secretary 

Raw Material Suppliers......... Colin Butler 

Chairman 

Plastics New Zealand Staff 

Robin Martin......................... Chief Executive Officer 

Kelly Buchanan-Johns.......... Membership Services Manager 

(Jan-Jun) 

Adriana Schekotova............. Membership Services Manager 

(Jun-Dec) 

Lorna Landon....................... National Office Administrator 

CONTRACTORS 

Ket Bradshaw...................... Environmental Manager 

Brian Wemyss...................... Executive Officer – PIPA 

Simon Wilkinson................... Best Practice Energy Facilitator 

Terry Mischefski: (President) 30 years Plastics 

Industry experience. Director of Expol Ltd. Has 

twice chaired the EPS group and for the previous 

four years represented the EPS Group on the 

National Executive Committee. 

David Brittain: (Immediate Past President) 

Industry involvement started in 1970’s with 

roles in chemical and plastics manufacturing, 

sales, marketing and management, including the 

establishment of James Hardie Plastics in 1982. 

Graduate Diploma in Advanced Management. 

Director of Capac International Ltd. 

Ray Pryor: Vice Preident. Over 42 years in the 

plastics industry. Technical Director of Millennium 

Plastics who are specialist injection moulders. 

Previously held roles within CHH Plastics 

including design, engineering, manufacturing, 

group technical. Holds an NZCE (Plastics) and 

is a Professional Member of DINZ. Currently 

Waikato Branch President. 

Dennise Chapman: 28 years experience in 

the New Zealand Plastics Industry in polymer, 

masterbatch and additive manufacturing and 

supply. Consultant. Has had various roles within 

Plastics New Zealand over the last 17 years 

including Auckland Branch Affiliate Chairperson 

and is currently the South Island Branch 

President and Chairman of the Environment 

Committee. Dennise is also the longest serving 

woman in the industry. 

Graeme Allan: 28 years in the Plastics Industry. 

A process and Production Management 

background in Moulding and Extrusion 

processes, currently Human Resource 

Development Manager with Iplex Pipelines in 

Palmerston North. Served the Plastics ITO 

since it began as the National Technical Training 

Committee, then Chaired the Plastics ITO 

Executive from 1997 to 2000. A member of the 

Industrial Relations subcommittee since 1995. 

Robert Michael: 25 Years in the plastics 

Industry. General Manager Tru Design Plastics 

Ltd. Immediate Past President Auckland 

Branch, Board Member of ITAT, Chair of 

National Training Committee. 


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PLASTICS NEW ZEALAND 

CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Ken Sowman: Group Operations Manager of 

the Gallagher Group, who have inhouse injection 

moulding and tool-making capabilities, (Sunplas 

Engineering) Ken has been actively involved in 

the Plastics Industry for nearly 33 years. He has 

had two terms on the National Executive and has 

also served on the Environmental Committee. 

Mike Murphy: Over 28 years in the Plastics 

Industry. Currently General Manager of 

Pacific Plastics, an Injection Moulder located 

in Christchurch. Currently Past President of 

the South Island Branch of PNZ, Industry 

Representative on the Canterbury Manufacturers 

Association Council. Current Chairman of the 

Board of PaMPITO. 

Tony Miller: 27 years experience in the Plastics 

Industry mostly as GM and CEO of several 

flexible packaging and injection moulding 

businesses. He is now the owner operator of a 

custom injection moulder Lane Plastics. He has 

previously served on the ITO board, Industrial 

Relations working group, Packaging Council and 

served on the National Executive for 13 years. 

Nigel Donne: Human Resource Manager, with 

Marley New Zealand for 15 years. Previous 

President Plastics ITO. Previous President 

Auckland Branch. Currently Chairman of the 

Industrial Relations Group. 

Peter Spackman: 15 years experience in the 

Plastics Industry involved in a wide range of 

EPS products. Currently Managing Director 

of Long Plastics Limited, a specialist EPS 

moulder. A mechanical engineer by profession 

has a background in production engineering, 

manufacturing, consulting engineering and 

general management. Currently Chairman of the 

EPS Sector Group. 

Colin Butler: With 19 years technical sales 

experience, Colin has a tertiary qualification 

in Chemistry and has spent time with UK 

company Croda both here and overseas, and 

Omya of Switzerland, before beginning with 

Hunt Agencies in 2002. Currently serving on the 

Auckland Branch Committee, the ITO board, as 

well as PNZ National Executive as Corporate 

Suppliers Representative. 

John Bennett: 21 years experience in the plastics 

industry and 35 years within the manufacturing 

sector. Has held roles in Engineering, Technical, 

Quality and Operations Management with a 

number of companies. Operations Manager of 

Chemvin Plastics Ltd. 

Eddie Devine (Jnr): Current Auckland Branch 

President. Holds a Bachelor of Business Degree 

(Accounting/Marketing Management), along with 

certificates in Plastic Processing. Officially has 

been involved in the industry for the past 10 years, 

even though he’s been involved since a young 

child. Is the Operations Director of Simaplas 

Limited, and is married to Lisa, with two primary 

school aged children. 

Mark Maiden: 9 years in the EPS industry and 

is the Managing Director of Koolfoam Industries. 

A qualified builder, he holds both trade and 

advanced trade certificates. He also holds 

Bachelor of Business papers in Accounting and 

Management. He is also on the board of the 

Claddings Institute and has been nominated as an 

industry rep on several NZ standard committees 

including the current revision of NZS 4218. 

Laurie Cranfield: 40 years experience in the raw 

material side of the plastics industry. Managing 

Director of TCL Hunt (formerly Hunt Agencies). 

Has had a number of roles in Plastics NZ, 

becoming President in 1997-8 and Life Member 

in 2005. Currently Chairman of the Advisory 

Board for the Plastics Centre of Excellence. 

Barbara Wilkinson: Chief Executive of PaMPITO 

since August 2007. 20 years of management 

experience and a background in consulting 

to the manufacturing sector on training and 

marketing issues. Provides strategic leadership 

to the Plastics Industry on training and employee 

development. Has an MBA from The University 

of Auckland. 

CORPORATE ACTIVITY 



Key Projects 2008-2009 

Informing 

• Publication of the Industry Directory 

• Industry Newsletter 

• Technical Evenings 

• Database/Trade Website Upgrade & Redevelopment 

Marketing 

• Re-negotiation of the Multi Employer Collective Agreement - 09 

• Further development of the Industry Strategic Framework 

- ongoing 

• New membership categories 

• Relationships with organisations that can add value to 

members businesses 

• Continued lobbying at Government level 

• Design Awards 2008 

Training & Education 

• Set up and launch of the Centre of Excellence at the Tamaki 

Campus of The University of Auckland 

• Development of a B.E. Mechanical (plastics option) at 

University of Canterbury 

• Development of a B. E. Mechanical (plastics option) at The 

University of Auckland 

• Delivery of the Diploma in Design and Specification of Plastics 

• Delivery of level 5 National Diploma in Plastic Processing 

Technology 

• Further refinement of Level 1 Trade Training 

• Set up and launch Plastics Centre at CPIT in Christchurch 

• Visiting International Experts 

• Research – Training Needs Analysis carried out 2008 

Strategic Issues 

• Free Trade Agreements with China, Thailand, and others 

• Further projects to progress the Strategic Framework 

– Export Strategy Development, Website Development 

Environmental 

• Best Practice Energy Programme 

• Mass Balance and Recycling Survey - improve accuracy 

and reach 

• Update recyclers list 

• Distribute Plastics ID code 1 to 7 – widely and encourage 

council use 

• HSNO Group standards spreadsheet and advice to members 

• Participate in Negotiating of Third Packaging Accord 

• Assess Product Stewardship Provisions or Waste 

Minimisation Act 2008 

• Launch Degradable Plastics Guide and Commitment 

Keeping You Informed 

Events 

In 2008 we kept you informed on current issues with: 

• PCOE Opening by the Prime Minister 

• Biennial Design Awards 2008 

• The 64th Annual Plastics New Zealand Conference at the 

Waitangi Hotel in Paihia 

• Plastics New Zealand regular email communications with 

links to information viewable on www.plastics.org.nz. 

• Regular updates on industry statistics, tenders and tariffs 

duty concessions 

• Visits to member companies - over 40 companies visited 

during the year 

• Ongoing updates of our www.plastics.org.nz information site 

• Education and Training – Plastics Centre Of Excellence 

development and CPIT opening of the Plastics Centre 

• Diploma in Design and Specification of Plastics over 200 

participants at various levels 

• Advised of those people, with specific skills, seeking 

employment in the industry website/email 

• Statistics collected via Mass Balance Survey and 

Recycling Survey 

• Media Releases – Design for the Environment Guidelines 

Launch, Plastics Industry supports reuse and recycling of 

supermarket bags 

And seminars, workshops, tours and technical sessions on: 

• Sector group meetings 

• Seminars with International Experts – Mark Strachan 

(Thermoforming) 

• Best Practice Degradables Workshop and ongoing working 

group 

• Best Practice Energy Seminars 

Sponsorship 

• Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors of Plastics NZ 

Social Events 

• Golf Tournaments (Auckland, Wellington, South Island) 

• Go Karting (Auckland, South Island) 

• Past Presidents Dinner (Auckland) 

• Technical Evenings (South Island, Auckland, Waikato, 

Wellington) 

• Mid Year Dinner (Auckland, South Island) 

• Christmas Dinner (South Island) 

• AGMs 

In addition we responded to thousands of phone calls, faxes 

and emails about the industry and generated many leads on 

your behalf. 


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CORPORATE ACTIVITY

CEO Report 

2008 was another very busy year 

culminating in the financial and economic 

disruption through the world. On behalf of 

members Plastics New Zealand were again 

in the forefront of initiatives to enhance the 

performance and reputation of the Plastics 

Industry and at the same time supporting 

members to prosper in a difficult world 

environment. 

I note below some of the key outcomes 

that Plastics New Zealand achieved on 

behalf of members. 

Plastics 


were again in 

the forefront 

of initiatives 

to enhance the 

performance 

and reputation 

of the Plastics 

Industry 

Strategic 

Industry Strategic Plan 

The Industry Strategic Plan, conceived in 

2004, continues to act as the foundations 

for our work with Government Agencies. 

We continue to work with TEC, NZTE, FRST 

and others to benefit the Industry. The fact 

that we have a direction, we know what our 

needs are, and we have a large number of 

dedicated members lends weight to our 

request for funds, for the good of the Industry 

and the good of the New Zealand economy. 

The Plastics Centre of Excellence 

The PCOE was officially opened by the Prime 

Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark, in October 

2008. All machinery and equipment are in 

place. We have had a number of enquiries 

for testing and analysis and a number of 

requests for work have been successfully 

completed. PNZ has also been successful 

in being awarded over $700,000 from 

FRST for some research to be undertaken 

in 2 areas – a tear resistant PLA film and a 

replacement for PVC. With these grants we 

were successful in having the funds awarded 

to PNZ, rather than a University or a CRI - 

and the industry chose the projects for the 

good of the industry. This approach – a 

commercial approach – was a major change 

in policy from FRST and came as a result of 

a good and growing relationship with them. 

The development of this facility is a major 

plank in our objective to enable R and D to 

play a significant part in keeping the industry 

at the forefront of plastics development so 

we can service the brand owners with world 

class solutions to their needs. 

The Plastics Centre at CPIT 

Robin Martin 

Chief Executive Officer 


This facility continues to be a hub for all 

training in the South Island – with PaMPITO, 

ITAT and Plastics New Zealand all holding 

courses at the facility. Both the South Island 

Branch and CPIT have plans for future 

development in 2009. 

Duty Concession Applications 

This service benefits many of our members 

by stopping the free importation of products 

that can be made in New Zealand. In this 

way we can ensure the opportunity for 

manufacture stays in New Zealand. 

Development of a Collaborative Solutions 

Based Export Strategy 

With funding from NZTE, skilled consultancy 

from PwC and considerable input from a wide 

range of members, Plastics New Zealand 

has facilitated the development of the new 

way of approaching the opportunities for 

export – not only for the plastics industry but 

also for brand owners and other companies 

that the industry enables to export. This is 

all part of the goal of doubling our exports 

to over $2 billion by 2015. Major research 

was undertaken, considerable desk analysis 

undertaken and a short list of opportunities 

agreed. Leadership groups have been 

established to take advantage of the 

opportunities on offer. 

Website Trade Portal development 

(www.plasticsnz.com) 

With funding from NZTE, skilled 

consultancy from “iSite”, and input from 

a wide selection of members, the trade 

portal www.plasticsnz.com is being totally 

revamped. This site was developed 10 

years ago and company needs as well 

as technology has moved on since it was 

developed. It is our intention to create an easy 

to use web based enquiry system that can 

be used any where in the world for potential 

industry customers to place enquiries that 

results in sales to our member companies. 

When this has been completed we need to 

upgrade our own PNZ data base so that the 

latest and most accurate data is on file for 

prospective customers to be directed to. 

The information website www.plastics.org.nz 

will be developed after the completion of the 

Trade portal website. 




Training 

Training Needs Analysis 

Funded by NZTE we carried out a major 

piece of research to identify the main issues 

that the industry faced in regard to training. 

The research was carried out by Colmar 

Brunton and consisted of both qualitative 

(extended interviews) and quantitative (web 

based 12 minutes survey). The results of 

this work has formed the basis for future 

training initiatives for the industry and will be 

the source of data for what PNZ, PaMPITO 

and ITAT present to the industry. 

Diploma in Design and Specification of 

Plastics (DDSP) 

This programme will again be run in 2009. 

The 4 part, 7 day series has continued to 

prove popular with a number of members 

and has now seen over 800 individuals who 

have completed at least 1 part of the series. 

As a member you get preferential rates to 

this very practical course. 

Overseas Experts 

PNZ continues to arrange, in conjunction 

with SPE, visiting overseas experts. 

Recently we had visits from Bill Tobin on 

Injection Moulding, Mark Strachan and 

Thermoforming and Chris Rauwendall and 

Extrusions. This series will again be run in 

2009 with the addition of a Film expert. 

University Courses 

Plastics New Zealand has worked with 

Canterbury University to establish a polymer 

option in the 4th year of the BE (Mechanical) 

and with University of Auckland for a Post 

Graduate certificate in Polymer Science 

from 2010. This is a major step forward 

and represents new and exciting options for 

potential employees of the plastics industry. 

Trade Training 

Membership of Plastics New Zealand gives 

you the opportunity to take advantage of 

special related discounts through PaMPITO 

(the standards setting body). 

ITAT 

ITAT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Plastics 

New Zealand and operates as a top quality 

deliverer of Training in many different areas 

such as Literacy Numeracy, First Line 

Management, Plastics Processing etc. 

Informing 

Industry Directory 

In 2008 we published the new edition of 

the directory which was posted to over 

7000 companies and contacts - all of 

whom were prospective customers to the 

plastics industry. 

Quarterly Newsletter 

We publish an electronic newsletter on a 

regular basis keeping our members up to 

date with all relevant issues. 

Technical Evenings 

These continue to be hosted by the Branch 

network in Christchurch, Wellington, 

Hamilton and Auckland. These are free 

of charge and cover a variety of issues 

from visiting overseas speakers to tours 

of local factories. 

Database and e-commerce 

This is significant benefit to all members in 

a number of ways. We have an information 

website – www.plastics.org.nz where there 

is a significant array of information about 

the industry. We have www.plasticsnz.com 

which is a trade portal where a potential 

customer can load their requirements and 

get a list of potential manufacturers who 

would be able to help them. Both of these 

facilities are being upgraded with the help 

of funding from NZTE as part of our drive to 

support the Export capability of the industry. 

We also have a database of member 

information which is used by PNZ to 

successfully deal with over 50 enquiries per 

week – many of which are supply enquiries 

and result in business being directed to 

members. It is thus important that we have 

all relevant information about your business 

so we can direct enquiries to the most 

relevant company. 

The Branch System 

Plastics New Zealand has branches 

in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and 

Christchurch. The branches are involved 

closely with the local membership and hold 

any number of social, sports and technical 

events each year. In addition local training 

is organized for specific needs. The local 

branches meet on a regular basis and 

take turns in co-organizing the Annual 

Conference. In 2009 the Auckland branch 

celebrates its 50th year – a Golden Jubilee. 

Marketing 

Annual Conference 

The annual conference is for all members 

and is held each year in a different location. 

Formal business sessions are combined 

with social, sports and partner programmes. 

In 2009 the Conference will be held in 

Wairakei on May 14th -16th with the Theme 

- “Plastics Means Business”. 

Biennial Design Awards 

In October 2008 we held the Biennial 

Design awards with the Prime Minister in 

attendance. It is an excellent occasion with 

over 300 people witnessing some of the 

clever design and engineering solutions that 

make this Industry one of the engine rooms 

of the New Zealand economy. 


I 

 


CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Membership Services 

Young Designers Awards 

Plastics New Zealand supports this design 

initiative, at secondary school level, to ensure 

that the Plastics Industry is promoted as 

an opportunity to budding designers – we 

need them! 

Multi Employer Collective Agreement 

This will be renegotiated with the EPMU in 

2009. This is a huge benefit to members as 

this negotiation can be used as the basis for 

your own company or individual agreements 

- thus saving time, expertise and money. 

Developing Relationships 

PNZ spend some time developing 

relationships with a wide number and 

variety of organizations that can add benefit 

to the industry and its members. From 

Vodafone, ANZ Bank, AON Insurance, for 

purely commercial reasons to Government 

Departments such as – NZTE, MED, MFAT, 

Mfe, TEC, FRST, EECA, and ERMA - all of 

whom can help and support the industry 

in a multitude of ways. In addition we work 

with tertiary Institutions such as University of 

Auckland, Canterbury University and CPIT 

to ensure the Tertiary Sector is offering the 

types of courses that the industry needs. 

Environmental 

Best Practice Energy 

In conjunction with EECA, PNZ has been 

at the forefront of energy conservation 

audits and associated activity to not only 

ensure best use of expensive energy but 

also to benefit our members by reducing 

their energy bills – so far, on average 12%. 

Further funding has been awarded to the 

industry for use over the next 2 years. 

Packaging Accord 

Plastics New Zealand continues to play 

their part in the further development of the 

voluntary accord to ensure as little product 

as possible goes to the land fill. 

Mass Balance Survey 

Every year PNZ facilitates the collection of 

data from the industry to form the basis for 

calculating collection rates that then get 

enshrined into the industries obligations 

under the Packaging Accord. 

Degradable Plastics 

During 2008 PNZ facilitated the 

development of guidelines to assist in the 

management of the various degradable 

products on the market. 

Finally many thanks to a wide number 

of people for the work they have done 

for Plastics New Zealand - Lorna for 

the administration of the office, Adriana 

who took over from Kelly as Membership 

Services Manager half way through the year 

while she is on Maternity leave, Simon on 

the Energy Efficiency Programme and Ket 

as Environmental Manager (see elsewhere 

for details). Plastics New Zealand is almost 

totally dependant on hours of work and 

buckets of expertise from its members 

for a variety of activities – Environment 

Committee, IR Committee, EPS Sector 

group, PIPA, Branch Activities – my thanks 

to you all. In addition there is a selfless 

involvement from a large number of 

individuals on National Executive, Plastics 

Centre of Excellence Governance Board 

and other interest groups. Finally – great 

big thanks to Terry Mischefski as President 

of Plastics New Zealand who has spent 

endless hours, on your behalf, supporting 

our activities, in particular the work we have 

completed with NZTE and PwC on the 

development of the Collaborative Solutions 

Based Export Strategy. 

For further information on the benefits of 

being a member of Plastics New Zealand, 

contact Robin Martin at 09 262 3773 ext 

102, 021 655 098, robin@plastics.org.nz 

n 

Adriana Schekotova 

Membership Services 

Manager 


I started my very interesting and multilayered 

role at Plastics New Zealand 

in June 2008 on a one year contract 

replacing Kelly Buchanan-Johns while 

on maternity leave. I previously worked 

as a Marketing Coordinator in the Real 

Estate Industry and graduated from The 

University of Auckland with a Bachelor 

in Marketing and Management. 

My first task was to organise the 2008 

biennial Design Awards. Thanks to 

all the companies who entered and 

congratulations to the winners! Next up 

will be to organise the Conference to be 

held in Wairakei, Lake Taupo on the 14- 

16 May 2009. Be sure to mark this date 

in your diary and register early to book 

the best room at the resort! 

In the coming year I will be focusing on: 

• Membership – recruiting new 

members, measuring results, 

providing quality assistance to 

members, visiting members, 

implementing the Strategic Plan for 

Plastics Industry growth. 

• Marketing / Communication 

– quarterly newsletters, website 

updates, trade queries, media 

relations, key supplier relationships. 

• Events – Annual Conference and 

Branch Activities & Seminars. 

• Environmental – Annual Mass 

Balance Survey, Recycling Survey. 

• Education – organising DDSP 

Courses in the upcoming year, 

working towards upgrading the 

DDSP to a NZQA Certified Level. 

I would like to thank all the companies 

that invited me to visit their premises 

this year, and took their time to give me 

a tour of the factory facilities. 

For more information please contact 

Adriana@plastics.org.nz n 




2008 Design Awards 

The winners of the 2008 Plastics Industry Biennial Design 

Awards were announced at a Gala Dinner held at the 

Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland on 3rd October 2008. 

Prime Minister Helen Clark was in attendance to present 

the awards. 

The 2008 Awards attracted 37 entries, reflecting the 

industry’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s most 

innovative sectors. In total, Awards presented on the 

night were: 16 Bronze, 15 Silver, 15 Gold, and the Overall 

Supreme Award. 

With an Industry turnover of over $2billion and direct 

and indirect exports of over $1billion, high growth and 

high productivity, the plastics sector makes a significant 

contribution to New Zealand’s economy. 

Many of the entries are for world-first products developed 

with leading-edge technology. The awards not only cover 

new product and process application technologies, they 

also include three other important categories for the industry: 

Environmental Achievement, Export and Tool Making. 

Supreme Award Winner 

Tahi Shower System 

This year’s Supreme Award was won by 

Methven Ltd with their Tahi Shower System, 

which also took out three Gold Awards in the 

Consumer Products, Conventional Injection 

Moulding, and Tool Making Categories. (as 

awarded n photo above) 

Supreme Award 

Methven Ltd 

Auckland. 

Contact: Robert Bolus 

09 829 0273 

www.methven.biz 

The Tahi Shower System has been 

developed to provide an unashamedly 

luxurious shower experience. Targeting 

architects and specifiers, it uses less 

water than typical competitor conventional 

shower products. Designed in New Zealand 

for export markets, component weights 

range from 0.1g up to 181g. 23 dies were 

manufactured by New Zealand toolmakers, 

with 33 components being moulded by 

New Zealand manufacturers. 


I 

10 


CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Gold Award Winners 

Kaynemaile: Reward of the Rings 

Despite consistent protestations from 

experienced plastic moulders, Art Director 

of Creatures, Armour and Weapons for “The 

Lord of the Rings”, Kayne Horsham, believed 

he could still invent a continuously injection 

moulded, seamless chainmail mesh. Finally, 

he found technical support through Agmar 

Tools and later Talbot Plastics. Several 

years of R&D and considerable capital 

investment has resulted in a world first 

architectural translucent mesh system 

called ‘Kaynemaile seamless mesh’. 

Recently awarded the 2007 IF Materials 

Award (International Federation of Design), it 

received a finalist nomination for Germany’s 

official design award, DesignPreis 2008. 

Building Award 

Talbot Plastics Ltd 

Christchurch 

Contact: Steve Wilson 

03 338 9084 

www.talbotplastics.com 

Kaynemaile Ltd 

Wellington 

Contact: Kayne Horsham 

04 471 4640 

www.kaynemaile.com 

VB Portable Vibration Analyser 

Commtest wanted to upgrade their existing 

portable vibration analyser. They recruited 

iDesign Ltd to come up with a new product 

design to meet their needs. iDesign 

consulted with Talbot Plastics on features 

which needed to be confirmed from a tooling 

perspective prior to design finalisation. 

Injection Moulding Award 

Co-Moulded Talbot Plastics Ltd 

Christchurch. 

Contact: Steve Wilson 

03 338 9084 

www.talbotplastics.com 

Smart Reader HR3 

Gallagher’s SmartReader HR3 is a portable 

Electronic Identification Reader – a handheld 

device that reads information stored in 

electronic ear tags and enables rapid and 

accurate identification of individual animals. It 

has memory for 5,000 tags and incorporates 

Bluetooth output for cordless operation. 

Primary Award 

Gallagher Group Ltd 

Hamilton. 

Contact: Ken Sowman 

07 838 9849 

www.gallaghergroup.co.nz 

Varian 900 Series 

Airform tooled and manufactured 5 Twin 

Sheet and 2 pressure formed components 

per cabinet. The parts are manufactured 

from Poly Phenylene Oxide and are 

manufactured to very high tolerances. Each 

complete set of parts involves the moulding 

in place of 49 inserts. 

Thermoforming Award 

Airform International 

Industrial Award Christchurch. 

Contact: Darryn Ross 

03 344 0640 

www.airform.co.nz 


ANNUAL REPORT 2009 PLASTICS NEW ZEALAND 

I 

11

Branch Activities 

Auckland 

Branch Report 

Eddie Devine 

(Simaplas Ltd) 

President Auckland Branch 


At the time of writing this report where the 

worldwide financial crisis has made many 

people nervous about the immediate future 

due to the current recession, I would like 

to focus on the positive effort the Auckland 

Branch Committee has made during the 

2008 year. 

The year started with the return to the 

Akarana Golf Course for the annual golf 

competition in February with the usual good 

turnout of “handicapped” golfers in one 

shape or form. Apart from the downpour 

for the first six holes the sky cleared, and a 

great day was had by all. 

The AGM was held at Romfords in April, 

with yours truly being appointed the new 

Auckland Branch President. The highlight of 

the night was the presentation of Auckland 

Branches first ever Life Membership Award 

which was bestowed upon Eddie Devine 

(Snr) for his services to the Auckland 

Branch, and the plastics industry during his 

35 year career. 

May saw John Bennett and the Auckland 

Branch committee host the annual 

conference up in Paihia – Bay of Islands. 

The catch phrase was Get Smarter with 

the committee playing on the upcoming film 

and hit 60s TV show Get Smart. This topic 

related to training with data displayed on 

what skills industry saw in short supply, and 

where this upskilling can take place. 

Two special awards were presented at 

conference this year. The first was an 

Honoree Membership to Jim Meyland for 

his contribution in the negotiations with the 

unions while establishing the MECA. 

The second was the Bestowment of the 

PNZ Life Membership award to Steve 

Habershon for his services in the National 

Executive committee and his number of 

year’s contribution to the industry. 

The conference ended on a great night with 

the Gala Dinner and a superb band which 

had everyone up and dancing. 

The aim of the Auckland branch committee 

since then has been to endeavour to put on 

an event every month of the year, alternating 

between the already strong social events, 

and the return of the technical events. 

I am glad to report that we have achieved 

this goal of holding an event every month, 

with a great turnout for each event with no 

less than 40 people in attendance. 

A quick summary of the events we put on 

since June has been: 

Social........ Movie night to premiere of Get 

Smart 

Technical.. Nanotechnology presentation 

and Clariant Plant Tour 

Social........ Annual Go Karting Competition 

Technical.. Hot Runner Presentation and 

PCOE Tour 

Social........ Past Presidents Dinner 

Technical.. Astron Plant Tour 

Next years plan is to continue with this 

program of facilitating an event each 

month of the year. I would like to thank the 

committee members for their time and effort 

in attending the bi-monthly meetings and 

contributing towards the organization of the 

monthly events. 

Thank you very much for supporting us, 

and the events this year, via way of either 

sending people along and/or help through 

sponsorship. 

Finally, next year sees the Golden Jubilee 

Anniversary of the Auckland Branch from 

its formation in 1959. We look forward to 

your support again next year as we plan 

to prepare more successful events for the 

benefit of us members. 

Best of luck over the upcoming year n 

Waikato 

branch report 

Ray Prior 

(Millennium Plastics Ltd) 

President Waikato Branch 


The Plastics scene in the Waikato has 

enjoyed a high level of activity across most 

disciplines through 2008 due to the strong 

performance of local and export dairy 

and horticultural related industries. Two 

new manufacturing facilities have been 

commissioned to accommodate the growth 

of local plastics companies during the 

second half of the year, testament to a firm 

belief in our industry’s future. 

During the year we officially welcomed Active 

Plastics and Tekplas to the Waikato Branch, 

bringing our current membership count up 

to 12 with a third local prospect expected to 

join the ranks in the new year. 

Bi-monthly branch meetings have been 

held through 2008 with consistent 

attendance of a core group representing 

member companies. 

While the intent has been to include a mix 

of technical and social activities we have 

tended to devote our meetings to the 

business of the branch and share in the well 

organized social activities of our Auckland 

cousins – a small team represented the 

Waikato at the Auckland Golf tournament in 

March and the Go-Karting later in the year. 

At the Branch AGM in April Ray Pryor was 

confirmed as Branch President and Heather 

Allen was elected as Vice President. 

Presentations on energy savings by 

Simon Wilkinson and Pampito Courses 

restructuring by Barbara Wilkinson were 

well received at this meeting. 

June activities included two member 

companies participation in the annual 

Careers Expo for secondary schools, a midyear 

Branch Dinner (which was well attended 

by some of the newer representatives of 

member companies), and a joint event 


I 

12 


CORPORATE ACTIVITY

with local engineering companies covering 

drugs in the workplace (presented by Elite 

Dog Services). 

Following a meeting with the Wellington 

Branch committee in July the Waikato 

Branch was confirmed with the joint 

responsibility of organizing the 2009 Annual 

Conference. 

The August branch meeting was well 

attended with a presentation on filtration 

by Peter Ivanov of PALL Corporation being 

positively received, a few eyes were opened 

to the potential risks of typical practices 

within the industry. 

An outcome of this branch meeting was the 

establishment of a conference committee 

which is tasked to work with Robin and 

his team in the organization and running of 

the conference with assistance from the 

Wellington Branch members where possible. 

Efforts over the balance of the year have 

been focused on conference preparations 

with a firm outline of proceedings evolving 

around the theme “Plastics Means 

Business”. Watch this space as we get 

closer to the time, make space for Wairakei 

from May 14th to 16th. 

Waikato Branch finances are in their 

embryonic stages but we remain “in the 

black” and will further improve on this 

position as we embark on a membership 

drive over the next 12 months. 

I would like to thank the members of our 

branch for their enthusiasm and support of 

our activities, also special thanks to Robin 

and Adriana for their support and guidance 

from PNZ head office n 


SOUTH ISLAND 

Branch Report 

Denise Chapman 

(Consultant) 

President South Is Branch 


2008 has been a busy year for the South 

Island Branch. We have had a very full 

social calendar this year, starting with the 

Golf in March sponsored and organised by 

RX Plastics. This was followed by a fishing 

trip to Kaikoura, some members finding out 

that having a big night beforehand was not 

conducive to catching fish, although there 

was plenty of bait! 

Our AGM in April was followed by a night out 

Indian style which was very well attended. In 

July we ran an intercompany 10 pin bowling 

evening which was a lot of fun. August saw 

us wine tasting and dining out with Charles 

Wiffen wines. The Go Karting last year was 

such a success that we had a rerun in 

November with a play off planned for early 

2009 between Ristrom Packaging and Action 

Plastics with the possibility of an interisland 

competition as well. Thanks to Comspec for 

organising this and to those companies who 

sponsored the event. Our Xmas function was 

held at Hintons vineyard and we presented 

Ross Hunt with a SI Branch Life Membership 

certificate. Ross has spent many years on 

the branch committee and has been a great 

supporter of PNZ. 

The weakening economy has certainly 

started to have an effect on some of our 

members, this has meant it has been harder 

to encourage companies to participate in 

ongoing training. To help promote training we 

have set up the South Island Plastics Training 

Advisory Committee. At our first meeting we 

arranged for member companies to sponsor 

the equipment and processes at the CPIT 

Plastics Centre, and with a concerted effort 

we had all machines up and running for the 

two open days in June. We also arranged 

with PaMPITO to hold PPT 01 in three parts 

at the Centre and had full classes for all three 

parts. Barbara Wilkinson CEO of PaMPITO 

has been a great supporter of CPIT and our 

branch training activities. The Branch has 

agreed to sponsor some training through the 

Centre and we are working with CPIT and 

PaMPITO to find the best use for these funds. 

Continuing on the training theme we ran an 

awards presentation evening in October to 

formerly recognise all those people in the SI 

who had achieved level 2 and above over the 

last two years. This was a great success with 

40 attendees and 60 certificates given out in 

total. The Branch also sponsored a prize for 

the best night class and block course plastics 

apprentice at CPIT, which went to Andrew 

Hood of RX Plastics Rotational Moulding. Our 

thanks to Rob Lingard and Steffan Jaques 

from CPIT for their continued efforts on the 

industry’s behalf. 

I would like to thank the committee for all 

their efforts this year and to acknowledge 

the businesses which allow them to 

participate. Plastics New Zealand as an 

industry body has always been successfully 

directed by strong regional branches and in 

order to continue we rely on the hard work 

of volunteers; 

Mike Murphy...... Elldex Packaging 

(Immediate Past President) 

Mark Field.......... Elastomer Products Ltd 

(Senior Vice President) 

John Lovett........ Talbot Plastics Ltd 

(Junior Vice President) 

Andrew Stewart General Cables Ltd 

Robert Fowler.... Comspec Ltd 

Murray Knight.... Polymers International Ltd 

Graeme Rickard Plastech Industries Ltd 

Warren Jones..... Chemiplas Ltd 

Brendon Hill....... Viscount Ltd 

Ross Hunt.......... RX Plastics Ltd 

(now retired from the committee) 

Paul Wilson RX Plastics Ltd 

Several of our branch members are involved 

in National roles as well, Mike Murphy is 

on the PaMPITO board, Mark Field has 

been involved in the MECA negotiations 

and Dennise Chapman is Chair of the 

Environment Committee, and on PNZ 

national executive committee. 

And finally our branch would like to thank 

Robin, Ket, Simon, Lorna and Adriana 

and the rest of the PNZ team along with 

the National Executive and PAMPITO for 

their support and for keeping us informed 

throughout the year n 


I 

13


EPS SECTOR 

Peter Spackman 

(Long Plastics Ltd) 

The Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Sector 

Group comprises 18 members representing 

the suppliers and processors of EPS. The 

Group meets formally three times a year to 

keep abreast of issues affecting the industry. 

It undertakes a number of projects aimed at 

enhancing opportunities for the use of EPS 

in the community and produces promotional 

material for distribution by members. 

Group Activity 

AMEPS 

AMEPS, of which the Group is a member, 

is the Asian Manufacturers of EPS and 

comprises 14 member countries in the 

Asian region. New Zealand did not have a 

representative attend this year’s conference 

in Korea. 

Advertising Action 

The EPS Sector Group recently took action 

against Kingspan New Zealand Ltd, a 

manufacturer of insulated sandwich panel, 

who published an advertisement which 

denigrated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) 

insulated panel. The advertisement entitled 

“Alarm bells are ringing for EPS” discredited 

EPS in a number of negative statements, 

which attempted to compare the fire 

performance of EPS insulated panel with 

there own ‘Firesafe’ PIR insulated panel. 

The EPS sector group considered the 

intent and tenor of the advertisement was 

to discredit and degrade the EPS insulated 

panel and so made a formal complaint 

to the Advertising Standards Authority 

(ASA). A hearing was held before the ASA 

Complaints Board on 30 June and the Board 

subsequently upheld the complaint on the 

grounds that the advertisement “denigrated 

and/or degraded, discredited or disparaged 

the product”. 

Details of the decision are available on the 

ASA web site, www.asa.co.nz, Decisions, 

2008, Complaint 08/113, AWAP 08/005,. 

Environmental 

Concern in Europe about the use of 

brominated flame retardants in plastics 

continued in 2008. Whilst still permitted 

throughout Europe, Norway has banned the 

use of these materials, particularly HBCDD 

used in EPS. No other countries have 

banned its use. 

Further investigation this year revealed that 

use of HBCDD is considered safe at levels 

below 0.1%. EPS has a concentration 

typically of 0.7%. 

Material supplier BASF provided a detailed 

reply to our letter and concluded that the 

concentration level in EPS of 0.7% was 

necessary in order to provide the fire 

retardant properties required in the material. 

They pointed out that at the 0.1% level, it 

would not meet these properties. 

Best Practice Energy Audits 

A number of EPS companies participated in 

the last round of energy audits. 

Future Direction of Group 

The Group spent some time at its July 

meeting discussing the future. Some 

members had expressed concern about 

direction the Group was taking and others 

contemplated leaving it. A robust discussion 

took place with the consensus being that in 

spite of a number of challenges, the Group 

should continue to operate as in the past. 

Retirement 

This year saw the retirement of long serving 

member John Beck. John worked in the 

plastics industry for 25 years, building 

a substantial EPS business. The Group 

farewelled John at its November meeting 

with a small presentation. 

Administration 

The group extends it’s thanks to Robin 

Martin and the Executive of Plastics New 

Zealand for their invaluable assistance over 

the past year n 

PaMPITO 

Barbara Wilkinson 


PaMPITO 

2008 was a good year for PaMPITO. It was 

a year of getting our organisation back on 

track and fully able to support companies 

to address their training needs. I am 

pleased to report that we have achieved 

what we set out to achieve, despite our 

ambitious goals. 

STANDARDS SETTING 

Systems 

During 2008, PaMPITO spent a significant 

amount of time establishing new systems 

and processes so that we can effectively 

carry out the Standard Setting part of our 

role as an ITO. 

As an authorised Standard Setting Body, 

PaMPITO writes and maintains nationally 

recognised qualifications for the industry 

sectors we are responsible for (Plastics, 

Paints, Glass and Pharmaceuticals 

manufacturing sectors). It is important 

that our qualifications reflect the skills that 

companies need. We must also make sure 

that training provisions and assessments 

against our qualifications are consistent. 

During 2008 we reviewed and updated many 

of our plastics qualifications to keep them 

up-to-date with the skills needed. We also 

reviewed our assessment and moderation 

processes to ensure consistency in 

assessment practices. 

To maintain our status and recognition as 

an ITO we have undergone several audits 

on our various systems and processes. I 

am delighted to report that all our systems 

have met with approval from both the NZ 

Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the 

Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and 

both these organisations have commended 

us highly for the work we have done. 


I 

14 


CORPORATE ACTIVITY

We can now go forward with confidence 

that the systems we are implementing are 

appropriate and valid. 

Qualifications and Training Programmes 

PaMPITO’s qualifications cater for the 

range of skills required within our industry 

sectors. In 2009 we are introducing a series 

of Limited Credit Programmes (LCPs) so 

that employers can implement smaller, bite 

sized training interventions. Topics such as 

Health and Safety, Quality Management, 

Competitive Manufacturing, as well as 

Plastics Materials Handling, Die Setting 

and Introduction to Plastics Technology will 

be available in these shorter programmes 

as well as through our comprehensive full 

qualifications. LCPs are a great way to get 

started on training without taking on a long 

term commitment. 

We are also continuing to offer apprenticeship 

programmes and in 2009 a wider range of 

Modern Apprenticeship programmes will be 

available. Apprenticeships for storekeeping, 

distribution and business administration, as 

well as plastics technician and engineering 

apprenticeships will be available. 

TRAINING DELIVERY 

Courses 

In 2008 we made some changes to the 

way courses were delivered. We offered a 

range of short courses covering a variety of 

skills that are needed in the workplace. 22 

courses ran, with a total of 220 participants. 

The courses were delivered by MIT and CPIT 

in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. 

We have collected good feedback and, 

overall, we are pleased with the new way 

of delivering courses. Visit our website 

www.pampito.org.nz/CourseCalendar.asp 

for the 2009 course calendar. 

Distance Learning 

In 2009 we are upgrading our PaMPITO 

distance learning materials. We are also 

revamping non-PaMPITO materials, in 

collaboration with quality training providers. 

Our aim is to provide an affordable and 

effective system for training that blends 

distance learning with courses (on and off 

the job training) in stimulating ways. 

Workplace Literacy Training 

The TEC is currently offering 100% subsidies 

for workplace literacy training. A Workplace 

Literacy Programme can cover a range of 

skills required in the workplace. Workplace 

literacy training is not just about developing 

reading and writing skills. Communication 

skills, understanding health and safety 

responsibilities, measuring performance, 

and ensuring quality and problem-solving are 

just some of the skills that can be developed 

in a workplace literacy programme. 

Many of our new Limited Credit Programmes 

can be achieved through a Workplace 

Literacy Programme. We have established 

relationships with providers in Auckland, 

Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch that 

can deliver such training. We encourage 

the plastics industry to take advantage of 

this subsidy whilst it is available. Contact us 

for more information. 

SKILLS LEADERSHIP 

Training Services 

Our Training Services Managers (TSMs) are 

available to provide expert advice and assist 

companies to identify and implement training 

that meets their needs. The team was 

established in 2008 and is ready to provide 

support where it is needed. This service 

is funded through the ITO, so is free to 

companies. Our TSMs make a big difference 

to the success of training by supporting both 

employers and employees to maximize the 

value of their training programmes. 

Workplace Assessor Conferences 

Last year we introduced a new policy 

of providing professional development 

opportunities to our Workplace Assessors. 

In March 2008 they were invited to our 

Workplace Assessor Conferences which 

were held in Auckland, Christchurch 

and Hamilton. In November we also 

ran workshops on recognizing literacy 

and numeracy issues in the workplace. 

We continue to provide professional 

development for our Workplace Assessors 

in 2009. The first Workplace Assessor 

Conference is on 13th February 2009 in 

Auckland. 

Energy Efficiency Skills 

PaMPITO is working in collaboration with a 

group of other ITOs, EECA and the Plastics 

Industry’s Best Practice Energy Programme 

to develop an Energy Efficiency Skills 

programme. The programme will identify the 

skills required to monitor and manage energy 

consumption efficiently in a manufacturing 

environment. It is anticipated that such 

skills will become increasingly important in 

the manufacturing sector and we may wish 

to include them in future qualifications. The 

project is at a scoping stage. 

Future Outlook 

We believe that more people engaged 

in smaller chunks of specific, relevant 

training will support companies to increase 

their performance. With our support and 

increased Government funding, we believe 

2009 is the right time for the plastics industry 

to increase training activities and benefit 

from up-skilling opportunities n 



I 

15


PIPA 

NEW ZEALAND 

Brian Wemyss 

PIPA Executive Officer 

2008 saw much of the PIPA NZ time taken 

up with Green Building related matters. 

Specific areas of activity included: 

Green Buildings 

Action was taken by PIPA NZ over the 

introduction and adverse effects of a PVC 

minimisation clause forming part of a 

commercial building green rating system 

recently introduced by the New Zealand 

Green Building Council. 

The Green Star rating system is the only 

building rating system in the world that 

includes a PVC minimisation clause despite 

various independent scientific reports 

concluding that a restriction on PVC 

building products could well result in the 

use of alternative materials that are worse 

in terms of environmental impacts. PIPA NZ 

members have spent a considerable amount 

of time pursuing this matter with the Green 

Building Council and politicians. 

The work is being done in collaboration 

with our sister organization PIPA Australia 

who share the same problem. This 

disparity with other building materials will 

continue to be vigorously pursued by PIPA 

NZ until resolved. 

PVC Recycling 

In 2007 PIPA NZ members agreed to accept 

suitable PVC pipe back for recycling into new 

products as part of its product stewardship 

commitments. 

Initiatives included pilot a recycling scheme 

run by Marley New Zealand in conjunction 

with Waste Management to recover PVC 

pipe from the construction waste stream. 

The trial confirmed the amount of PVC pipe 

in the total construction waste stream to be 

very small and in the order of 0.015%. 

The recycling trial proved successful and an 

ongoing arrangement to accept used PVC 

pipe is now in place between Marley and 

Waste Management. 

Although most infrastructure pipe remains 

buried after its useful life many urban road 

construction projects now see the removal 

defunct pipes. This aspect coupled with rising 

disposal costs and greater environmental 

consciousness has seen a growing number 

of contractors returning used pipe to PIPA 

NZ members for reprocessing. 

Another recycling trial recently implemented 

by Marley New Zealand involves the use of 

recycling containers at Plumbers Merchants 

for the return of scrap pipe. 

Large Bore Polyethylene Pipe Loading 

Procedures 

Following a couple of pipe loading injury 

accidents by other organisations recently 

PIPA NZ members instigated a review of 

their large bore polyethylene pipe loading 

procedures. The general requirements of the 

reviewed procedures have been adopted by 

PIPA NZ members and the information has 

been made available to other organisations 

and the Department of Labour n 

ITAT 

David Carruthers 

Managing Director 

ITAT 

2008 has been a year of consolidation for 

ITAT with plans for strong growth in 2009. 

In-house training has continued during the 

year, with a number of companies benefiting 

from ITAT training delivery tailored to suit 

their specific requirements. 

The very strong relationship with the 

Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has 

continued, with TEC now prepared to fund 

the full cost of training. This means that in 

2008 and on into 2009, more and more 

companies within the plastics industry are 

able to plan confidently for ongoing training 

at minimal cost. 

More staff have been added to the ITAT 

stable with a new Chief Executive Officer, 

Programme Manager and one more full time 

trainer. ITAT is looking forward to its increased 

capacity to deliver literacy, numeracy and 

specific technical skills training to industry. 

New products developed in 2008 include 

Competitive Manufacturing, Distance 

Learning, First Line Management, Train the 

Trainer and Occupational Safety and Health. 

ITAT now has a full suite of training products 

to cater to industry needs, all based around 

achievement of nationally recognized 

qualifications. 

Competitive Manufacturing qualifications 

have proved to be very popular, with a 

number of companies planning a full year 

of training delivery in 2009 in this critical 

discipline. 

Anyone interested in finding out more about 

fully funded ITAT in-house training which 

caters to your specific needs, need only call 

David Carruthers on 09 271 0597, or email 

david@itat.co.nz n 


I 

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CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Plastics Centre of Excellence 

Len Harvey 


Plastics Centre 

of Excellence 

With the final pieces of equipment installed 

at the end of July 2008, the PCoE 

commenced in early August to provide 

technical support to several NZ companies 

and this steadily increased through the 

remainder of the year. 

The PCoE was officially opened by the 

Prime Minister on 3 October 2008. This 

meant that one of the key points of Plastics 

New Zealand’s strategic plan of 2004 had 

now been achieved, in that the PCoE is 

now well positioned to act as a catalyst to 

assist in achieving and supporting the other 

elements that make up the PNZ plan. 

The PCoE role is to provide a research and 

development facility as well as a training 

and education service to the New Zealand 

Plastics Industry. 

Capabilities of the PCoE 

The Centre is equipped with state of the 

art research and analytical equipment 

providing industry focused projects. Typical 

research capabilities fall within the following 

broad guidelines, however, these should be 

considered indicative with research capable 

on a wider scope. 

• Polymer Modification 

Research into the manipulation and 

modification of the physical properties 

of a polymer by the addition of additives 

and reinforcements, and the affect 

these modifications have on typical 

manufacturing equipment. This research 

can be conducted on both laboratory and 

industry scale equipment. 

• Polymer Blends and Composites 

Research on blending of different polymer 

materials and composites is possible using 

different analytical and process based 

equipment, providing an understanding of 

the resultant properties and manufacturing 

requirements of the product being 

developed. 


• Polymer and Product Analysis 

Rheological data on a polymer, blend or 

composite for grade and specification 

conformance using single and twin screw 

viscometry. Mechanical, thermal, electrical 

and weathering analysis of polymers and 

products can be conducted within the Centre. 

Optical analysis of a polymer for transparency, 

surface roughness and inclusions is 

conducted through optical microscopy. 

Analysis on the Oxygen Transmission Rate 

performance analysis (OTR) of a film sample 

or bottle is also available. Further analytical 

techniques are available within The University 

of Auckland on a case specific basis. 

• Polymer Processing 

The evaluation of a polymer or process 

modification through single screw, twin 

screw and injection moulding equipment, 

combined with scale up trailing from 

laboratory scale equipment to industry 

capability equipment. 

• Project Development 

The use of polymer and industry specialists 

for the development of products and 

processes in collaboration with Industry and 

product development specialists, from both 

the Plastics Industry and the wider group of 

their customers. 

• Polymer and Processing Education 

The Centre is fully equipped and provides 

access to industry and academic specialists 

capable of providing education and training 

for site specific training as well as formal 

education. This can take the form of either 

scheduled or block sessions and targeted 

to core skills and subjects. 

In addition to the research and development 

of products and processes the Centre 

has expertise available to assist with the 

application process to assist in accessing 

Government funding through grants and 

funding schemes such as Technology for 

Business Growth (TBG). 

Confidentiality is paramount within any 

development environment, and the Centre 

is aware of the importance this can have in 

the marketplace. Given the strong industrial 

focus of the Centre, company participation 

in their research is also a possibility. 

Financial Structure 

The Centre is an autonomous cost centre 

within the University. It must meet all its 

own costs – staff, equipment operating 

and maintenance, consumables, rent and 

services and depreciation. Other than a 

small income stream from interest from 

the balance of the unspent TEC funds, all 

costs are met through research and other 

services contracted from PNZ or individual 

companies. 

In the third quarter the Centre received 

specific project funding from FRST which 

will provide the industry with valuable 

intellectual property. Plus an improvement 

to its income stream. 

Operating income in the early years will be 

through contracts as noted above. However, 

if the expected success in developing novel 

technologies is achieved, a licensing income 

will be forthcoming which will be invested in 

longer term research programmes, possibly 

as co-funding for FRST RFI programmes, 

which will help secure the long term growth 

of the NZ Plastics Industry. 

The main income stream has to come from 

Industry FRST grants. 

Going Forward 

The success of the PCoE will depend on a 

strong industrial focus and clear direction to 

ensure Plastics New Zealand can meet its 

objectives. 

It is up to the Plastics Industry to challenge, 

support and participate in the PCoE 

development. However, failure to do so will 

mean this vital avenue to growth will be lost. 

For more information please contact 

Len Harvey, Director, Plastics Centre of 

Excellence, email: l.harvey@auckland.ac.nz 

n 


I 

17

Corporate Suppliers 

Colin Butler 

(Hunt Agencies) 

General 

Surely 2008 was one of the most interesting 

years that all businesses, including suppliers, 

have had to contend with for some time. 

Global economic recession became a reality 

that we all need to contend with in the 

coming year, or years. It was the primary 

driver for the immense fluctuations we saw 

in a wide variety of business conditions. 

The cause of the recession is generally 

agreed to be due to excessive, unsupported 

lending in the US banking market. This led 

to a higher provision for bad debts, massive 

writedowns of loan portfolio, and sparked 

interbank lending tightness in May and 

June. As the cost of interbank lending rose, 

mortgage foreclosures resulted, and wider 

consumer confidence declined, resulting in a 

slowdown in retail spending. Consequently, 

demand at the manufacturing plants 

slumped, causing raw material producers to 

scrabble, and cut prices viciously in order to 

pick up any available demand. 

In terms of polymer, the year was separated 

into two distinct periods; the first in which 

prices for polymers steadily increased to 

historical highs, and the second period, 

where prices fell sharply, virtually plummeting, 

to approximately 50% of their high points a 

few months earlier. Stocks of virtually every 

raw material around the world were suddenly 

overpriced, and are either being sold at a 

loss, or being stockpiled. 

How long the recession lasts depends on 

how quickly consumer confidence to spend 

returns. The ability of governments to act, 

and the indication that they know how to 

act to stimulate their economies again, is 

encouraging, and hopefully points to a shorter 

recession than was the case previously. 


From a New Zealand polymer supplier’s 

perspective, the suddenness of the polymer 

price collapse in the second half of 2008 

was a considerable burden to bear. Whilst 

no supplier collapses have been reported, 

pressure on annual margin will be significant, 

whilst the high priced stock is worked away. 

Over the past two years, there has been a 

trend towards tightening payment terms, as 

international polymer manufacturers look to 

minimise risk. This trend has flowed through 

the New Zealand distributor network, to the 

New Zealand polymer processors. 

Globally, commodity polymer prices are 

governed by the international price of oil 

(and it’s slew of derivatives), and the balance 

between polymer producers ability to supply, 

and demand from consumers in the region. 

Locally, the price is governed by the relative 

value between the US$ and the NZ$. Looking 

at each of these three factors in turn, I can 

comment as follows. 

At the exit of 2007 oil was priced at about 

US$90 per barrel and continued it’s upward 

march throughout the first half of 2008, to 

reach a peak of US$140 per barrel in early 

July. Recessionary pressures forced the price 

down again to about the US$40 per barrel 

mark, a level not seen since the beginning of 

2005. At this level there is nothing to support 

high prices for derivatives. 

The balance between “supply” and 

“demand” see-sawed during the year. 

Initially, with strong global demand, the 

supply side tended to be favoured and 

prices steadily increased. Most plants were 

operating close to capacity. Obviously, 

the onset of the recession saw massive 

oversupply coupled with weak demand, 

and the balance of power shifted very 

quickly to the buyers side of the equation, 

with savage discounting necessary to pick 

up any volume business at all. 

With demand being so weak, the appetite 

for any new polymerisation capacity has 

diminished. New plants that were due to start 

in 2009 are under pressure from bankers to 

justify their existence, and demonstrate how 

they might turn a profit in an acceptable 

timeframe. 

The NZ$ was valued at US$0.770 at the 

start of the year, and maintained this value 

until the end of July, even briefly touching 

the US$0.800 mark, before devaluing quite 

swiftly and steadily to its current level around 

US$0.570 cents. There seems to be little 

sentiment towards increasing the NZ$ value 

by any significant amount, with economists 

long forecasting that it’s true, sustainable 

value was in the 50 cent region. 

Outlook 

Overall, the outlook for the following 12 

months is one of caution. As rescue 

packages are devised and implemented by 

various governments, cautious consumer 

optimism may return. As demand returns, 

so will investment in plant and tooling and 

polymer. Risk of default will diminish, and 

the corporate supplier sector will once again 

strive to meet the challenges of the plastics 

industry of New Zealand. The question now 

is “when”, and what casualties lie before us 

along the way n 


I 

18 


CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Industrial Relations 

Nigel Donne 

(Marley New Zealand) 

IR Committee Chairman 

The Plastics Industrial Collective 

Agreement (PICA) 

The Plastics Industrial Collective Agreement 

(PICA) was settled late in 2007 for a two year 

period that expires on 31 August 2009. As 

such 2008 has not involved a lot of activity 

on the PICA front. 

EPMU Challenged the Employment 

Relations Authority’s (ERA) 

determination to the Employment Court 

In late 2006 the EPMU claimed that wording 

in the PICA required that shift employees 

when working an 8-hour overtime shift are 

entitled to the shift allowance in addition to 

the overtime premium. The union took the 

issue to the Employment Relations Authority. 

The Authority’s determination did not agree 

with the union’s position. 

The EPMU challenged the ERA’s 

determination to the Employment Court. 

A hearing in the Court was held on 8 April 

2008. The Court also did not agree with the 

union’s position. 

This decision is a good outcome for member 

employers. 

Jim Meyland retires 

After 20 years of providing industrial 

relations advice to the Plastics Industry, 

Jim Meyland retired. Jim has been involved 

with the development of PICA since its 

inception in 1991. His advice and guidance 

has been invaluable to the industry of that 

period of time. Plastics NZ recognized his 

considerable contribution to the industry 

by presenting Jim a Special Membership 

Award at the PNZ conference held at Paihia 

in May 2008. 

Changes to employment law 

As a result of the general election New 

Zealand now has a National-led government. 

There will be no wholesale change to 

employment law, but National has mooted 

several areas it will review and “tweak”. It 

is expected that these changes to be rolled 

out over the next few months. 

The most significant change National has 

proposed is the introduction of a 90-day trial 

period for new employees. The trial period 

will only be available for organisations with 

fewer than 20 employees and must be 

by agreement between the employer and 

employee. During the trial period, either 

party may terminate the employment 

relationship for performance without a 

personal grievance claim being brought. 

In respect of collective bargaining, National 

is proposing to provide workers’ with the 

right to bargain collectively without having 

to belong to a union. 

The Holidays Act 2003 is another area the 

new government is proposing change. A 

working party is to be appointed to review 

the entire Act, with particular regard to the 

issue of relevant daily pay. National has said 

it will retain four weeks’ annual leave, but is 

considering allowing employees to trade the 

fourth week for a cash payment. 

The new government is expected to make 

some changes to the dispute resolution 

procedure in the employment area. 

These changes include ensuring that the 

Mediation Service is adequately resourced 

and requiring the Employment Relations 

Authority to act judicially in accordance with 

the principles of natural justice. 

Finally, it is expected that the KiwiSaver 

legislation will be amended. National has 

proposed a reduction in the minimum 

employee contribution rate to 2%, with a 

commensurate reduction in the minimum 

employer contribution rate. National has 

said it will also remove the employer 

tax credit. The KiwiSaver changes are 

proposed to be in place from 1 April 2009. 

The third KiwiSaver proposal is to repeal the 

amendments to the Employment Relations 

Act 2000 which enables employees to bring 

a personal grievance due to an alleged 

disadvantage suffered because of KiwiSaver 

membership n 



I 

19

Environmental Overview 

Dennise Chapman 

Chairman 

Environment Committee 

Environmental Activity 

It is with both regret and satisfaction that I 

write this report at the end of 2008. 

Regret that we say goodbye to Ket 

Bradshaw who has been our Environmental 

Manager for the past 3 and half years. 

Ket has brought a level of professionalism 

and Mana to the role that will be missed. 

She has done a great job in promoting the 

interests of Plastic New Zealand members, 

and created increased awareness amongst 

us of how environmental issues can impact 

our businesses and how we can manage 

these. She has ensured our industry is highly 

regarded and taken seriously by policy 

makers, Ministers and other stakeholders. 

On behalf of myself and the PNZ 

Environment Committee we wish Ket all 

the best in her future endeavours. 

It is with satisfaction that I report we have 

achieved our goals for 2008. The sector 

group reports from the 2008 conference 

came back with a clear message that 

we needed to work on getting a positive 

media profile. With this in mind we 

developed a 2 year strategic plan for the 

Environment Committee which includes a 

communications plan. The first part of this 

has been completed with fact sheets, links 

and media releases on the website that 

relate to current issues such as microwaving 

plastics. In 2009 we will be working on a 

media page on the PNZ website. 


I 

20 


With the help of Morris Watson we have re 

introduced the ‘Boatie Bags” to promote 

PNZ positively and help to combat litter. 

We have successfully achieved self 

regulation for the industry with regards to 

the HSNO legislation and the committee 

has completed a spreadsheet for members 

only use which will be available on the 

website early 2009. We will also continue 

to keep you updated on global trends and 

regulatory issues. 

Under the guidance of Ket the Degradables 

Working Group has prepared a New 

Zealand Product Stewardship guide which 

will be available to members early in 2009. 

Simon Wilkinson our Best Practice Energy 

co-coordinator has had a very successful 

year with great outcomes from the energy 

audits we facilitated. As a result of this we 

have achieved further funding from EECA 

for an additional 2 year programme, see 

Simon’s report for details. 

The Design for the Environment Guidelines 

and The Iconic Kiwi Plastic Products, which 

we publish both continue to be successful 

and important documents for promoting 

the industry positively. 

Each Year we survey the industry to 

compile figures on virgin and recycled 

resin imported and used in New Zealand. 

These figures are used to assess if we 

have met the Packaging Accord targets. 

The current Accord ends in June 2009 

and for the 2008 year we were on target at 

23% recovery rate. 

With the introduction of the Waste 

Minimisation Act earlier this year the next 

accord will be negotiated under different 

terms. We lobbied on behalf of the industry 

when the act was before parliament and 

we continue to promote industry led 

voluntary product stewardship. We will be 

heavily involved in the negotiations which 

have already started. 

The work we do on behalf of the industry 

would not be possible without you, thank 

you for your continued support. If you have 

any ideas, issues or comments regarding 

the work the Environment Committee is 

doing please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

I would like to thank the hard working 

committee members and their companies 

for giving up their time and expertise on 

behalf of our industry, and the PNZ National 

Office for their assistance n 

Environment Committee 

Dennise Chapman 

Terry Mischefski 

Robin Martin 

Ket Bradshaw 

Simon Wilkinson 

Kelly Buchanan-Johns 


Deryk Mason 

Morris Watson 

John McKee 

Rachelle Lynch 

Darren McClenaghan 

Ken Johns 

Chair 

President, PNZ 

PNZ 

PNZ 

PNZ 

PNZ 

PNZ 

Huhtamaki 

Premier Plastics 

Marley 

Chemiplas 

Sealed Air 

Astron Plastics 

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITY

Environmental Matters 

Introduction 

Jaquetta (Ket) Bradshaw 

Environmental Manager 


Thank you all for the opportunity to work with 

such an innovative and exciting industry. I’ve 

learnt a huge amount since taking over from 

Carolyn Cox in July 2005. I have assured 

Dennise Chapman that I will be available 

next year to provide a “hand over” to your 

next Environmental Manager and to help 

complete the Degradable Plastics Guide 

and Commitment, if this is required. 

Over the last 3 and a half years there has been 

lots of action and many achievements to be 

proud of. These are set out on pages 22-23. 

We are beginning to feel the impacts of the 

recession as each day manufacturers ring 

up to find out what to do with their plastic 

scrap because their recycler is now not 

exporting. In the PVC area, Marley has been 

taking this scrap wherever possible. 

Another noticeable trend is the increasing 

number of designers and manufacturers 

who want to label their plastics and are 

coming to PNZ for advice, particularly in the 

number 7 “other” plastics and the many ISO 

abbreviation codes 

Our Best Plastics Energy programme has 

gone from strength to strength and we now 

have completed 18 audits plus one design 

audit. Companies participating in Plastics 

New Zealand’s Best Practice Energy pilot 

Programme have found an average of 13% 

savings on their annual energy bills. We have 

continued as leaders in this field and have 

funding for 2 years from Energy Efficiency 

and Conservation Authority (EECA). The 

programme will expand into important 

areas such as training and the assessment 

of energy efficiency technologies for the 


We’ve noticed a significant upswing in the 

number of inquiries about sustainable options 

for plastic. With climate change awareness 

increasing companies, organisations and 

individuals want to “do the right thing”. 

Highlights of the year were: 

• Agreement by Degradable Plastics 

Working Group to sign up to Managing 

the Transition: Degradable plastics 

in New Zealand - A Product 

Stewardship Guide and Commitment 

• Ongoing success of the Best Practice 

Energy programme with 2 years 

funding from 2009 to 2011 assured 

thanks to the work of Simon Wilkinson 

as the Best Practice Programme 

facilitator. 

• Continued use of the Design for the 

Environment Guidelines as a teaching 

text in the Diploma in Design and 

Specification of Plastics 

• Updating the Plastics Identification Code 

to include photos and more explanation 

about the number 7 “other” plastics 

• Excellent leadership and guidance 

from the enthusiastic Environment 

Committee. 

During the year the recovery of plastics 

packaging increased as Manukau and 

Auckland cities went to a comingled 

collection using wheelie bins taking 

plastics identification codes 1 to 7 at the 

kerbside. Christchurch will be following 

suit in February 2009 and as the market for 

mixed plastics has been dropping recently 

collection may stop. 

To be internationally competitive we need to 

ensure our small to medium sized businesses 

remain at the forefront of innovative design 

and have measured their environmental 

and carbon footprint and know how to 

reduce it. By making our companies as 

efficient as possible and measuring the 

carbon footprint of our products our 200 

member companies can be at the forefront 

of international best practice. 

I’d like to thank Dave, Terry, Robin, Simon, Kelly, 

Adriana and Lorna for their efforts during the 

year. Special thanks to Dennise Chapman. As 

chair of the Environment Committee, Dennise 

has shown strong and insightful leadership 

and it has been a pleasure to work with her. 

I wish PNZ well for the future and I leave you 

in the knowledge that you now have a solid 

foundation to work from. 


Managing the Transition: Degradable 

Plastics in New Zealand - A Product 

Stewardship Guide and Commitment 

to manage 

In December 2008 the PNZ National Executive 

ratified the draft guide and commitment and 

thanked the Degradable Plastics Working 

Group for their hard work during the year. 

Members of the working group are: 

Ket Bradshaw, PNZ 

Robin Martin, PNZ 

Rachelle Lynch, Chemiplas 

Alan Fernyhough/Stephanie Weal, Scion 

John Fell, Ecopal 

Mark Mills, Sealed Air 

Kevin Graham, Friendlypak 

Jim Glass, RONZ 

Sharon Jereb, Packaging Council 

Richard Wood, Dupont 

Ken Bouma, MfE 

Liz, Biodet 

Rick Poynter, Poynter Agencies 

Peter Barnett, Flights 

Ron Starnes, Alto 

Lorne Cowley, Polymers International 

Peter Plimmer, Auckland University 

Clair Higginson, Community Recycling Network 

Charlotte Winwood, Polymers International 

Ray Bott, Orica 

Neil Edmonds, Auckland University 

John McKee, Marley 

David Hadfield, ISM NZ Ltd 

Deryk Mason, Huhtamaki 

John Willoughby, Plastral 

Steve Simpson, Clariant 

Ken Rowley, BASF 

Matthew Withy, Clariant 

Gary McGuire, Envirofert 

Kaye Spence, Sealed Air 

Darren Harpar, WaikatoLilnk 

Steve Hunt, Sealed Air 

Mike Thompson, Ledapak 

Beata Splescia, Elldex Packaging Group 

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITY 


I 


21

The next step is to ask members of 

the working group to sign up to these 

commitments: 

Commitment 1 

Clear and accurate information and labelling 

Commitment 2 

Do not make false claims – do not confuse 

the consumer 

There are two distinct degradable plastics streams: 

Plastics in which the polymer chains are designed to break down into 

- smaller sizes to a specific extent 

- within a given time and 

- within a specific end environment 

There are two main subsets of degradable plastics: 

Commitment 3 

Establish a PNZ Degradables Plastics 

Reference Group 

Commitment 4 

Life cycle assessment – the impacts of 

choosing degradable plastics 

Commitment 5 

Consumer education – the consumer wants 

to know these impacts 

Mechanically degradable 

(degradation into particle sizes) 

Made from synthetic (fossil) resources 

and breakdown polymer chains into 

particle sizes which can over time be 

ingested by micro-organisms 

Biologically degradable 

(biodegradable) 

Biobased plastics from 

renewable resources eg: 

corn starch 

Environment Achievements for Plastics New Zealand 

Over the last 5 years PNZ has achieved a number of positive environmental outcomes for the plastics industry. The Environmental Committee 

is working very hard to ensure a sustainable future for the Plastics Industry in NZ. It has undertaken numerous activities as follows: 

Area of activity 

HSNO spreadsheet 

Communications 

Plastics New Zealand website 

www.plastics.org.nz 


Design for the Environment guidelines 

and NZQA Unit Standards 

Description 

We have been successful in achieving self regulation for our industry. The HSNO subcommittee 

(Peter Plimmer, Dennise Chapman, John McKee and Ket Bradshaw) has prepared a guideline 

document ready to be available on the PNZ website for members to use as resource to assist 

them with complying with the HSNO Group Standard regulations. 

Implementing a communications plan which includes developing a media centre on our website 

to make it easier to access information. We have worked to Improve the image of the plastics 

industry by a combination of media releases, interviews and fact sheets on Bisphenol A, Boatie 

Bags, microwaving plastic, Plastics environmental design awards and the TV programme 

“What’s really in our food”. 

After a series of workshops on degradables in 2006 the Degradables Working Group 

was established in 2007 with the objective “To prepare a product stewardship guide and 

commitment to assist with managing degradable plastics in NZ”. This is due to be completed 

early 2009. 

Launched earlier in 2007 has proven to be a valuable tool and is being used in the Diploma in 

the Design and Specification of Plastics to promote the Plastics Sustainability initiative. 

From 2006 to 2008 over 400 individuals working on the diploma have received a copy of the 

guidelines and tuition on how to use them. 

During 2008 the revised NZQA Levels 1 and 2 Unit Standards were taught and included 

concepts such as waste reduction, resource recovery, waste disposal and using the Plastic 

Identification Code. 


I 

22 



Area of activity 

Iconic Kiwi Plastics Products 

– improving their environmental 

footprint 

Best Practice Energy Programme 

Description 

The publication was part of the Best Practice programme with funding from the Ministry of 

Environment’s Sustainable Management Fund. 

Launched in 2007 the 6 companies participating in the first 6 months had very positive results 

and this led to a further 12 companies involved over 12 months. We are leaders in the field 

and our sector based programme is being used as a model by the Energy Efficiency and 

Conservation Authority (EECA). 

The 18 companies participating in Plastics New Zealand’s Best Practice Energy Programme 

have found an average of 13% savings on their annual energy bills. 

Award Winners 

Carbon Footprinting 

Boatie Bags 

EPS and Hexabromocyclodecdecane 

(HBCDD) 

Mass Balance and Recycling Survey 

Packaging Accord 

Waste Minimisation Act 

The 2007 pilot programme achieved a highly commended in the EECA EnergyWise Awards, 

Transpower Project Innovation category, second to Fonterra. The Judges were: “Impressed 

by cross-industry cooperation and willingness to share information. Should be commended 

for actively pursuing opportunities identified using a multi-faceted approach. Have uncovered 

significant potential economic benefits for the 400 companies in the industry.” 

We have been successful in obtaining an additional $420,000 of funding to continue the 

Best Practice Energy programme until June 2010. We have established benchmarks for 18 

companies with regards to energy, water and waste and calculated their energy use carbon 

footprint. We’re right “up there” with the world’s best practice with our energy efficiency 

initiative. 

To be internationally competitive we need to ensure our small to medium sized businesses 

remain at the forefront of innovative design and have measured their environmental and carbon 

footprint and know how to reduce it. By making our companies as efficient as possible and 

measuring the carbon footprint of our products our 200 member companies can be at the 

forefront of international best practice. We aim to develop ways in which members can better 

understand their total carbon footprint. 

We have manufactured 100,000 boatie bags and distributed them before the summer boating 

season. We will be making the most of the bags to promote PNZ positively and our work to 

combat the littering of plastic. 

The environment committee is working with EPS manufacturers to ensure we stay informed 

about the European Union restrictions on the use of this very important fire retardant. 

Each year Plastics New Zealand compiles a Mass Balance of virgin and recycled resin imported 

and used in New Zealand. In our survey we accounted for 69% of the 250,000 tonnes of virgin 

resin and reel stock imported in the 2007 calendar year. 

A 2004 survey of commercial recycling companies was part of the Sustainable End-of-Life 

Options study for plastics in NZ. (see the Plastics NZ website: www.plastics.org.nz). These 

were updated in 2006 using export data, scrap/regrind used by NZ manufacturers and a survey 

of recyclers. 

We have achieved the Packaging Accord target of a 23% recovery rate in 2007 for plastic 

packaging in accordance with the Packaging Accord, one year earlier than scheduled. We are 

starting to negotiate the next product stewardship scheme for packaging. 

Plastics New Zealand has made submissions on this legislation and supports the principle of 

industry-led voluntary product stewardship. 



I 


23

Best practice 

energy 


Best Practice Facilitator 

Plastics NZ 

simon@plastics.org.nz 

Our Best Practice Energy Programme 

continues to grow and improve. The 

programme delivers environmental benefits 

as well as saving money for Plastics New 

Zealand member companies. 

Since the beginning of 2007 we have run 

comprehensive energy audits at 18 plastics 

manufacturing sites. These sites have a 

combined energy use of 64.2 gigawatt hours 

(GWh) costing $6.8 million per annum. The 

Best Practice Energy programme audits 

have identified potential energy savings 

of 7 GWh (11%) and financial savings of 

$900,000 (13%). 

As of December 2008, the 18 companies 

had actually implemented 2.1 GWH of 

energy savings and $325,000 of annual 

cost reductions. 

Audits Completed 18 

Total Annual Energy Use 64,203,316 kWh $6,816,736 

Total Savings Identified 6,992,707 kWh $905,175 

Average % Savings 11% 13% 

Savings Implemented to date 2,103,174 kWh $324,898 

Carbon emissions reduction 

1,119 tonnes 

We have also developed a plastics industry 

energy benchmarking tool. This online tool 

allows PNZ member companies to track their 

energy data over time and compare their 

performance against European benchmark 

data. The tool is simple to use and completely 

confidential – users create their own unique 

username and password. The tool can be 

found at http://benchmark.plastics.org.nz/ 

There is a negative perception within the 

plastics industry about the use of insulation 

on moulders and extruders. We have been 

successful in obtaining funding to trial barrel 

and die insulation on machines at four PNZ 

members’ sites. A fire risk assessment 

has been conducted by AON insurance 

company and this assessment found no 

potential fire risk from the insulation jackets. 

We will be monitoring the energy efficiency 

potential from using these insulation jackets, 

observing any production issues that arise, 

and disseminating the results to the industry 

so you can judge the worth of insulation for 

yourselves. Two Best Practice Energy case 

studies have been completed and a third is 

close to publication. The case studies are: 

1. Compressed Air 

2. What’s Involved in an 

Energy Audit 

3. Energy Efficient 

Water Cooling 

Compressed air 

uses up to 40% 

of the electricity 

in a plastic 

factory, yet it 

only delivers 

10-15% of the 

energy it uses. 

COMPRESSED AIR 

expensive but easy to control 

Energy audits of the New Zealand plastics 

industry in 2 07 and 2 08 have found 

that injection moulding companies use 

betw en 5-5% of their total electricity on 

compre sed air. Pipe/profile extruders and 

thermoforming companies use 20-40% of 

their electricity on compre sed air. 

This guide contains three simple steps to 

reducing compre sed air costs on your site. 

www.plastics.org.nz 

Plastics company saves $40,000 

in compressed air 

A New Zealand plastics manufacturer has found that compre sed air 

represents 38% of their a nual energy bi l - a cost of $120,0 0 p.a. 

The company is able to save $40, 0 of these a nual costs by fixing air leaks, 

reducing the pre sure set point, and by using electric blowers rather than 

compre sed air in some areas. 

Three Steps to Compressed Air Efficiency: 

Reduce 

Optimise Continual 

1 Demand 

2 Supply 

3 Improvement 

Maximising the growth and su ce s 

of plastics-based technology in New 

Zealand in an economica ly, socia ly and 

environmenta ly responsible ma ner. 

All are downloadable 

from www.plastics.org.nz or drop us a line 

and we will post a hard copy to you. 

In November the Energy Efficiency and 

Conservation Authority (EECA) board 

approved our proposed Best Practice 

Energy programme that will take us through 

to the end of 2010. This is a real feather 

in Plastics New Zealand’s cap as it is the 

first time EECA have funded a programme 

across two financial years. It shows the 

trust they have in Plastics New Zealand to 

deliver results. 

Key components of the programme that we 

will be delivering over the next 2 years are: 

1. Energy Audits for Large Companies 

Deliver 12 comprehensive energy audits 

to PNZ members and assist them to 

implement energy saving opportunities. 

2. Low-cost Audits for Small Companies 

Deliver 20 energy audits to companies 

with an energy spend below $100,000 

per annum. These audits will cost the 

companies just $500. 

3. Provide Onsite Training for Technical 

Staff 

As we deliver the findings of energy audits 

we will also provide technical training to 

company staff in energy efficiency in a 

plastics manufacturing plant. Training 

will be practical and aim to provide key 

staff with the skills to improve energy 

efficiency on an ongoing basis. 

4. Development of Training Unit 

Standards 

We will scope out the opportunity to 

integrate energy efficiency into existing 

training units, or create a stand-alone 

energy efficiency module. 

5. Energy Efficient Technology Updates 

We have funding for a person to attend 

NPE Chicago in 2009 and K-Fair in 2010. 

The person will have expertise in plastics 

processing plant and a knowledge 

of energy efficiency. They will review 

all new energy efficient technology at 

these expos and return to New Zealand 

to deliver a series of seminars to PNZ 

members advising them of the latest 

technologies and their true applicability. 

6. Best Practice Case Studies 

We will produce four more case studies 

of energy efficiency best practice in the 



I 

24 



7. Development of a Hopper Dryer Heat 

Exchanger 

We will also be working at the Plastics 

Centre of Excellence on the development of 

a prototype heat exchanger for resin hopper 

dryers. This technology has potentially wide 

applicability throughout the industry. 

If you are interested in more information 

about any part of this programme, or if you 

would like an energy audit of your site please 

contact Simon Wilkinson, Best Practice 

Programme Coordinator on 021 944 992 or 

email simon@plastics.org.nz n 

$10 Million 

contestable waste 

levy fund 

Under the Waste Minimisation (Solid) Act 2008 

there be a national waste levy of $10 per tonne 

(excl. GST). It will come into force in July 2009 

and generate $30 million per year. Half will be 

available to councils and the remainder (less 

administration) will be a contestable fund of 

over $10 million per year. Plastics New Zealand 

will be well placed to apply for this funding n 

Packaging Accord and 

negotiations for the 

third Accord 

By the end of the year two meetings will have 

been held to discuss how the packaging 

sectors want to progress the third Packaging 

Accord. The general sentiment from the 

packaging sectors and the Packaging Council 

is that we want to a voluntary packaging 

product stewardship scheme accredited 

by the Ministry for the Environment. There 

is a strong preference for a voluntary rather 

than mandatory scheme. The new Accord 

will require funding from the brand owners 

and importers and the setting of challenging 

targets for the recovery of plastic. 

The Ministry for the Environment will be 

consulting on the list of priority products 

that will be required to have a mandatory 

product stewardship scheme. A report is 

expected in March 2009. 


 

Target 23% by 2008 – we reached the 

target in 2007. 

To remain on target, given increasing 

plastic packaging consumption, we need 

to recover an additional 4,000 tonnes each 

year. in the 2007 calendar year we reached 

the target of 23%. 

Current and Projected Consumption and 

Recycling of Plastic Packaging in NZ 

Year Consumed Recovered 

2000 117,475 20,809 18 

2001 128,985 23,758 18 

2002 123,485 23,305 19 

2003 125,955 23,816 19 

2004 137,909 28,004 20 

2005 145,650 31,310 21 

2006 156,359 34,891 22 

2007 147,616 33,770 23 

How do we compare to Europe 

New Zealand’s plastic packaging recovery 

rates compare well with Europe. We are up 

there with Scandinavia and much of Central 

Europe. For all plastic recovery New Zealand 

is well under 20% recovery. You will also 

notice that the countries with the highest 

energy recovery percentages also have 

the higher recycling percentages indicating 

there is a synergy between the two. Now 

that energy recovery and composting are 

recognised as recovery in the European 

Waste Directive, PNZ will aim for the same 

recognition in the third NZ Packaging Accord. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belgium expert on plastic packaging 

recycling in Europe 

An Vossen, Manager, Plarebel visited 

NZ in November and give an excellent 

presentation on plastic recycling in Europe 

and future trends. We took her to Waiheke 

Island to look at a community recycling 

scheme. She was impressed with the 

quality of their products. 

An’s presentation was really well received by 

the industry people who attended. She had 

graphs showing recycling commodity prices 

for resins as well as very timely information 

on plastic packaging recycling rates on 

Europe. Her key recommendation was that 

quality product give flexibility and always 

finds a market, even during the low part of 

the commodity cycle. 

An works for Plarebel [see http://www.eproplasticsrecycling.org/c_19_1.html], 

a nonprofit 

organisation which is a member of 

the EPRO [European Association of Plastic 

Recyclers and Recovery Organisations]. 

Plarebel promotes the recycling of all 

plastic waste, but mainly acts as an 

expertise centre for FOST Plus with regard 

to the organisation of the collection and 

sorting, the recycling technologies, the 

material specifications, etc. for the different 

types of household plastic packaging 

waste, regular contacts with and visits to 

sorting centres and recycling companies 

contribute to an efficient implementation 

of the recycling activities n 

 

 


I 

 

25

Annual General Meetings & Presidents 

YEAR VENUE PRESIDENT COMPANY 

Inaugural Meeting 

1944 Wellington H C Urlwin HC Urlwin Ltd 

1945 Auckland H L Lewis Plastic Moulders (NZ) Ltd 

1946 Dunedin H G Calvert Modern Plastics (NZ) Ltd 

1947 Minutes Missing 

1948 No AGM 

1949 Wellington J K Scobie NEECO (Until 30/9/49) 

1949 Hamilton F G Davidson Universal Mfg Corp & HC Urlwin Ltd 

1950 Tongariro J D Foreman Plastic Products Ltd 

1951 Wellington E J Mandel General Plastics NZ Ltd 

1952 Wellington R Faulconbridge Falcon Plastics Ltd 

1953 Wellington R Faulconbridge Falcon Plastics Ltd 

1954 Wellington T E Bower ACI Plastic Pty Ltd 

1955 Wellington T E Bower ACI Plastic Pty Ltd 

1956 Wellington C E Dowling ICI NZ Ltd 

1957 Wellington K Fletcher ACI Plastic Pty Ltd 

1958 Wellington J N Hobin Clearlite Plastics (NZ) Ltd 

1959 Wellington J Quinn General Plastics (NZ) Ltd 

1960 Auckland J D Foreman Plastic Products (NZ) Ltd 

1961 Wellington P E Hall Kar Kraft Accessories NZ Ltd 

1962 Wellington A G Northover Modern Plastics (NZ) Ltd 

1963 Wellington J B Williamson ACI Plastics (NZ) Ltd 

1964 Wellington M D Cox ICI NZ Ltd 

1965 Auckland J D Bull Associated British Cables Ltd 

1966 Wellington H T Nolan Consolidated Plastic Ind 

1967 Wellington D D Reese Reese Brothers Plastics Ltd 

1968 Wellington H Hobin Clearlite Plastics Ltd 

1969 Christchurch T J Short Plastic products Ltd 

1970 Wellington A O Hawkins Mainguard Packaging Ltd 

1971 Wellington W R Raine Gollin & Co Ltd 

1972 Wellington B C Wallace AHI Plastic Extrusion Co 

1973 Wellington B Blackshaw Optoplast Ltd 

1974 Wellington B Blackshaw Optoplast Ltd 

1975 Wellington F A Farrow Nylex Products NZ Ltd 

1976 Wellington L M Belz Plastic Products Ltd 

1977 Wellington R A Poffley Clearlite Plastics Ltd 

1978 Auckland M S Calvert Calvert Plastics Ltd 

1979 Wellington J D Mason Winstone Plastics Ltd 

1980 Nelson J D Mason Winstone Plastics Ltd 

1981 Rotorua I D Ristrom Mainguard Packaging Ltd 

1982 Waitangi J C Gibb Trigon Industries Ltd 

1983 Queenstown J C Lindsay Consolidated Plastics Ind 

1984 Rotorua G W Rothwell WR Grace (NZ) Ltd 

1985 Rotorua G WRothwell WR Grace (NZ) Ltd 

1986 Queenstown V A Hartevelt Donaghys Industries Ltd 

(From August 1986) Rotorua C J McGowan Nylex NZ Ltd 

1987 Rotorua C J McGowan Nylex NZ Ltd 

(From December 1987) R I Mouncey Printpac Flexible Packaging 

1988 Waitangi R I Mouncey Printpac Flexible Packaging 

1989 Queenstown S E Wilson Reese Plastics 

1990 Rotorua S E Wilson Reese Plastics 

(From November 1990) J Richardson The Marley Co NZ Ltd 

1991 New Plymouth J Richardson The Marley Co NZ Ltd 

1992 Christchurch J Richardson The Marley Co NZ Ltd 

1993 Rotorua J Tucker CHH Plastic Products Group Ltd 

1994 Wellington J Tucker CHH Plastic Products Group Ltd 

1995 Christchurch C Moore Chequer Packaging (SI) Ltd 

1996 Auckland C Moore Chequer Packaging (GFG) Ltd 

1997 Wairakei L. Cranfield Hunt Agencies Ltd 

1998 Queenstown L. Cranfield Hunt Agencies Ltd 

1999 Rotorua T. Thomson Elastomer Products Ltd 

2000 Napier T. Thomson Elastomer Products Ltd 

2001 Queenstown G. Bickerton Marley New Zealand Ltd 

2002 Wairakei G. Bickerton Marley New Zealand Ltd 

2003 Wellington G. Allan Iplex Pipelines Ltd 

2004 Queenstown G. Allan Iplex Pipelines Ltd 

2005 Rotorua S. Wilson Talbot Plastics 

2006 Queenstown S. Wilson Talbot Plastics 

2007 Nelson D.Brittain CAPAC International 

2008 Paihia D.Brittain CAPAC International 


I 

26 


CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Life Members 

* H C URLWIN AND H.L LEWIS 

At the Annual meeting held in Wellington on the 4th November 1964. J.B (Brian) Williamson, National President. 

* J D M FOREMAN 

At the Bi-Annual meeting held at Wairakei on 5th May 1969. J.H (Harry) Hobin, National President. 

* R FAULCONBRIDGE 

At the Annual meeting held in Wellington on the 10th November 1971. A.O (Hap) Hawkins, National President. 

* J N HOBIN 

At the Bi-Annual meeting held at Waitangi on the 1st May 1972. W.R (Wal) Raine, National President. 

* H G CALVERT 

At the Annual meeting held in Wellington on the 1st November 1972. W.R (Wal) Raine, National President. 

* J J QUINN 

At the Bi-Annual meeting held in Wairakei on the 28th April 1975. B. (Barry) Blackshaw, National President. 

* W R RAINE (FPRI) 

At the Annual meeting held in Auckland on the 1st November 1978. R.A (Rob) Poffley, National President. 

* M S CALVERT 

At the Annual meeting held in Queenstown on 24th April 1989. R.I (Rob) Mouncey, National President. 

* J W F FOREMAN 

At the Annual meeting held in Rotorua on 28th April 1990. S.E (Steve) Wilson, National President. 

* A O HAWKINS 

At the Annual meeting held in Wellington on 22nd April 1994. J. (John) Tucker, National President. 

* R J CAVE 

At the Annual meeting held in Wellington on 22nd April 1994. J. (John) Tucker, National President. 

* SIR ROBERTSON STEWART 

At the Annual meeting held in Auckland on 16th May 1996. C. (Cam) Moore, National President. 

* J H (HARRY) HOBIN 

At the Annual meeting held in Auckland on 16th May 1996. C. (Cam) Moore, National President. 

* K J (JOHN) TUCKER 

At the Annual meeting held in Queenstown on 14th May 1998. L (Laurie) Cranfield, National President. 

* I D (IAN) RISTROM 

At the Annual meeting held in Queenstown on 14th May 1998. L (Laurie) Cranfield, National President 

* C J (COLIN) McGOWAN 

At the Biennial Awards dinner held in Auckland on 11th October 2000. G. (Geoff) Bickerton National President. 

* C C (CAM) MOORE 

At the formal dinner held at the 2001 Conference at the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, on 17th May 2001. 

G (Geoff) Bickerton President. 

* J F (JOHN) RICHARDSON 

At the formal dinner held at the 2001 Conference at the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, on 17th May 2001. 


* M E (MORRIS) WATSON 

At the formal dinner held at the 2002 conference at the Wairakei Resort, Taupo, on 23rd May 2002. 


* W F (WARREN) WILSON 

At the formal dinner held at the 2003 conference, Wellington on 8th May 2003. G. (Graeme) Allan President. 

* G (GEOFF) BICKERTON 

At the formal dinner held at the 2004 conference, Queenstown on 8th May 2004. G. (Graeme) Allan President 

* R (Roger) Bowler 

At the formal dinner held at the 2004 conference, Queenstown on 8th May 2004. G. (Graeme) Allan President 

* G (Graeme) Allan 

At the formal dinner held at the 2005 conference, Rotorua on 21st May 2005. S. (Steve) Wilson National President 

* L (Laurie) Cranfield 

At the formal dinner held at the 2005 conference, Rotorua on 21st May 2005. S (Steve) Wilson National President 

* T (Tom) Thomson 

At the formal dinner held at the 2006 conference, Queenstown on 13th May 2006. S (Steve) Wilson National President 

* S (Steve) Wilson 

At the formal dinner held at the 2007 conference, Nelson on 12th May 2007. D (David) Brittain National President 

* S (Steve) Harbershon 

At the formal dinner held at the 2008 conference, Paihia on 17th May 2008. D (David) Brittain National President 



I 

27


P O Box 76 378 

Manukau City 


Phone: 64 9 262 3773 

Fax: 64 9 262 3850 

info@plastics.org.nz 

Trade: www.plasticsnz.com 

Information: www.plastics.org.nz 

Key Contacts: 

Robin Martin 


09 262 3773 ext 102 

robin@plastics.org.nz 


Membership Services Manager 

09 262 3773 ext 103 

adriana@plastics.org.nz 

Lorna Landon 

Administrator 

09 262 3773 ext 101 

lorna@plastics.org.nz 


Best Practice Facilitator 

09 262 3773 ext 114 

simon@plastics.org.nz 

Brian Wemyss 

PIPA Executive Officer 

027 6864862 

brian@plastics.org.nz

Annual Report 2009 - Plastics New Zealand

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