Sustainable End-of-Life Options for Plastics in New Zealand

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Purpose The purpose of this project was a preliminary investigation into sustainable end-of-life options for plastics recovered in New Zealand, to help support and encourage the achievement of the New Zealand Packaging Accord plastics recycling target. The project was specifically developed to gain a better understanding of what happens to plastics at the end-of-life (EoL) stage and to then be able to determine feasible, sustainable solutions for increasing the recovery of packaging and other plastics. Method The project was conducted by: • statistically analysing plastic material types currently being collected in New Zealand • assessing the current national infrastructure for recycling and alternative end-of-life options • identifying key factors that may influence the recovery of plastic material, and •recommending ways to improve national recovery. Statistics were gathered from a number of sources: •A survey of 38 recycling companies on 2004 recycling data was completed via posting out hardcopy survey documents, with supplementary telephone calls and emails. Although only 13 survey forms were completed, remaining company surveys were followed up, mostly for approval to extrapolate 2003 data. •A March 2005 survey of 74 city/district councils was conducted by the Ministry for the Environment for 2004 national recycling activities. The surveys were completed by telephone, and raw data of the results were provided for use. • The Packaging Council of NZ was consulted on packaging import information. • National 2004 PNZ Mass Balance Data gave information on the quantity of plastic products manufactured in NZ and the respective end markets. • Information was also collected from the internet, archived documents at the PNZ offices and from latest news articles. The report contains an initial study on plastic material available for recovery in NZ; a statistical analysis of collected materials; an assessment of recycling infrastructure; comparisons to international recovery practices; an identification of key influences on plastics recovery; and recommendations on improving recovery. 9 Sustainable End-of-Life Options for Plastics in New Zealand
Results 1. Plastic Material in NZ 1.1 Overview The total amount of plastic material in NZ available for onshore recovery is potentially all imported plastic raw material and products manufactured in NZ minus exported recovered material (usually measured on an annual basis). Figure 2: Total amount of plastic material available in NZ for potential recovery Imports consist of mainly raw material (in the form of virgin resin) and products (from reel/sheet stock through to filled packaging, furniture to appliances.) Having all raw material imported, in theory, makes the mass balance approach relatively straight-forward. The amount of raw material imported can principally be determined from import statistics; however the total amount of plastic in all imported products is difficult to quantify, as plastic can be thoroughly intermingled with other materials. Exported material consists of products that are manufactured from raw materials, or modified (such as packaging that is filled in NZ); and material that has been recovered to be sent overseas for endof-life processing. Results 10
Page 1 and 2: Research Project Report Sustainable
Page 3 and 4: Executive Summary The purpose of th
Page 5 and 6: Acknowledgements Special thanks are
Page 7 and 8: 4.2.5 Measure of Degradability ....
Page 9: Introduction In 2003 the New Zealan
Page 13 and 14: From the 2005 PNZ Mass Balance Surv
Page 15 and 16: 2. Statistical Analysis of Plastic
Page 17 and 18: 2.3 Breakdown of Recovered Plastic
Page 19 and 20: 2.5 Breakdown of Colours and Produc
Page 21 and 22: 2.5.4 PVC Approximately 2,412t of P
Page 23 and 24: 3. Assessment of the Current NZ Inf
Page 25 and 26: Figure 16: Implementation of kerbsi
Page 27 and 28: Figure 18: Other material recovered
Page 29 and 30: 3.3.3 Forms of End-Market Material
Page 31 and 32: 4.2.4 Cons • The cost of deriving
Page 33 and 34: 4.2.8 Viability of Composting Plast
Page 35 and 36: Strict regulations have been set in
Page 37 and 38: 5. Factors Influencing Recovery 5.1
Page 39 and 40: Commercial recyclers operating unde
Page 41 and 42: 5.9 Key Points Voluntary industry a
Page 43 and 44: Recommendations R.1 Improve Informa
Page 45 and 46: Appendices Appendix 1: Supplementar
Page 47 and 48: Appendix 2.8 Forms of Plastic End-M

Sustainable End-of-Life Options for Plastics in New Zealand

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