Foodstuffs innovative new recyclable butchery trays that have given the big thumbs up by customers and stores alike, with consumer research revealing a staggering 90% of customers prefer the recyclable trays to the old polystyrene foam ones.
Wellington, New Zealand, 2015-11-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — The resoundingly positive results bring to a close a trial across 19 New World and PAK’nSAVE stores across the country and mean that national rollout is now planned for early 2016. An outcome that marks the end of a two year project to find a viable solution to the issue of the 100 million non-recyclable polystyrene trays currently finding their way into customers’ homes, and eventually to landfill.
Recently the tray was awarded top prize in the best commercial initiative category in either the private or public sector at the waste and recycling industry awards (WasteMinz). The award acknowledges the innovation and wide ranging consultation involved in bringing the trays to market.
Mike Sammons, Sustainability Manager, Foodstuffs New Zealand Ltd says, “Being the first to introduce a packaging solution that is so completely different is a bold move but we know it’s what our customers want and also what they expect from us.”
“We are proud to partner with Alto Packaging to bring a unique butchery tray design to the market place, this helps solve a very long running global environmental issue.”
“By moving to this tray, New World and PAK’nSAVE customers can avoid sending the equivalent of 700 rugby pitches worth of polystyrene trays to landfill each year,” continues Sammons. “The initiative also provides the recycling market with much needed revenue.”
“The meat tray ticks all the right boxes in terms of sustainability and performance and furthermore it’s made right here by one of New Zealand’s leading rigid plastic packaging companies.”
Customer feedback has been extremely positive with the below comments capturing general customer sentiment;
• “Can put in the recycle bin which is much more convenient”
• “Seems to curb the liquid spilling out”
• “Looks better”
• “Clean, fresh and environmentally friendly”
The new tray is made up of 50% recycled material and is accepted by every kerbside recycling scheme across New Zealand and as its made of clear plastic not black, it can be easily separated in the recycling centres.
“Customers pay nothing for the introduction of the trays and for those who have a cost associated with waste disposal they will in fact make a saving,” confirms Sammons.
The recyclable meat tray together with the new soft plastic packaging recycling project launched in Auckland this month, means Foodstuffs is moving closer to its target of moving their packaging to be 100% recyclable for their customers either at kerbside or back at store. Sammons confirms the business is committed to leading the charge on providing sustainable supermarket shopping solutions.
Foodstuffs New Zealand Ltd
Address:
Level 8, 45 Johnston Street
Lambton Quay, PO Box 5401
Wellington
Phone: +64 4 472 6435
Fax: +64 4 472 6412
SOURCE: FOODSTUFFS NEW ZEALAND