The Packaging Forum has been accepting applications for its 2023 Resource Recovery Fund grants to reduce packaging waste, increase resource recovery or reduce litter. Funding is open until the end of June.
The forum is funding capex grants for projects which aim at reducing packaging waste which could be infrastructure to support reusable or refillable containers, infrastructure for recycling and litter bins or even an event or research promoting resource recovery.
“We are looking for projects designed for public spaces with high traffic areas such as tourist locations or communities without infrastructure. Those projects should promote reusable options, reduce litter, and encourage recycling. If you have an event or idea for research, it should additionally deliver a Whānau Ora approach, should be open to a large number of the public,” the forum said on its website.
More information about the 2023 Resource Recovery Fund is available online along with the application links.
The Packaging Forum is a member-based organisation representing the New Zealand packaging industry from suppliers and importers of packaging, brand owners, retailers, resource recovery businesses and processors.
The forum manages two government-accredited voluntary stewardship schemes for glass and flexible plastic and is co-leading the design of a mandatory Plastic Packaging Product Stewardship Scheme for Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Packaging Forum members have committed to making all New Zealand packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
In April 2023, The Packaging Forum became the first organisation from the Southern Hemisphere to join Belgium-based Extended Producers Responsibility Alliance (EXPRA), which brings together 32 not-for-profit packaging and packaging waste recovery and recycling systems from 30 countries.
EXPRA managing director Joachim Quoden said, “We are extremely happy and honoured to support the New Zealand’s responsible Industry in their efforts to strengthen their EPR system also for packaging. Starting with a partnership agreement is the first step in our, I hope, long-term cooperation.
“We are very much looking forward to sharing our know-how and best practices with the Industry but also with the authorities in New Zealand, thus supporting this great country on its way to sustainable waste management.”
The Packaging CEO Rob Langford added, “We look forward to working with EXPRA and its members, especially regarding sustainable management of packaging waste. Our vision is to develop a circular economy for packaging in New Zealand and we need EPR systems in place to achieve this.
“Working with colleagues from Europe and around the world can only enhance the exchange of best practices and strengthen our ability to develop EPR schemes that contribute to a sound economy and sustainable growth.”
