Friday, March 29, 2024

Zespri targets use of plastics

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As global demand for kiwifruit continues and a new variety comes close to release Zespri’s chief executive Dan Mathieson is pushing for more sustainable processes in horticulture’s fastest growing sector.
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Zespri will lead development of a sustainability framework for the sector in response to growing consumer  demand for more sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

“One area particularly important is plastic and the need to reduce it wherever possible,” he said.

Zespri grower and alliance officer Dave Courtney said it is no longer enough to simply grow and market the best kiwifruit in the world.

The clamour for more sustainable practices is becoming as strong from Asia as it is in more traditional markets like Europe. 

Packaging is a particular concern for consumers seeking to reduce their plastic use.

So far a fully integrated sustainability programme has been absent from the industry, with good agricultural practice standards dealing with some sustainability aspects around orchard management. 

But Mathieson said there will be much work ahead removing elements of plastic packaging used by some key accounts at the final point of sale.

Pressure is on more food producers to address plastic packaging concerns with Canada recently taxing single use plastic packaging and Europe moving ever closer to an all out ban.

Mathieson believes a level of regulation in NZ is required but he hopes to see greater collaborative efforts across the industry between processors and producers to arrive at some industry standard solutions to the issues.

“We would like to be able to encourage innovation in this space. It is a challenge for the entire NZ food industry.”

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