Zero-Waste event guidelines
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A Zero Waste event is one that generates less waste, and/or the right kind of waste for reuse. This means your food and beverage must be supplied in compostable packaging.
This guide outlines information about compostable packaging and lists Auckland suppliers.
PRODUCT TYPES:
IMPORTANT:
Sending incorrect products to the composting facility will contaminate their end product. If a truckload has too much non–compostable material it could result in;
PLEASE NOTE:
When using compostable food and beverage packaging, ensure all material goes through the appropriate composting process. If it does not, it will be sent to landfill. Compostable material in landfills is particularly bad for the environment.
Next, ensure you are using the right types of products. Here are some simple rules:
WOODEN CUTLERY
Wooden or bamboo knives, forks, spoons, and chopsticks.
Pine cutlery is the easiest cutlery product to break down at a very competitive price. These products can be disposed of in any composting environment, including home composting.
COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC CUTLERY
Compostable knives, forks, and spoons.
Made from plant based polylactic acid (PLA). Usable for hot and cold foods. Designed to break down in commercial composting processes.
Compostable cups – single or double wall. Ranges from 4oz (perfect for tastings) to 20oz/600ml (replacing milkshake cups).
These cups have a similar look and performance to regular paper cups but are equipped with thin plant-based plastic (PLA) lining instead of regular plastic lining. They break down readily in all commercial composting environments but are not designed for home composting or worm farms.
CLEAR PLASTIC CUPS
Clear plastic cups and lids for cold drinks. Available in a range of sizes.
Made from PLA bio plastic, they look and perform similarly to PET (number 1) plastic. They are compostable in commercial composting processes.
MOULDED PAPER CUPS
Pulp based hot or cold cups available in a range of sizes.
Ideally made from recycled paper and non-bleached or dyed. Fully compostable in any environment including home composting and worm farms. Widely available from most packaging suppliers.
CUP HOLDERS
Made from a recycled pulp.
Ideally made from recycled paper and non-bleached or dyed. Fully compostable in any environment including home composting and worm farms. Widely available from most packaging suppliers.
DRINKING STRAWS
Paper drinking straws.
Paper straws are made from food grade recycled paper and can be found at most packaging retailers. They are suitable for processing through all composting environments such as home composting and worm farming as they use soy-based inks and are 100% recycled paper. They are suitable as a straw for a thin drink (not smoothie/thick shake), holding their shape well. They ranged in a variety of colours and designs.
NAPKINS
Recycled paper napkins, natural coloured.
These kraft coloured paper napkins are made from recycled paper. Food grade and free of toxic dyes, they are preferred for composting over coloured napkins. Natural/kraft coloured napkins are widely available at packaging retailers and wholesalers. They are extremely cost effective.
CLAMSHELLS
Range of compostable pressed fibre clamshells are available.
Made from sugarcane, wheat straw or paper pulp. Unlined and compostable in commercial processes.
SHALLOWBOXES
Noodle or salad shallow box with water-based lining. Hot or cold. Comes in range of sizes.
This shallow cardboard box has a compostable water-based lining. Produced by “Friendlypak”, it differs to other similar products on the market, which have unrecyclable/uncompostable plastic linings.
BOWLS
Single wall PLA hot or cold bowls for deli goods/ ice-cream etc. (preferred without lids).
Similar to the Hot/cold cups above with a PLA lining. This can readily break down in commercial composting facilities but is not suitable for a home composting unit or worm farm.
POTATOPAK
Range of plates, bowls, and trays.
Potatopak products are made of waste starch from the manufacturing industry and are 100% biodegradable. Potatopak products are suitable for all fast-food applications (with the exception of boiling water and blood meat products). They break down quickly and are edible.
WRAPS/POUCHES
Sandwich wrap with vegetable wax coated paper. Hot & Crispy pouch. Specially designed compostable pouches to keep burgers/sandwiches hot.
The hot and crispy pouch replaces the usually non-recyclable tin foil used in food services. This paper-based product can be processed through any composting environment including home compost and worm farms. Sandwich wrap contains a vegetable wax lining and is the only compostable greaseproof paper.
PINE BOATS
Pine servery comes in a range of shapes and sizes such as cones, boats, trays and platters.
Pine servery is a great way of presenting tapas style or finger food. It also comes in a flat tray. Fibres are easy to break down in all commercial composting facilities, home composting and worm farming.
BIN LINERS
Compostable bin liners in a range of sizes from 1 litre to 240 litres.
Made from corn-starch and can be processed in all commercial composting facilities. Useful for lining bins that take compostable packaging and food waste. They keep bins clean while making emptying easier.
PAPER BAGS
Kraft paper bags. Flat (e.g for jerky or similar) or with handle
Bags are ideally made from recycled paper and non-bleached or dyed. They are a cost-effective alternative to carry-bags, which are fully compostable in any environment, including home composting and worm farms. Widely available from most packaging suppliers in the flat version and the carry bag version. Vendors can use water-based ink stamps to brand bags.
The following is a partial list of compostable packaging suppliers in Auckland. In providing this list, Auckland Council does not endorse or guarantee the suppliers named.
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Attwoods 0800 PACK IT (0800 722 548) |
Ayrpak Freephone:0800 465 666 |
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BCS Foodpak Ltd Unit C, 57 McLaughlins Road, Manukau |
Ecoware Tel: 0800 GO 4 ECO |
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Eden Enterprises 116 Cook Street |
Elldex Packaging Ltd Tel 09 415 6747 |
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Friendlypak Box 83 132, Edmonton, Auckland |
Innocent Packaging Tel 09 523 3870 |
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Kiwi Greenpak Ltd www.kiwigreenpak.co.nz |
NZ Safety Blackwoods Various locations around Auckland |