Countdown is changing where it sources packaging for dozens of its bakery and delicatessen items, which will cut down on the use of imported plastic.
The supermarket chain will switch to a company called Flight Plastics Ltd, which is New Zealand owned and operated and based in Wellington.
Flight Plastics recycles products by breaking used bottles down and recycling them.
The packaging will be in Countdown stores From August 2018.
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In a release, Countdown's General Manager of Corporate Affairs Kiri Hannifin, says the move will be positive for the environment.
"Countdown is looking for any, and all, opportunities to do our bit to protect New Zealand's precious environment, using more recycled plastic products and introducing less virgin plastic into circulation is just one way we can do this."
She says by avoiding new 'virgin' plastic, it will help take pressure off the waste stream and avoid plastic ending up in landfill.
CEO of Flight Plastics, Keith Smith, said in a release "We're delighted that Countdown will now be using New Zealand recycled plastic in its bakeries. These products made at Flight Plastics won't need disposal after use they can be recycled again and again as customers return them via their recycle bin."
The move will play an important role in Countdown's drive to deliver 100 percent reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging by 2025.
Newshub.
