The Kiwi start-up turning milk bottles into fence posts

Fence posts made from recycled milk bottles will soon be used on New Zealand farms

Kiwi-owned startup Future Post has teamed up with Fonterra to repurpose the bottles and other soft plastics to make the posts. 

Managing Director of Future Post, Jerome Wenzlick, told RadioLIVE's Rural Exchange that the company is looking at developing other sustainable products for farmers.

"What we're doing is repurposing waste that could have gone to landfill and turning it into a valuable product for consumers," he said.

He believes it's not enough to just recycle.

"It's about creating less waste, full-stop - or at least turning it into something useful," said Mr Wenzlick.

"That's why these fence posts are so exciting - they're made from 100 percent recycled material, and have a life expectancy of more than 50 years," he said.

The Future Post team hopes to develop more products for farmers.
The Future Post team hopes to develop more products for farmers. Photo credit: Supplied

Fonterra Brands New Zealand's (FBNZ) Sustainability and Environment Manager Larisa Thathiah said the posts are an innovative new way for farmers to improve their on-farm sustainability.

"This partnership provides farmers with a more environmentally-friendly fencing option, made from the packaging of our farmers' milk," she said.

The initiative is part of Fonterra's ongoing environmental programme.

Last year, the Co-op partnered with SkyCity to turn Anchor Light Proof milk bottles into shampoo, conditioner and body lotion bottles for guests.

Watch the full interview with Larisa Thathiah and Jerome Wenzlick above.

Rural Exchange with Hamish McKay, Sarah Perriam and Richard Loe, 5-7am Saturday and Sunday on RadioLIVE with Carter's Tyre Service. Click here for all the ways to watch and listen.

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