Descriptions of hard-to-recycle plastics to be phased out as part of the third tranche of plastic phase outs. This information is indicative only and subject to change.
The Minister for the Environment will seek a decision from Cabinet on the third tranche of single-use and hard-to-recycle plastic phase-outs in 2024. If progressed, the regulations would likely not take effect any sooner than mid-2026 (not mid-2025 as originally signalled in the 2021 Cabinet decision). We will update this webpage with more information when we can.
The Ministry welcomes engagement with affected businesses on Tranche 3. We are happy to discuss any concerns, challenges, or progress updates you would like to share.
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Material/item |
Description |
Common examples |
Intended policy |
Not in scope or possible exemptions |
Potential alternatives |
|
All PVC food and beverage packaging
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PVC food and beverage packaging is a tray, container (either with a lid or without a lid), packet, bowl, cup, film or wrap sold as packaging that contains food and beverage products or with the purpose of containing food and beverage products for sale and made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
|
PVC biscuit trays and containers |
To stop the sale and distribution of food and beverage packaging that is primarily made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sold either full or empty. |
Not applicable |
Reusable packaging.
Recyclable plastic (type 1, 2 and 5) or paper packaging.
|
|
All polystyrene food and beverage packaging
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Polystyrene food and beverage packaging is a tray, container (either with a lid or without a lid), packet, bowl or cup sold as packaging that contains food and beverage products or with the purpose of containing food and beverage products and is made from rigid polystyrene including high-impact polystyrene.
|
Polystyrene food pottles |
To stop the sale and distribution of food and beverage packaging that is primarily made from rigid polystyrene packaging sold either full or empty. |
Not applicable |
Reusable packaging.
Recyclable plastic (type 1, 2 and 5) or paper packaging.
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Readers of this information are advised that:
- the information does not alter the laws of New Zealand, other official guidelines, or requirements.
- it does not constitute legal advice, and users should take specific advice from qualified professionals before taking any action based on information in this publication.
- the Ministry does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever whether in contract, tort, equity, or otherwise for any action taken as a result of reading, or reliance placed on this information because of having read any part, or all, of the information in this publication or for any error, or inadequacy, deficiency, flaw in, or omission from the information in this publication.
Future plastic phase outs
May 2024
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