New Zealand: New waste management regulation

 

New Zealand published the Waste Minimisation (Plastic and Related Products) Amendment Regulations 2022.

The Regulations impose restrictions on the manufacture and sale of single-use plastic products like produce bags, plates, bowls, and cutlery. Additionally, the sale of single-use plastic straws is also prohibited. Minor adjustments were made to the proposed changes outlined in the consultation document after consulting with the industry about the Tranche 2 regulations. In response to discussions with the health and disability sector, the regulations include an exception that permits specific businesses and entities to sell plastic straws to individuals with health or disability conditions. There will also be a time-limited exemption for plastic straws that are pre-attached to packaging during manufacturing (e.g., on juice and milk boxes). This exemption allows for a designated period for innovation and testing.

The Regulations also introduce a mandate for produce labels, such as fruit and vegetable stickers, to be home-compostable. This means that the label must meet the specified certifications outlined in the regulations. The introduction of this requirement will be phased in for imported produce. Labels on domestically grown produce for sale in New Zealand must meet the home compostable standard by 1 July 2023. For labels applied to imported produce sold in the New Zealand market, the requirement for home compostability must be met by mid-2025. Although the produce labels themselves are expected to adhere to the home compostable standard by these dates, the adhesive (glue) used for these labels is still in development. Therefore, it will be exempt from the requirement until 1 July 2025, aligning with the anticipated readiness date as indicated by label manufacturers.

Further information can be found on the Ministry Environment’s website: Phasing out hard-to-recycle and single-use plastics | Ministry for the Environment.

The measure is similar to the EU Directive (EU) 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (the so-called EU Single Use Plastics Directive).