Sustainable Packaging: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Compost

At our stores, we are committed to reducing plastic usage in our supply chain. That’s why, in June 2018, we signed the NZ Plastic Packaging Declaration. By 2025, all our Private Label and retail packaging will be recyclable, reusable, or compostable. We are also working to phase out problematic plastic packaging. You’ve likely seen some of our efforts already, from introducing “Bring Your Own Containers” at delis and serve-overs to eliminating microbeads before they were banned, as well as removing plastic cotton buds and single-use plastic bags.

The world has relied on plastic for far too long, so we developed our 10 Packaging Principles to guide what “good” looks like in our business. We actively share these principles with our suppliers:

1. Remove unnecessary packaging.
2. Reduce packaging weight by design.
3. Design for reuse.
4. Move to fiber-based renewable materials.
5. Prioritize clear plastic Type 1 and Type 2.
6. Specify post-consumer recycled content.
7. Use only home compostable bioplastics.
8. Avoid hazardous materials.
9. Educate consumers.
10. Communicate expectations to suppliers.

Climate Change

At New World, we are dedicated to reducing our operational carbon emissions. As signatories of the Climate Leaders Coalition, we are actively working to support New Zealand’s zero carbon ambitions. Our Low Carbon Transition Strategy includes:

• Reducing store-based emissions by transitioning all stores to low-emission natural refrigeration systems.
• Operating 29 zero-emission electric store delivery vans.
• Introducing three 100% electric heavy goods vehicles to transport goods from warehouses to stores.
• Reducing mileage, fuel, and emissions through a GPS routing system for transport routes.
• Consolidating freight deliveries to minimize empty trucks on the road.
• Leading the rollout of electric vehicle fast-charging stations for customers, boasting the largest fast-charging network in New Zealand.
• Installing solar power—our support center and primary distribution center, moving to a new site at Auckland Airport, will feature the largest solar array in New Zealand.