Stocktake of reusable packaging for fast-moving consumer goods in the Waikato region

Report: TR 2024/18

Authors: Hannah Blumhardt (Reuse Aotearoa), Ngakau Peke-Harris (Para Kore)

Who we are
Reuse Aotearoa is an organisation dedicated to building the momentum and capability to scale reusable packaging systems in New Zealand. We focus on understanding and telling the story of reuse, and fostering collaboration to bring reusable packaging systems to life and grow their strength and presence across the motu.

The story of this report (Abstract)
In 2022, Waikato Regional Council commissioned Reuse Aotearoa to undertake a three-part research project into reusable packaging in the Waikato region. This report presents part one of the research project: a stocktake of existing reusable packaging systems across the Waikato region, focusing on the packaging of groceries and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) across the supply chain. The research has identified at least 95 discrete reusable packaging systems that are available and/or in use in Waikato for the containment, dispensing and/or transportation of various grocery and other products. These systems originate both inside and outside Waikato, and may be operated by producers, packaging/logistics companies and/or retailers.

The report presents these systems in a detailed, tripartite index, and concludes with reflections on the high-level trends and themes that emerge from this stocktake, relating to the nature and state of health (e.g, resilience) of reusable packaging in Waikato. Overall, access to Waikato’s reusable packaging systems is unevenly distributed across the region, some product types have more reusable packaging options than others, and most systems are poorly promoted, regardless of their success and longevity. Small businesses dominate the provision of Returnable and Refill by Bulk Dispenser systems, which may increase the precarity of these systems. Furthermore, most Refill by Bulk Dispenser systems are currently only partial reuse systems. Reusable Transport Packaging systems are generally operated by and for large companies in the groceries supply chain, and are supported by the necessary infrastructure and service provision to deliver scaled outcomes. However, beyond this, the region requires more reuse system infrastructure to support efficient and effective reverse logistics and preparation for reuse activities for reusable packaging systems.

Disclaimer
This technical report has been prepared for the use of Waikato Regional Council as a reference document and as such does not constitute council’s policy. Council requests that if excerpts or inferences are drawn from this document for further use by individuals or organisations, due care should be taken to ensure that the appropriate context has been preserved, and is accurately reflected and referenced in any subsequent spoken or written communication. While Waikato Regional Council has exercised all reasonable skill and care in controlling the contents of this report, council accepts no liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss, damage, injury or expense (whether direct, indirect or consequential) arising out of the provision of this information or its use by you or any other party.This report mentions a large number of businesses and also contains images from various businesses. The mention of a business and/or the inclusion of images from or of a business does not indicate that those businesses endorse the contents of this document.

Acknowledgements
Lead author and researcher: Hannah Blumhardt (Reuse Aotearoa)
Co-researcher: Ngakau Peke-Harris (Para Kore)
Peer Review: Gradon Diprose (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research)