Kitchen food packaging

APET is a clear, rigid form of PET used in clamshell containers and trays. It offers excellent clarity and barrier properties, making it ideal for chilled food packaging.

APET is chemically similar to PET and generally recyclable under the same guidelines. In NZ, it is accepted in kerbside recycling if clean and uncoated. It is not compostable and should not be burned.

Science Learning Hub – Plastics and Recycling
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate 

Cardboard is a paper-based material made from cellulose fibers, typically derived from wood pulp. It is widely used in food packaging for boxes, sleeves, and trays due to its rigidity, printability, and biodegradability. Food-grade cardboard is often uncoated or lined with a thin plastic or wax layer for moisture resistance.

In New Zealand, cardboard is accepted in all kerbside recycling systems, provided it is clean and dry. Contaminated cardboard (e.g. greasy pizza boxes) should be composted if uncoated or placed in general waste if lined. Cardboard is home compostable when free of plastic or foil coatings. It breaks down naturally and enriches soil when composted properly.

Cardboard is considered a low-impact packaging material when sourced from recycled or sustainably managed forests. To reduce environmental harm, businesses are encouraged to use recycled-content cardboard, and avoid plastic lamination where possible.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardboard 
https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/campaigns/recycle/kerbside-recycling-paper-and-cardboard/ 

Recycle code 2

A rigid plastic that is widely curbside recyclable.

High-density polyethylene, a strong plastic.
High strength-to-weight; tough and impact-resistant; excellent chemical and moisture resistance; food-safe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_polyethylene 
https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/campaigns/recycle/kerbside-recycling-plastic-trays-and-containers/ 
https://www.wm.nz/for-business/recycling/pvc-and-hdpe-recycling/ 
https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/ 

Kraft paper is produced through the chemical pulping of wood, resulting in a strong, coarse paper with high tear resistance. In food packaging, it is used for wraps, bags, and takeaway containers. Unbleached kraft is preferred for its natural appearance and reduced chemical processing. It is grease-resistant when treated and can be laminated or coated for moisture control.
Uncoated kraft paper is recyclable and compostable in New Zealand. It can be placed in kerbside recycling if clean and dry. If contaminated with food or grease, it should be composted or disposed of in general waste. Coated or laminated kraft (e.g. with plastic or wax) is not recyclable or compostable and must go to landfill.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraft_paper 

LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic used in materials that need a lightweight but durable barrier. It is chemically resistant and lightweight. 

LDPE is recyclable under code #4, but only through soft plastic recycling schemes. It is not biodegradable and should not be composted. 
 

https://www.xometry.com/resources/materials/low-density-polyethylene-ldpe/ 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-density_polyethylene 
https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/ 

Paper is a versatile material used in food wraps, liners, and disposable containers. It is lightweight, printable, and breathable, making it suitable for dry or low-moisture foods. Paper can be treated with coatings for grease or moisture resistance, though this affects its recyclability and compostability.

Plain paper is widely recyclable in New Zealand. Food-soiled or coated paper should be composted if certified compostable or disposed of in general waste. Laminated or waxed paper is not recyclable and must go to landfill. Paper breaks down quickly in composting environments, making it a low-impact option when uncoated.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper 

PE is a versatile plastic used in food packaging, including cling films, bags, and containers. It is lightweight, moisture-resistant, and chemically inert, making it suitable for direct food contact. PE comes in two main forms: LDPE (Low-Density) and HDPE (High-Density), each with different flexibility and strength characteristics.

In New Zealand, HDPE (#2) is accepted in kerbside recycling, while LDPE (#4) is excluded from standard recycling bins but may be accepted through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme. PE is not compostable and should not be burned due to potential release of harmful compounds.

• Science Learning Hub – Plastics and Recycling
• Material World – Recycling and Biodegradability
• https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/campaigns/recycle/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene 

PET is commonly used in beverage bottles, food trays, and containers. It offers excellent clarity, strength, and barrier properties against moisture and gases. PET is lightweight and widely used in both rigid and flexible packaging.

In New Zealand, PET (#1) is accepted in kerbside recycling. It must be clean and free of food residue. PET is not compostable and should be disposed of via recycling streams. Burning PET is discouraged due to emission risks.

Science Learning Hub – Plastics and Recycling
Material World – Recycling and Biodegradability
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate 

PP is used in containers, trays, and wraps. It is heat-resistant, durable, and has good chemical resistance, making it ideal for microwaveable and reusable food packaging.

PP (#5) is accepted in NZ kerbside recycling as of February 2024. Items must be clean and larger than 50mm. PP is not compostable and should not be burned. Recycled PP is in high demand for local manufacturing.

Plastics New Zealand – Polypropylene Recycling
Science Learning Hub – Plastics and Recycling
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene 

Polystyrene offers rigidity and insulation but is brittle and prone to breaking. 

PS (#6) is not accepted in NZ kerbside recycling. It is considered a contaminant and must be disposed of in general waste. PS is not compostable and releases toxic compounds when burned.

Science Learning Hub – Plastics and Recycling
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene 

PVC is used in cling films and rigid containers. It offers excellent clarity and barrier properties but contains additives like plasticisers and stabilisers that raise health and environmental concerns. It is not heat-stable and can release harmful substances when burned.

PVC is not accepted in most kerbside recycling systems in New Zealand. It is considered a contaminant and must be disposed of in general waste. Burning PVC is discouraged due to the release of dioxins. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride 

Silicon (typically food-grade silicone rubber) is used in reusable baking mats, lids, and moulds. It is flexible, heat-resistant, and chemically stable, making it ideal for oven and freezer use. It is non-reactive and does not leach into food.
Silicon is not recyclable through kerbside systems in New Zealand. It is durable and long-lasting, but once damaged or worn out, it must be disposed of in general waste. Some specialty recycling programs may accept silicone, but they are limited.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone 

Tissue paper is used for wrapping, interleaving, and absorbing moisture in food packaging. It is lightweight, soft, and biodegradable. It is often made from recycled content and is suitable for dry or lightly greasy foods.

Tissue paper without other material blends is biodegradable. In New Zealand, it can be added to green waste or home compost bins if not heavily contaminated. It is not recyclable due to its short fibres and potential contamination.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tissue_paper