Takeaway food packaging
Our Green Choice™ range offers takeaway food packaging solutions that are either recyclable or compostable-when disposed of correctly.
Proper disposal is key to reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy. That’s where you come in. We—and the environment—need your help.
Recyclable products: for council-managed kerbside recycling, New Zealand now has standardised guidelines to reduce confusion. From our range, you can put in most paper and cardboard products, if clean. Plastic bottles AND plastic trays 1, 2, and 5 (no lids) - this does not include compostable and biodegradable products. Items not accepted can be recycled through drop off locations and take-back scheme. Visit the Ministry of Environment Recycle right at kerbside for more on accepted materials.
Residential areas: Commercial properties in residential areas can request rubbish and recycling services through their local council.
Non-residential areas: Businesses outside residential areas should partner with reliable private waste service providers or locate suitable recycling drop-off points.
Compostable packaging: Our Industrial compostable products require commercial composting facilities for effective disposal and nutrient recovery. Currently, New Zealand has eight industrial facilities and two community facilities capable of processing compostable packaging. If you choose to dispose of any of our home compostable products at home, please learn how to correctly carry this out. Compostable products are no longer accepted in kerbside food scraps or FOGO.
For more on facility locations and services that accept compostable products, consult your local provider, council, WasteMINZ or the Ministry for the Environment.
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Materials
Birchwood
Birchwood is a natural hardwood commonly used in disposable cutlery and food service items. It is lightweight, splinter-resistant, and heat-tolerant, making it suitable for both hot and cold food applications. Birchwood is also odourless and tasteless, ensuring it does not interfere with food flavour.
Birchwood is biodegradable.
Check the product specification for the relevant compostability certification.
Corrugate (Corrugated Cardboard)
Corrugated cardboard is a durable, lightweight material made from fluted paperboard layers. It is widely used for food transport boxes, takeaway containers, and protective packaging. It offers excellent structural integrity, insulation, and printability, making it ideal for branding and food safety labelling.
Corrugate is recyclable through kerbside recycling in most NZ regions, provided it is clean and dry. Contaminated or greasy cardboard (e.g. pizza boxes) should be composted or placed in general waste if composting is not available. Corrugate is also biodegradable and breaks down efficiently in composting systems.
Environmental Impact Minimisation
- Flatten boxes to reduce volume in recycling bins.
- Remove food residue before recycling.
https://www.recycle.co.nz/recycling/cardboard/
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rubbish-recycling/bin-requests/Pages/what-put-your-recycling.aspx (Auckland Council has a great section on waste reduction and where locally collects various materials)
https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/waste/waste-strategy/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrugated_fiberboard
CPLA (Crystallised Polylactic Acid)
CPLA is a heat-resistant bioplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch. It is used in cutlery, lids, and containers that require higher temperature tolerance than standard PLA. CPLA maintains rigidity and shape under heat, making it suitable for hot food applications.
CPLA is industrially compostable but not home compostable. In New Zealand, it must be sent to a commercial composting facility that accepts certified compostable packaging. If such a service is not available in your area it is disposed of in landfill. CPLA is not currently collected for recycling in NZ.
https://www.envirofert.co.nz/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid
Kraft / Kraft Paper
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
Paper
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.
PLA
PLA is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch. It is used in clear cups, lids, containers, and film wraps. PLA offers good clarity, rigidity, and barrier properties for cold food applications.
PLA is industrially compostable but not suitable for home composting. In New Zealand, it must be sent to a commercial composting facility that accepts certified compostable packaging. If placed in landfill or recycling, PLA behaves like conventional plastic and does not biodegrade.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1473-biodegradability-compostability-and-bioplastics
Pulp (Moulded Fibre)
Pulp, or moulded fibre, is made from recycled paper or virgin wood pulp. It is formed into trays, clamshells, and bowls for food packaging. Pulp packaging is lightweight, absorbent, and offers moderate insulation. It is suitable for both hot and cold foods and is often used as an alternative to plastic or foam containers.
Pulp packaging is compostable and biodegradable under both home and industrial composting conditions. In New Zealand, it can be placed in green waste bins if free from plastic coatings or food contamination. If lined with PLA or other bioplastics, it must be sent to a commercial composting facility. Pulp contaminated with grease or food waste should not be recycled but can still be composted.
Sugarcane (Bagasse)
Sugarcane bagasse is the fibrous by-product of sugar extraction. It is moulded into plates, bowls, and containers for food service. Bagasse is heat-resistant, grease-resistant, and microwave-safe, making it a strong alternative to plastic and foam. It offers a natural, compostable solution for both hot and cold food applications.
Bagasse is home and commercially compostable in New Zealand (refer to the product certification for clarification at a product specific level). Bagasse should not be placed in recycling bins.
For certifications, accreditations, and testing reports please view individual product specification sheets, or contact our team.