Our environmental approach and progress
Unipak is working to improve environmental performance across our operations, supplier relationships and product offering.
Our approach considers waste, resource use, transport, responsible sourcing and product end-of-life alongside the things our customers still need from every product: fit for purpose performance, food safety, reliable supply and commercial practicality.
There is rarely one material or product choice that delivers the best outcome in every situation. We focus on giving customers clearer information, improving what we can influence and making practical progress supported by evidence.
Our focus areas
Our environmental priorities include:
- reducing unnecessary operational waste and resource use
- supporting efficient stock movement and freight practices
- considering environmental factors in purchasing and supplier decisions
- improving product material and disposal information
- reviewing recyclable and compostable options where they are suitable, supported by evidence and commercially feasible
- supporting reuse and recycling within our own operations where practical
Practical improvements within our operations
Our Environmental Sustainability Policy sets out practical actions across our warehouse, office and distribution activities.
These include reducing unnecessary printing, managing operational waste responsibly, recycling suitable materials where appropriate services are available, improving stock movement and freight efficiency, using electric forklifts within warehouse operations and making efficient use of electricity, water and other resources.
The policy also supports practical workplace initiatives that reduce unnecessary single-use consumption and encourages reuse where suitable.
Environmental practices are reviewed as our operations, services and available infrastructure change.
Products and materials
Product choice starts with what the product needs to do.
We review recyclable, compostable and other material options where they are suitable for the intended application, commercially feasible and supported by credible product evidence.
Performance, food-contact requirements, product safety, supply continuity and the recovery infrastructure actually available in New Zealand remain part of each decision.
A material name on its own does not determine the environmental outcome of a finished product. Coatings, linings, adhesives, contamination, product format, certification and the available waste service can all affect what happens at end of life.
Working with our suppliers
Environmental considerations form part of our supplier and purchasing decisions alongside quality, functionality, compliance, supply and commercial requirements.
We encourage suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging and waste, consider opportunities to improve recyclable or compostable product options where appropriate and continue improving the environmental performance of their products and operations.
Claims about an individual product or manufacturing process are only made where appropriate supporting information is available.
Clearer disposal information
We provide material and disposal information to help customers understand and compare available options.
Actual disposal pathways depend on the finished product, its condition and contamination, the collection service available and whether the receiving processor accepts that particular item.
For businesses, requirements can differ between commercial waste providers. Customers should check the individual product information and confirm current acceptance with their council, commercial waste provider or specialist programme.
Product evidence and certification
Environmental certifications and claims are stated at individual product level where supporting documentation is held.
For current certification, testing, food-contact or material information, refer to the relevant product specification or contact our team.
Our Environmental Sustainability Policy
Our Environmental Sustainability Policy provides the framework for environmental management, waste reduction, recycling, operational efficiency, resource use and responsible purchasing across Unipak.
Management oversees implementation and ongoing review of the policy, with relevant operational and product owners responsible for the evidence within their areas.
Continuing improvement
Our priorities will continue to develop as products, evidence, regulations and New Zealand’s recovery infrastructure change.
Our continuing focus is to:
- review suitable recyclable and compostable product options
- improve material and disposal information
- reduce unnecessary operational waste
- engage suppliers on responsible practices
- improve the evidence available to customers
- review our progress through the Environmental Sustainability Policy
We will update this information as verified work and meaningful changes occur.