MfE releases position statement on compostable products

MfE has released a position statement on compostable products as part of their National Plastics Action Plan.

This position statement is not meant to provide formal guidance for industry or business owners. However, it may provide some useful information about the potential challenges and opportunities for compostable products.

In 2021, MfE funded research into home composting and home compostable packaging to find out how households were disposing of these products.

The research found that 82% agreed or strongly agreed that compostable packaging is better for the environment than plastic packaging.

However, many held incorrect beliefs about compostable packaging — 49% said compostable packaging could be recycled when it cannot.

Compostable products are often advertised to be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics. In reality they often require specific conditions to break down safely and may not end up in a compost facility set up for this.

Their position is that industry, businesses, and the general public should take a cautious approach when considering using compostable products.

Read MfE's position statement on compostable products

Read the National Plastics Action Plan for Aotearoa New Zealand