The Waste Minimisation (Plastic and Related Products) Amendment Regulations 2022 (the Regulations) were finalised on 28 November 2022, giving effect to the second tranche of proposals that phase out problematic single-use and hard-to-recycle plastic items over three tranches. The Tranche 2 proposals entered into force on 1 July 2023.
Impact Statement: “The Regulations set the requirement for produce labels (i.e., fruit and vegetable stickers) to be home-compostable (i.e., the label must meet specified certifications in the regulations) with a phased entry for imported produce. Labels applied to domestically grown produce for sale on the New Zealand market were required to be home compostable as of 1 July 2023. This effective date excluded the adhesive (glue) which is required to be home compostable by 1 July 2025. With a view to minimising the effect on trade, labels applied to imported produce for sale on the New Zealand market were to be home compostable (including the label adhesive (glue)) by mid-2025. The date for all produce sold in New Zealand to have certified home compostable labels (including its adhesive) will now be extended to 1 July 2028 to align with manufacturer readiness and similar international regulations.” Thus, businesses that manufacture fruit and vegetable stickers meant for the New Zealand market need to take note of the new compliance dates.