Chapter One
The Circular Plastics Economy.
Download the Re:Plastics design guide to explore this chapter in full.
You will learn about:
What a closed loop system looks like and how it moves beyond recycling.
Commitments and initiatives from our government and your peers.
What industry leaders are aspiring to.
The strengths of plastics and their role in our future circular system.
The role you play in shaping our future.
A short summary
In Aotearoa, the idea of valuing materials and protecting the environment has been in practice for over 700 years, embedded within Te Ao Māori.
“Plastics are versatile materials, but the way we use them is incredibly wasteful. We need a circular economy for plastics in which it never becomes waste or pollution.”
Circular Economy offers us a future with the best economic, environmental, and climate outcomes.
A circular economy is based on the principles of:
Designing out waste & pollution
Keeping products & materials in use
Regenerating natural systems
The Circular Economy is a global movement — with growing support and commitment in countries around the world, including here in New Zealand.
The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment was created by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the United Nations Environment Program.
In 2018 The New Zealand Plastic Packaging Declaration was signed by 15 local and multinational companies. The Declaration shares the Global Commitment’s vision for all plastic packaging to be 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025*.
The Ministry of Environment’s work program for waste aims to accelerate New Zealand’s transition towards a circular economy. The government is working to phase-out certain materials, and plastic is a priority. From product stewardship to increased landfill levies, policy is being developed to turn this vision into action.
