Visy has achieved an average of 70 per cent recycled glass content in its NZ locally manufactured bottles and jars, the first of the company’s operations globally to hit this benchmark.
Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, marked the achievement at Visy’s Auckland facility, joining representatives from food and beverage companies.
Mark De Wit, CEO of Visy, said New Zealand makes some of the best wine in the world, it deserves the best bottles.
“New Zealand wineries, and food and beverage businesses can now claim some of the most sustainable glass packaging in the world, thanks to New Zealand’s green electricity grid and our high recycled content.
“Together, we are showing the world that New Zealand is home to high quality, highly sustainable, premium products.”
Visy produces more than 700 million glass containers annually in New Zealand, supplying local wineries and food and beverage businesses.
Glass collected from 50 councils is recycled and remanufactured at Visy’s Auckland site. Most New Zealanders separate their glass by colour at the kerbside, which has contributed to higher recovery rates.
Visy began working towards the 70 per cent target in 2021. According to the company, using 70% recycled content in glass containers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent compared to those made without recycled material.
The company’s operations are supported by New Zealand’s electricity grid, which was powered by over 88 per cent renewable energy in 2023, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
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