Meadow Mushrooms is the first mushroom brand in Aotearoa to trial 100% recycled plastic punnets. This is just another step on Meadow Mushrooms’ sustainability journey, which is focused on actively measuring and reducing carbon emissions, and reducing the company’s impact on the planet.
The trial pack features a punnet made in New Zealand, from 100% recycled PET plastic (rPET). An independent study commissioned by Thinkstep-ANZ confirmed it has a lower carbon footprint and the best circularity than other punnets assessed, including the cardboard alternative.
The 100% recycled plastic punnet is kerbside recyclable and can be recycled multiple times after use, helping create a circular system and saving tonnes of plastic from landfill. The soft plastic top seal can also be recycled at stores across the country participating in the Soft Plastics Recycling scheme.
Meadow Mushrooms Marketing Manager Melissa Leaver says how the company packages their fresh mushrooms is one of many sustainability initiatives underway.
“At Meadow Mushrooms, the environment is an integral part of our business, which is why our commitment to sustainability guides our decision-making every step of the way.”
By replacing just the White Button 200g cardboard punnets with the rPET alternative, Meadow Mushrooms would avoid emitting the equivalent of 48,000kg of CO2 annually – or the equivalent of around 52,000 return trips to your local supermarket*! If the trial is successful, Meadow Mushrooms hopes to roll rPET packaging out across its entire pre-packed range as a long-term sustainable solution.
The trial pack also helps protect the mushrooms better, keeping them fresher for longer and helping reduce food waste.
The Meadow Mushrooms White Button 200g trial pack is available at Countdown stores in the lower North Island (from Taupo south) until May 2022, or while stock lasts.
For more information on the trial visit www.meadowmushrooms.co.nz/news/rPET
*Based on a standard family hatchback emitting 154g CO2/km with an average travel distance of 3km. Actual number of trips 51,948.
