Zespri’s packaging to be 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Credit: Zespri Group Limited.

New Zealand-based kiwifruit marketer Zespri has committed to ensuring its packaging is 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

The decision is part of the company’s sustainability commitments announced at the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s ‘Momentum 2020: Standing Up and Standing Out’ conference.

In addition, the distributor has committed to including at least 30% of recycled plastic content in its packaging by 2025. Zespri also aims to reduce its packaging footprint by 25% per kg of fruit produced by 2030.

The company’s previous actions related to sustainability include weight reduction of liners used in cardboard transport packs, trialling fibre-based solutions for pocket-packs, improving recycling options and eliminating unnecessary packaging.

Zespri chief innovation and sustainability officer Carol Ward said: “While we are already one of the lowest impact foods produced, we can do even better. Today’s consumers care about what their food is wrapped in, want to know more about where it comes from and are seeking reassurance that it’ has been grown in a way that enhances the environment and supports livelihoods.

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“We already have much to be proud of, including already having 95% of our packaging used to transport our kiwifruit to market as cardboard, but we realise there is more to do.

“The ambitious targets we have outlined today are therefore about driving our next stage of development and aligning with our purpose, our brand promise and our premium product position.”

Zespri joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment last year.

The retailer also partnered with its other companies in the industry to create a circular plastic economy.