The recycled paper bags are made of 70% recycled content, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, kerbside recyclable, and feature a glassine, paper-based window.
The paper bags were trialled at 30 New World and PAK’nSAVE stores across the New Zealand in February to gauge customers’ preference on recycled paper bags versus the resealable plastic bags currently available. The findings showed continued commitment from customers to sustainability in their purchasing habits. The FSC logo can guarantee this and more.
“This trial gave us an opportunity to listen to our customers and ensure our packaging solutions are durable, practical and something people actually want to use,” says Kelly McClean, Sustainable Packaging Project Manager, Foodstuffs New Zealand.
“We know many New Zealanders will be pleased to have convenient, sustainable packaging options at our stores’ Alison’s Pantry departments.”
“The trial we conducted pre-Covid revealed that New Zealanders like options and convenience,” says Kristina McCalman, Senior Brand Manager for Prolife Foods. “We learned valuable lessons about the recycled paper bags during its trial, such as the need for a glassine window which makes it easy for customers and checkout staff to see what’s inside in the bag, and the need for a recyclable paper sticker to safely seal the bag for ease of transport home.
We also learned that New Zealanders like the current reusable plastic bag, which is why it will continue to be available for customers. Yes, it’s a plastic bag, but customers re-use it in their pantry, for tomorrow’s lunch and for freezing. It was important we strike the right balance of practicality, reusability, sustainability and convenience, and offering both bag options strikes the perfect balance.”
The nationwide rollout of the FSC certified recycled paper bags at 143 New World stores nationwide is just in time for Plastic Free July.
This year’s Plastic Free July campaign has a different theme, to reflect a post-Covid world, but still rooted in sustainability. The theme, “Simple Swaps,” is about showing Aotearoa the simple swaps at their fingertips that they can make to live more sustainably. Swapping to a recycled paper bag at Alison’s Pantry is…a simple swap.
The FSC applauds New World and Profile Foods efforts and congratulates them on the tangible difference they are making to our forests.