One of the key benefits of thermoplastic resins is their ability to be recycled and reused multiple times, making efficient use of the energy used in their production. Comspec plays a crucial role in this lifecycle by providing recovery and recycling services for these materials, ensuring they can be reused as end-of-life options.
In 2009, New Zealand’s plastics manufacturers sent less than 1% of their industrial plastic waste to landfills, with the rest recycled by organisations like Comspec. However, only 24% of domestic plastic packaging was recovered, highlighting a significant area for improvement.
Targeting this post-consumer waste, Comspec is leading the way with our innovative wash plant, supported by the government's Waste Minimisation legislation. Spring Humphreys, Fonterra’s Eco-Efficiency Manager, praised the initiative: "Comspec’s wash plant is a great example of New Zealand’s plastics recycling industry's resolve to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits to the wider community.”
Comspec’s project exemplifies product stewardship, creating a closed-loop system by collaborating with milk producers, local South Island councils, and recycling operators. This local solution recycles milk bottles into cost-effective recycled resin for various applications within New Zealand’s plastics manufacturing industry, reducing the need to send plastics offshore and promoting local recycling efforts.
