Visy achieved a 70 per cent recycled glass content average for the first time in its domestically produced bottles and jars in New Zealand in 2024. New Zealand is the first country Visy operates in to achieve this benchmark.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon celebrated the milestone with food and beverage companies at Visy’s Auckland glass manufacturing site.
Visy manufactures more than 700 million glass bottles and jars in New Zealand annually for the country’s wineries and local food and beverage companies.
Chief Executive Officer Mark De Wit said 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 Visy’s high recycled content.
“Together, we are showing the world that New Zealand is home to high quality, highly sustainable, premium products.”
Visy recycles glass from 50 councils across the country and remanufactures it into new bottles and jars at its factory in Auckland. Visy’s local and secure supply chain keeps New Zealand businesses stocked with the packaging they need to keep supermarket shelves stocked and products being exported across the world.
Most New Zealanders colour sort their glass containers at the kerb, ready for pickup and recycling. This recycling collection has led to higher glass recovery, helping Visy reach its 70 per cent recycled glass content target. It has been working towards the target since 2021.
Recycling doesn’t just divert glass from landfill, it also protects natural resources and reduces energy use during remanufacturing. A Visy glass container with 70 per cent recycled content can be up to 30 per cent less greenhouse gas intensive compared to glass containers with no recycled content.
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