可持续性

Bonson believes that a circular economy, where materials and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, is fundamental to reducing
packaging waste.

Our approach considers the entire packaging lifecycle, from material selection and product design through to reuse, recycling and responsible end-of-life management.

We aim to develop and supply packaging solutions that balance food safety, functionality, resource efficiency and environmental responsibility, helping customers make informed packaging choices.

Learn more about Our Approach.

A circular economy aims to minimise waste by keeping products and materials in circulation through reuse, repair, recycling and other resource recovery processes.

For food packaging, this means designing packaging to use resources efficiently, exploring opportunities for repeated use and ensuring materials can be recovered wherever practical.

At Bonson, we support circular economy principles through initiatives such as reusable packaging systems, packaging manufactured with recycled materials and product designs that consider end-of-life outcomes.

Bonson offers a range of packaging options to help businesses address their sustainability objectives, including reusable food containers, packaging manufactured using recycled PET (rPET), recyclable PP and PET packaging, and selected fibre-based and compostable alternatives.

Each material has different characteristics and environmental considerations. The most appropriate choice depends on the food application, required performance, opportunities for reuse and available waste management infrastructure.

Explore Our Materials.

Not necessarily. Recyclability is one important consideration, but it does not determine the overall environmental impact of a packaging product.

Sustainable packaging decisions should also consider material consumption, manufacturing processes, transportation, food protection, opportunities for reuse and what happens to the packaging after use.

For example, packaging that effectively protects food and prevents spoilage can help reduce food waste, which is another important environmental consideration.

Bonson encourages customers to evaluate packaging across its lifecycle rather than focusing on a single environmental attribute.

These terms describe different end-of-life characteristics.

• Recyclable packaging can be collected and processed into materials for new products where suitable recycling systems exist.
• Biodegradable packaging is designed to break down through biological processes under particular conditions, but the term alone does not indicate how quickly it breaks down or whether it is suitable for composting.
• Compostable packaging is designed to break down under specified composting conditions. Certified industrially compostable packaging generally requires access to suitable commercial composting facilities, while home-compostable products must meet different requirements.

Understanding these differences helps businesses select packaging suited to their needs and local waste management options.

Plastic packaging can play a role in a more resource-efficient food system when it is appropriately designed, used and managed.

Materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) offer food protection, durability and lightweight performance. Some plastic packaging can also be reused or recycled through suitable systems.

The environmental outcome depends on factors including material use, product lifespan, food waste prevention, collection infrastructure and end-of-life management.

Bonson encourages customers to consider these factors when comparing packaging alternatives.

Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) is plastic that has been recovered and reprocessed for use in new products.

Using recycled PET can reduce demand for virgin plastic materials and help keep existing resources in circulation.

Bonson uses rPET in selected food packaging manufactured through our thermoforming process, including products designed to combine food protection, functionality and material efficiency.

Reusable food packaging can reduce the need to manufacture and dispose of a new container for every use, provided it is reused enough times and supported by an effective collection, cleaning and redistribution system.

The environmental benefits depend on factors such as the number of reuse cycles, transportation, washing processes and material durability.

Bonson supports the development of reusable packaging solutions that help businesses explore alternatives to single-use packaging and keep materials in circulation for longer.

Bonson's New Zealand manufacturing facility operates under an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System, providing a framework for identifying environmental risks and improving environmental performance.

Our approach includes optimising material use, improving resource efficiency, undertaking energy audits and considering environmental impacts during packaging design and production.

Our purpose-built Auckland manufacturing facility also incorporates Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles.

Learn more about our Eco Operation.

Choosing more sustainable food packaging starts with understanding your product, operational requirements and available end-of-life options.

Consider the type of food being packaged, required shelf life, storage and transport conditions, material efficiency, opportunities for reuse and whether suitable recycling or composting facilities are available.

Bonson can help you compare packaging materials and formats to identify solutions that balance food safety, functionality, commercial requirements and environmental considerations.

Contact Bonson to discuss your packaging requirements.

Yes, many polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) food containers can be recycled in Australia, depending on their design
and the recycling services available in your area.

PET (plastic identification code 1) and PP (plastic identification code 5) are commonly used in food packaging because of their durability, food safety and functionality.

However, not all packaging made from these materials is accepted by every recycling service. Factors such as container size, colour, food contamination and local recycling infrastructure can affect recyclability.

Always check local council recycling guidelines or the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL), where available, for appropriate disposal instructions.

Not necessarily. Both paper and plastic packaging have environmental advantages and limitations, depending on how they are manufactured, used and disposed of.

Paper packaging is often made from renewable resources and may be recyclable or compostable, depending on its coatings and composition.
Plastic packaging can offer advantages such as lighter weight, durability, moisture resistance and effective food protection, potentially reducing food
waste.

The most appropriate choice depends on the food application, material requirements, transport efficiency and available recycling or composting infrastructure.

At Bonson, we encourage customers to consider the entire packaging lifecycle rather than assuming one material is always more sustainable than another.

Plastic identification codes help identify the type of plastic resin used to manufacture a product.

Code 1 – PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Commonly used for clear food containers, beverage bottles and other packaging where transparency and product visibility are important.

Code 5 – PP (Polypropylene): Commonly used for takeaway containers, ready-meal packaging and reusable food containers because
of its durability and resistance to heat.

Both materials can be recycled through suitable recycling systems. However, the identification code indicates the plastic type, not whether the packaging will be accepted for recycling in your local area.

Yes. Bonson offers selected food packaging products made from renewable plant-based materials, including sugarcane fibre and other paper-based alternatives.

These materials can provide practical packaging solutions for various foodservice applications, including takeaway meals and food presentation.

However, packaging made from renewable materials is not automatically recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. Its end-of-life suitability depends on the material composition, coatings, relevant certifications and available waste management facilities.

Our team can help you explore different material options to find packaging that meets your operational requirements and sustainability objectives.

Well-designed food packaging plays an important role in protecting food, maintaining freshness and reducing spoilage throughout storage, transportation and consumption.

Features such as secure-fitting lids, appropriate portion sizes, tamper-evident closures and packaging suited to refrigeration or freezing can help protect food quality and extend its usable life where appropriate.

By selecting packaging that meets the specific requirements of the food product, businesses can help minimise damage, contamination and unnecessary food waste.

At Bonson, we believe responsible packaging design means considering both packaging waste and food waste to achieve better overall environmental outcomes.

Although the terms sound similar, they describe two different aspects of packaging sustainability.

Recycled content refers to material recovered from previous use or manufacturing processes and incorporated into a new product. For example, recycled PET (rPET) packaging can contain plastic recovered from previously used PET bottles.

Recyclable packaging refers to packaging that can be collected, sorted and reprocessed into new materials through suitable recycling
systems.

A product can contain recycled material without necessarily being recyclable through local collection services. Similarly, packaging made entirely from virgin materials may still be recyclable.

Understanding this distinction helps businesses make more informed packaging choices and communicate environmental claims accurately.