About Us
Global Waste in Crisis
Internationally the waste crisis is driving new legislation, as reduction targets continue to be missed entirely. The combination of issues like Climate Change, Pollution, Litter, Landfill, Plastic in the ocean, Micro-Plastics, health awareness, the banning of some plastic products and poor waste management, have created political unrest and activist movements internationally. New Zealand is no different, highlighting the depth of concern over the serious growing waste problem, while hiding behind our “Clean Green” and “Pure NZ” image.
In terms of waste.
- NZ has been rated the worst of the 35 OECD countries in 2018.
- In 2016 NZ was found to be 10th worst in the world, out of 160 countries, at 3.7kg of waste/capita/day (the world average is 0.64kg/capita/day).
- In 2022 according to the Global Footprint Network, humanity is consuming resources equivalent to 1.75 Earths — NZ alone is using 2.7 planets to provide the resources we use and absorb the waste we produce.
- Worldwide, 11 million tons of plastic entre the oceans annually. While still unchecked this is projected to triple by 2040.
- The UN Environment Programme (2022) warns that exposure to plastics may harm fertility, hormonal, metabolic, and neurological health.
- The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) has established a Pact 2022. With 175 nations working together to develop a global legally binding agreement, to end plastic pollution. This UN environment programme said, “they will work with any willing government and business across the value chain to shift away from single-use plastics.”
The evidence is clear: the linear economy has passed its limits. Recycling cannot deliver the waste reduction or environmental regeneration the planet needs and incremental improvements are no longer enough. Friendlypak was formed to improve on all these issues.
The transition to a circular economy, built on a foundation of compostable materials and organic recovery, is essential. With initial waste to landfill diversion in the order of 50%, it is not only possible, but the cheapest option and proven internationally.
By choosing compostable packaging, supporting composting infrastructure, and rethinking how we manage waste, we can create a future where nothing is truly thrown away. Like in nature the growth phase and the biodegradation stage is all done for free. Like in nature we design to unmake what we make. Like in nature the waste from one eco system is the raw material for another, so nature has no waste. Zero Waste is indeed possible and we can show how this can be done.
Friendlypak – Practical Sustainability
Founded in 2002 Friendlypak has been at the forefront of the compostable packaging movement for over two decades. Our products are made with renewable sustainable plant-based materials. Many are also home compostable and recyclable with paper and cardboard, making waste diversion accessible to households as well as commercial users.
Grown and manufactured sustainably, they have a superior TLCA (total life cycle analysis) and reduced environmental footprint, they are low carbon, traded fairly and produced without exploitation or harm to people or animals.
We provide integrated waste separation systems designed to support multiple waste stream separation and landfill rescue. Supporting councils, foodservice providers, businesses and institutions nationwide to reduce landfill, emissions and the transition to a circular economy.
Friendlypak certified compostable products are certified to one or more of the following standards:
- European EN 13432, OK Compost and OK Compost Home
- American ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868
- Australian AS 4736 and AS 5810 Home
Friendlypak operates under the principles of Triple Bottom Line Accountability — where we strive to be financially, socially, and environmentally responsible.
Friendlypak NZ Ltd is the only NZ-owned company operating in this space, offering a large range of sustainable, compostable, plant-based products and waste systems. Representing pioneering brands like Vegware, Mattiussi, BioBag, and THE GOOD CUPTM.
Vision
New Zealand is part of Oceania, which is primarily composed of tourist destinations. Waste and pollution are destroying their natural capital, appeal, land, and water. Our sustainable, compostable products and systems can give Oceania hope and a future, restoring this land and water.
Compostable packaging is a tool, able to transform waste management practices and systems for communities, cities, and nations. However, our plans go beyond this, to also clean up pollution, restore waterways and re-establish the land and marine ecosystems.
We aspire to be a ‘Triple Bottom Line business’, also known as ‘Profit, People and Planet’, accountable. This means we must not only be financially sustainable but also accountable for our impact on the environment and people. Improving the environment is our core business; however, there are those in New Zealand and the Islands of Oceania that are sick and hungry and those that are short on basics like clothing and shelter and a great number that are oppressed. Part of our vision is to grow support and solutions for these needs, bringing social impact from the advantage of business.
Triple Bottom Line accountability, also known as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), is changing business and increasingly practised internationally. It is an established economic principle that when we trade fairly, everybody wins, and then people will have means and will trade with us again. If there is caring and ‘win-win’ outcomes in business and our dealings, then people and economies will flourish.
Values
Our fundamental beliefs dictate our behaviour and guide our path.
- Doing Good
- Knowledge
- Self-Control
- Perseverance
- Caring
- Service
- Stewardship
- Excellence
- Win-win outcomes