38982 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment

38982 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for the Environment: Does she believe that the removal of the enforcement deadline for the proposed phase-out of PVC, polystyrene and PVdC in food and beverage packaging, followed by the decision not to proceed with it, has created regulatory uncertainty for packaging suppliers?

Hon Nicola Grigg: Feedback from industry stakeholders is that rescinding the previously agreed phase out of PVC and polystyrene in late 2024 without clarity on a new date has increased market uncertainty. I am aware that clear future requirements are important for planning packaging changes and investment decisions. I thank businesses who have already invested in alternative packaging materials that are more compatible with New Zealand’s recycling system, supporting the Government’s waste strategy outcomes of reducing waste and keeping materials in productive use for longer.