Biological brands join recycling program

Distributor of bio-logical products, GROLogic, and organic nutritional fertiliser supply company, Roots Shoots and Fruits, are the latest brands to join the Agrecovery Container Recycling program in New Zealand.

55 brand owners, including agrichemical, biological, animal health and dairy hygiene, participate in the program that accepts empty triplerinsed plastic containers from 1- 60 L which are recycled for free at 70 collection sites around the country.

“Our approach is based around sustainable production principles and so it was only logical for us to join the Agrecovery program,” said Sharon Fitzgerald, Director of GROLogic, “It means we’re taking care of the environment as well as the soil.”

Tim Callaghan, Director of Roots Shoots and Fruits, said, “We’re really passionate about improving grower profitability and increasing the nutritional value of food, but we also believe it’s important to respect our environment and improve soils for future generations.  Being part of Agrecovery fits in well with these values.
 
“Our customers were also telling us that they wanted us to get on board with Agrecovery - some recent tenders have specified that products purchased must be part of the program," he said.
 
According to Agrecovery figures, the container recycling program has seen a 49% increase in the volume of plastic collected between July 2010 to June 2011, as compared to the same period in the previous year.  This reflects a record 121,150 kg of container plastic sent for processing in New Zealand.
 
Sharon Fitzgerald said GROLogic had been watching the success of the Agrecovery program, in particular, the expansion of the collection network.

“We’re pleased to see the large number of collection sites giving excellent access to recycling for our customers, right across the country.  It’s critical given the growing importance of quality assurance programs,” she said.

Agrecovery’s online Smart Member Services allows growers and farmers to download auditable reports of their recycling activity or to request these via the freephone number.  Agrecovery is certified to ISO 14001 Environmental Standard and accredited as a product stewardship program by the Minister for the Environment under the Waste Minimisation Act.  This means reports carry real weight and can also simplify the audit process for both the grower and the auditor.

Agrecovery also provides recycling and recovery programs for large drums, silage wrap and crop protection net, as well as a safe disposal program for unwanted or expired agrichemicals.

For more information visit the website or phone 0800 247 326.