What Happens Now?

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The Government’s approval of a regulated national rural recycling scheme marks a defining moment for New Zealand’s primary sector.

For years, agri-plastic recycling has relied on voluntary participation, industry leadership and farmer commitment. Now, regulation formalises what many in the sector have already been doing — taking responsibility for the plastics used on farm and ensuring they are managed properly at end of life.

So, what happens now?

A Mandated Scheme — What It Means

The new regulations bring existing programmes together under one nationwide framework. It ensures all producers contribute fairly to the cost of collecting and processing agrichemical containers and farm plastics.

This removes the imbalance of “free riders” — where some products entered the market without contributing to recovery costs — and creates a more equitable, transparent system.

For farmers, the message is simple:

The system becomes stronger, more consistent and more accountable.

Access to recycling remains straightforward. The infrastructure, processes and collection networks farmers are familiar with continue — but under a regulated structure designed to improve performance across the board.

What It Means for Farmers

For most farmers, not much changes operationally — but a lot improves structurally.

New Zealand farmers have long demonstrated a commitment to responsible land stewardship. Participation in recycling programmes has reflected that. Regulation now supports those efforts with stronger backing and industry-wide accountability.

It also means controlling contamination becomes even more critical. When a scheme is regulated, performance matters — and clean plastic streams are essential to ensuring material can be recycled effectively and economically.

Plasback’s Role Under Regulation

Plasback’s role evolves — but its purpose remains the same.

For over 20 years, Plasback has built systems, education programmes and recycling pathways for agricultural plastics. That groundwork now becomes part of a nationally mandated structure.

Under the new framework, Plasback continues to:

The difference is that regulation strengthens the system around that work — improving fairness, performance and long-term sustainability.

This is not a reset.
It is a step forward.

Supporting Those Who Support the Scheme

Progress like this does not happen without industry backing.

Companies such as Donaghys Crop Baling, Agpac, Webbline and ProAg have demonstrated leadership by supporting responsible recycling initiatives. Their commitment helps ensure the plastics entering New Zealand farms are backed by a pathway for recovery.

As the sector moves into this next phase, responsible purchasing decisions matter.

When farmers choose to support organisations that actively back recycling schemes, they help strengthen the entire system — from product supply through to end-of-life recovery.

It becomes a closed loop, not just a transaction.

The Road Ahead

The move to a mandated scheme signals maturity in New Zealand’s approach to agri-plastic management.

It recognises:

And it creates a more durable foundation for rural recycling in the years ahead.

Plasback remains committed to educating, supporting and working alongside farmers and industry partners to ensure agri-plastic recycling continues to improve — cleaner streams, stronger systems and better outcomes for New Zealand’s land and environment.

The framework is now in place.

What happens next depends on all of us.