Supermarkets and food retailers in New Zealand are increasing the use of reusable packaging systems to reduce waste across supply chains.

Viscount New Zealand said its reusable plastic crate network has replaced the equivalent of more than 200 million single-use cardboard boxes in the produce sector.

Viscount operates a national pool of about 1.5 million reusable crates that circulate between growers, packhouses, logistics operators and supermarkets. Each crate is designed to be reused about 140 times over its lifespan.

After goods are delivered to distribution centres or retailers, the crates are collected, cleaned, sanitised and returned to circulation. The company said the system reduces packaging waste and supports handling and transport processes in food supply chains.

Regan Hill, GM of Viscount New Zealand, said the scale of reuse across the sector shows circular packaging systems can deliver environmental and operational outcomes.

“Reusable packaging is one of the most effective ways the produce industry can reduce waste before it’s created,” Hill said. “When applied at scale across food supply chains, small operational improvements can quickly add up to significant environmental outcomes.”

Hill said reuse systems also help reduce product damage across food supply chains.

Viscount’s crates are designed for food-handling environments and include features supporting airflow, temperature management and return logistics. The company said the model could expand into other parts of the food system through coordination between producers, logistics operators and retailers.

New Zealand food supply chains face pressure to reduce packaging waste and costs. Reuse systems are expected to play a larger role in supply chain operations.

• Further reading: Ecostore turns half a tonne of ocean waste into reusable bottles.