Peak industry body, HortNZ says it has had clarification from the Ministry for the Environment that no decisions on the future of plastic fruit stickers have been made by the Government yet.
It follows yesterday's reports stating that plastic fruit stickers will be banned by the Government as part of a further clamp down on single use plastics after the release of the "Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand" report.
By early 2020, the Government has asked the Ministry for the Environment (MFE) to pull together a list of single use plastic, including fruit stickers that the Government could consider banning.
Once the Government has made a decision about what is on this list, the Ministry for the Environment told HortNZ it plans to consult with industry and other stakeholders around what is achievable for phasing out PVC, polystyrene packaging and single-use plastic items, including fruit stickers.
These would, in turn, be subject to consultation before any decisions would be taken by Government.
The aim is to have a final proposal in early 2020 that outlines targets for shifting away from PVC and Polystyrene and other items, including the scope and timeframe.
For more information: www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-pledges-next-steps-plastic-waste
To view the full Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa
New Zealand report: click here.