Objectives

Our 5-step pathway is supported by Plastics NZ. It provides tailored tools and resources to help manufacturers lower their emissions and unlock business benefits.

Eligibility

All expanded polystyrene manufacturers can access this pathway for free.

Your decarbonisation journey starts here

Welcome to the EPS Plastics Decarbonisation Pathway. Endorsed by Plastics NZ, it provides tailored tools and resources to help EPS manufacturers lower your carbon emissions.

Go to our tools and resources page to start your journey now.

The climate impact of the EPS sector

The New Zealand EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) sector manufactures a variety of products, mostly for packaging and insulation. National production of EPS is about 8,500t each year, with 75% of that used in building and construction, and another 24% for packaging.

Carbon emissions across the sector contribute about 5,940tCO2e each year.

Reliance on gas, diesel and LPG

The total annual energy consumption of the New Zealand EPS industry is roughly estimated to be 29 million kWh. Of that, 72% is for process heat via fuels like natural gas, diesel, and LPG. The high proportion of total energy use for process heat means those fuels contributes 94% of sector emissions.

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This pathway focuses on reducing carbon emissions coming from the manufacturing of EPS. Ultimately that means reducing the use of natural gas, diesel and LPG across the manufacturing process.

By doing this, EPS manufacturers will reduce the impact of the sector on the climate, lower their costs, and ensure business continuity in a future low-emissions environment.

The business good of decarbonisation

Switching away from fossil fuels can have many benefits for business, beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Cost savings – reduce operating costs through energy efficiency and fuel switching.
  • Social license – improve your reputation with socially responsible consumers and investors.
  • Brand value – tap into new markets, spark innovation and create business opportunities.
  • Employee engagement – attract and retain talent.
  • Compliance – stay ahead of regulation for climate change mitigation.

The sooner the switch, the greater the reward

The earlier businesses make changes, the faster potential cost-savings can be unlocked. By switching to low-emissions solutions soon, you can protect your business from potential fossil fuel supply and cost uncertainty. In addition, by acting quickly, your businesses may be able to get ahead of the pack for popular technologies – particularly if there is competition for limited resources.

Get started

Ready to begin? Explore our resources for EPS plastics manufacturers and start your decarbonisation journey.

Wayfinder