More Nelson food businesses are being asked the same question by their customers: is this packaging actually sustainable? Between plastic bans, kerbside recycling rules and diners who care where their coffee cup ends up, "eco" packaging has gone from nice-to-have to expected. This guide explains what sustainable food packaging really means, what to look for, and which options we stock for Nelson vendors.
Everything here draws on the Detpak range we carry at NZ Packaging. We're Nelson-based and ship nationwide, so you can switch to more sustainable lines without changing supplier.
Recyclable vs compostable: what the words mean
The two terms get used interchangeably, but they describe different end-of-life paths, and mixing them up is where most "greenwashing" confusion comes from.
- Recyclable means the product can be recycled through kerbside recycling once food residue has been removed. Clean it off, put it in the right bin, and the material gets reprocessed.
- Compostable means the product is made from organic materials that break down naturally in optimal conditions, leaving no toxic residue. Some products are certified for commercial (industrial) composting, and some for home composting as well.
Neither is automatically "better" — the right choice depends on what waste streams your customers and your region can actually access.
Detpak's sustainability commitments
Detpak is a leader in environmentally preferable foodservice packaging, offering products made from renewable materials that meet stringent global standards for compostability or recyclability. Their commitments give you a useful benchmark when you're comparing suppliers:
- Design for recovery: Detpak aims to design more than 95% of its stock range to be reusable, recyclable or compostable.
- Responsible fibre: they prioritise recycled content and FSC™ or PEFC certified paper and board where possible, with a commitment to source more than 95% of fibre from certified or recycled content by 2030.
- PFAS-free: a commitment to ensure 100% of products are free from intentionally added PFAS.
- No deforestation: a target of no deforestation or forest degradation across the supply chain by 2030, alongside year-on-year reductions in water use.
Compostable sugarcane packaging
Detpak's Vanguard® range, made with Eco-Products, is a sugarcane-based line with no added PFAS. It's certified to Australian Standard AS 4736 for commercial compostability and AS 5810 for home compostability, and it's designed as a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics and EPS foam.
The sugarcane range covers clamshells and containers, square containers (some with a PLA lid for strength and presentation), supermarket trays that are grease and cut resistant, and portion cups and plates made from rapidly renewable sugarcane fibre. For compostable containers and tableware, browse our Food Packaging, Containers & Trays and Plates, Bowls & Cutlery collections.
Recyclable paper and board
Paper and board packaging is recyclable through kerbside collection once food residue is removed, which makes it a strong everyday choice for cups, bags and cartons. Detpak has also developed recycling-focused innovations such as its RecycleMe™ lining, engineered so the lining separates from the paper or board through existing repulping methods — making up to 96% of the paper cup available for recycling.
For recyclable paper formats, browse our Paper Bags, Greaseproof Paper Bags and Beverage Cups.
Renewable wraps
Detpak's Renewable Wrap is made from natural, renewable sources like sunflower seeds and canola. It's certified commercially compostable to Australian Standard AS 4736 and European EN 13432, and home compostable to AS 5810. It's suited to cold sandwiches, baguettes and baked goods, with lighter-weight options offering a light moisture barrier and breathability. Browse our Food Wraps.
Recyclable or compostable: a quick comparison
| Option | Made from | End of life | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recyclable paper & board | FSC/PEFC certified or recycled fibre | Kerbside recycling (food residue removed) | Cups, bags, cartons |
| Compostable sugarcane | Renewable sugarcane fibre, no added PFAS | Commercial (AS 4736) & home (AS 5810) compostable | Containers, trays, clamshells, plates |
| Renewable wraps | Sunflower seed & canola sources | Commercial (AS 4736 / EN 13432) & home (AS 5810) compostable | Cold sandwiches, baguettes, baked goods |
Which should you choose?
If your customers rely on kerbside recycling, recyclable paper and board is the simplest win. If you can point diners to a commercial compost stream — or want packaging that breaks down at home — certified compostable sugarcane and renewable wraps go further. Many Nelson vendors run a mix: recyclable cups and bags for everyday service, compostable containers for dine-in and events.
Want help matching sustainable lines to your menu and local waste streams? Browse the full Food Service range, or email sales@nzpackaging.nz with your products and volumes and we'll put together options. Trade accounts get tiered pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between recyclable and compostable packaging?
Recyclable packaging can go through kerbside recycling once food residue is removed. Compostable packaging is made from organic materials that break down naturally in optimal conditions with no toxic residue — some certified for commercial composting, some for home composting too.
Is sugarcane packaging really PFAS-free?
Detpak's Vanguard® sugarcane range is made with no added PFAS and is certified to AS 4736 (commercial compostability) and AS 5810 (home compostability).
Are paper cups recyclable?
Paper and board is recyclable through kerbside collection once food residue is removed. Detpak's RecycleMe™ lining was engineered so up to 96% of the paper cup can be recovered through standard repulping. Check what your local kerbside stream accepts.
Do you stock sustainable packaging in Nelson?
Yes. We're a Nelson-based supplier carrying Detpak's recyclable and compostable foodservice range, and we ship nationwide. Email sales@nzpackaging.nz for tailored options and trade pricing.
Certifications and recyclability depend on the specific product and on the waste facilities available in your area. Always check the packaging spec and your local kerbside or commercial compost guidelines to confirm the correct disposal route.
