Green Choice™ Catalogue

Choose plant-based compostableproducts. Keep NZ clean and green:Green Choice™ is the right choice.

Why Green Choice™ Plant-based disposable products are better. You can trust the Green Choice™ brand: Only plant-based materials are used: Our products have earned the Left indoors in an uncontrolled required levels of managed environment, an apple may only forestry, compostability and stay edible for up to a week. It food safety certification. All will start to rot and will eventually pulp used in paper and kraft decay. Left outdoors, the apple manufacture is derived from may not last a couple of days as it well managed forests and will decay and likely be completely complies with FSC standard 40-004. All PLA products eaten by insects and microbes untill nothing is left. comply with EN 13432 (09-2000) standards and AVI/OK If the apple is deposited in a landfill, the apple will 1 testing for “OK COMPOST” confirmation. All products eventually decay into food matter and will not harm passed SGS EU 10/2011 and EN 1186-1/9/14:2002 our ecosystem. This is what happens to Green food safety testing methodology (tolerance to high Choice™ products in a landfill. If the apple was placed temperatures and fatty substances, and absence of in a controlled composting bin, then the apple will heavy metals). All our products are free of petroleum- decay and eventually become compost. This is what based plastics and all inks are food-dyes. happens to Green Choice™ products in a commercial composting facility. We do not use petroleum-based plastics: Plant-based materials are eco-friendly: Some products lined with plastic in NZ are labelled as biodegradable. Our waterways are full of This simply means that the normal petroleum-based plastics rate of degradation will increase that take thousands of years due to bacteria “being encouraged” to break down. Even at their to eat away at the plastic polymers molecular level, plastic particles and make them break down faster. are still ingested by the lowest members of the food This is fine if the polymers are food-based, like PLA, chain. Our landfills are full of petroleum-based plastics because the remaining residue will be food matter. But, as most waste plastics are contaminated with fatty if the polymers are petrochemical-based (usually PE - food waste and recyclers do not recycle them. These Polyethylene) then the residue is still a petro-chemical plastics take thousands of years to break down and can and the biodegradation has actually speeded up the leach petrochemical residues into our underground decay of the unwanted residues and made it easier for waterways. Plant-based products, such as corn-starch these to leach into our soils and waterways. based PLA, are better options as these safely decay as nature intended. Buying Green Choice™ products is easy: The inside of the rear cover of the catalogue profiles our website. A list of resellers within each region can be found on our website, with links to local resellers. Go to www.greenchoicepacific.co.nz for more details. If you need help finding a local reseller please call us on 0800 864 725.i

About UsWe’re providing the right disposable solutions.Green Choice™ is the right choice: We have a strong NZ presence: Our product manufacturers have The Green Choice™ brand is been carefully selected following owned by Uni-Pak, a company extensive product testing and based in Whanganui with evaluation of companies who distribution centres in Auckland comply with relevant international and Christchurch. Operating standards and certifications. as a distributor since 2004, Our products do not contain Uni-Pak has taken responsibility petroleum-based plastics, for promoting the recycling or composting of its food chemical dyes or inks. We only use services product range. The Green Choice™ productplant-based materials in our construction. It is unlikely range is gaining recognition throughout New Zealand,we will ever lose our fast/food and drink convenience as a result of Uni-Pak’s large distribution footprint.preferences, so using the least harmful products onour environment is the smartest choice. The people behind Green Choice™:Our quality products are trusted: Uni-Pak is the sole New Zealand distributor of the Green Quality is assured via regular Choice™ range of products. monitoring and inspections by Uni-Pak provides Green Green Choice management of all Choice™ brand and product production facilities, and all testing guidance and undertakes all and quality control procedures, sales, service and technical support. We employ an to maintain the highest level of experienced sales and technical support team, and quality and consistency. Effective manage efficient stock and dispatch systems from logistics, dispatch methods and warehouses in Auckland, Whanganui and Christchurch. reliable transport agents allensure products will be delivered to warehouses safelyand efficiently. Green Choice consistently monitors allmanufacturing procurement systems and encouragessocially and environmentally responsible policies andfair trade practices. Our coordinated design is evident in our product range, this provides an opportunity to create a coordinated identity for food service presentation. Combine our branded products with matching apparel (we will supply our logos for you to overprint your t-shirts) and get a great fresh brand image for your operations. ii

Our ProductTshaereDpifeferfreecntcefosrEsxppelaciifniecdindustriesWhat are recyclable, biodegradable and compostablepackaging products?Just about all takeaway products are recyclable, more dangerous) sooner than later. Petroleum-however only some products are biodegradable based plastics should be recycled and notand compostable. designed to biodegrade.Recyclable means the packaging could be recycled Compostable means that the material is made ofif the material is clean and not contaminated organic matter, it will naturally biodegrade, and,with greases and oils, and the local council/waste in the right conditions, it can be converted intomanagement contractor has processes in place compost. The length of time it takes for an organicto actually recycle the material. We recycle very material to break down depends on the conditionsfew plastics in NZ and it is now becoming more in place (temperature, moisture, air, pressure) anddifficult to sell our recovered plastics overseas, the material. This is all very difficult to accuratelywith importers now placing huge reductions on ascertain as the conditions vary so much. All plant-the amount of plastics allowed in their processing based products are biodegradable and breaklines. down can take a few weeks to a few months.Biodegradable means that the material will break Green Choice products are biodegradable anddown (degrade) faster by undertaking specific compostable. This is because they are plant-basedbiological processes. “Bio” means that living (kraft cardboard, sugar cane, bamboo and plantorganisms will increase the degradation of a starches) so they naturally break down and canmaterial. Biodegradable materials are not always become compost in the right conditions. Thiscompostable, as some biodegradable plastics are means that the remaining matter is suitable forstill petroleum-based plastics and take hundreds use as compost (fertiliser) and safe to become partof years to degrade. Making petroleum-based of the soil system.plastics biodegradable does not make them agreen option, it simply speeds up the decay andthe plastic molecules just become smaller (and Choosing the right Green Choice™ products is easy: We can help you to select the right compostable Drinkware, Tableware and Containers that are most suitable for your applications. You can always contact us and we will provide further assistance. If you require more information or samples please call us on 0800 864 725.iii

Make a difference with Green Choice™ Products Our Green Choice™ Range is supported by sustainable practices. We provide greener options that do not compromise on reliability, safety or quality. Our plant- based compostable range can help your business be part of the solution in creating a healthier and cleaner New Zealand. Green Choice™ is the right choice. QUICK REFERENCE Tableware 1 Containers 9 Drinkware 21 FAQs 31Tableware - pages 1-8 Containers - pages 9-20 Drinkware - pages 21-30 iv

TABLEWARE Our Bamboo and Sugar Cane plates, and CPLA cutlery, are all perfect for disposal as food-contaminated plates will safely break down in landfills or become compost in commercial composting facilities. Bamboo Fiber Tableware 03 Sugar Cane Tableware 05 White Cutlery CPLA 071

Our range includes CPLA Cutlery and Plates,Bowls and Serving Dishes made from Bambooor Sugar Cane. 2

TABLEWARE Bamboo Fibre Tableware Bamboo Fibre Tableware Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/500 Bamboo Side Plate 171mm 8 125 1,000 1500/501 Bamboo Dinner Plate 225mm 4 125 500 1500/502 Bamboo Dinner Plate 254mm 4 125 500 1500/503 Bamboo 3 Compartment Plate 254mm 4 125 500 1500/504 Bamboo Bowl 16oz 8 125 1,000 1500/505 Bamboo Oval Plate Large 250 x 310mm 4 125 500 Our Green Choice™ bamboo plates and bowls are made from compressed unbleached bamboo pulp. Due to the unbleached process, there can be slight colour variations to this range. These are natural products and will degrade naturally, so are friendly to the environment when discarded. All our bamboo products meet FDA specifications for use in food applications. They are suitable for microwave use and refrigeration and can contain hot liquids and oils. 1500/500 1500/501 1500/502 1500/503 1500/504 1500/5053

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TABLEWARE Sugar Cane Tableware Sugar Cane Tableware Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/100 Sugar Cane Side Plate 180mm 10 50 500 1500/101 Sugar Cane Dinner Plate 230mm 10 50 500 1500/102 Sugar Cane Dinner Plate 260mm 10 50 500 1500/103 Sugar Cane 3 Divisional 260mm 10 50 500 1500/104 Sugar Cane Dessert Bowl 180mm 10 50 500 1500/105 Sugar Cane Oval Plate 300mm 10 50 500 Our Green Choice™ sugar cane plates and bowls are made from sugar cane waste making them friendly to the environment when discarded. The material is oil proof and water resistant and is fit for microwave use and refrigeration. They are made from a non-toxic material which degrades naturally. Manufactured under ISO9001 regulations, these products meet FDA specifications for use in food applications. 1500/100 1500/101 1500/102 1500/103 1500/104 1500/1055

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TABLEWARE Cutlery White Cutlery CPLA Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/450 CPLA Fork White 165mm 20 50 1,000 1500/451 CPLA Knife White 165mm 20 50 1,000 1500/452 CPLA Spoon White 165mm 20 50 1,000 Our white CPLA cutlery is very popular in NZ markets. The forks are well constructed and stylish. They are made of CPLA, a plant-based plastic, and not a petroleum-based plastic. As food contamination is not a problem, used cutlery can be sent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter) or sent to a commercial composting centre (for conversion into compost). 1500/450 1500/451 1500/4527

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CTOANBTLAEIWNAERES GOreuernBCahmobicoeo™ahnadsSaurgaanrgCeaonfecpolnataeisn, earntdypCePsLAfocrumtlearnyy, arpepalicllaptieornfesc. tOfuor rdaisnpgoeshaal sasofpotoiodn-scofonrtasmerivniantgedhoptlaatneds willcsoaldfefloyobdre, wakitdhocwontianinlaenrsdfmillasdoer fbroecmomPLeAc-loinmepdoksrtaifnt cardcobmoamrde,rbciaaml cboomopaonsdtinsuggfarcicliatinees. All inks used are food-based. Bamboo Fibre Containers 11 Sugar Cane Containers 13 Take Away Box Kraft PLA 15 Hamburger Box Kraft PLA 17 Sandwich Box Kraft PLA 17 Chip Scoop Box Kraft PLA 19 Dessert Tubs White PLA 199

Our hot and cold food containers are suppliedwith lids or as open-serve. Sandwich wedgesinclude a clear PLA window and all containersare PLA lined. 10

CONTAINERS Bamboo ContainersBamboo Fibre ContainersItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/601 Bamboo Rectangle Clamshell - 228L x 152W x 76H mm 4 50 2001500/602 Bamboo Large Square Clamshell 228mm 2 100 2001500/603 Bamboo Square Hamburger Box 152mm 4 125 500Our Green Choice bamboo containers are made from compressed unbleached bamboo pulp.Due to the unbleached process, there can be slight colour variations to this range.These are natural products and will degrade naturally, so are friendly to the environmentwhen discarded. All our bamboo products meet FDA specifications for use in foodapplications. They are suitable for microwave use and refrigeration and can contain hotliquids and oils. 1500/601 1500/602 1500/60311

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CONTAINERS Sugar Cane ContainersSugar Cane ContainersItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/201 Sugar Cane Regular Rectangle Food Pack - 183L x 135W x 64H mm 10 50 5001500/202 Sugar Cane Large Square Food Pack - 230L x 230W x 78H mm 4 50 2001500/203 Sugar Cane Regular Burger Pack - 155L x 148W x 80H mm 12 50 600Our Green Choice™ sugar cane containers are made from sugar cane waste making themfriendly to the environment when discarded. The material is oil proof and water resistant andis fit for microwave use and refrigeration. They are made from a non-toxic material whichdegrades naturally. Manufactured under ISO9001 regulations, these products meet FDAspecifications for use in food applications. 1500/201 1500/202 1500/20313

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CONTAINERS PLA Kraft ContainersAll our food containers have earned the required levels of managed forestry, food safety and compostabilitycertification. Our products do not contain petroleum-based plastics, chemical dyes or inks. We only use plant-based paper, plastic and inks in our materials.Take Away Box Kraft PLAItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/251 Take Away Box Kraft PLA - Small - 170W x 45H x 120D mm 4 50 2001500/252 Take Away Box Kraft PLA - Medium - 205W x 50H x 140D mm 4 50 2001500/253 Take Away Box Kraft PLA - Large - 225W x 65H x 165D mm 4 50 200Our range of cardboard snack boxes are very popular in NZ markets. They are pre-constructed and are easy to close and seal. They are made of card and lined with PLA, aplant-based plastic, and not a petroleum-based plastic. As food contamination is not aproblem, the waste container can be sent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plantmatter) or sent to a commercial composting centre (for conversion into compost). 1500/252 1500/253 1500/25115

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CONTAINERS PLA Kraft ContainersHamburger Box Kraft PLAItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/301 Hamburger Box Kraft PLA - Small - 110W x 65H x 130D mm 5 100 5001500/302 Hamburger Box Kraft PLA - Large - 140W x 70H x 160D mm 5 100 500Our hamburger boxes are very popular in NZ markets. They are pre-constructed and areeasy to close and seal. They are made of card and lined with PLA, a plant-based plastic, andnot a petroleum-based plastic. As food contamination is not a problem, the waste containercan be sent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter) or sent to a commercialcomposting centre (for conversion into compost). 1500/301 1500/302Sandwich Box Kraft PLAItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/401 Sandwich Box Kraft PLA - Medium - 80W x 125H x 125D mm 20 25 500Our sandwich boxes are flat-packed and very quick and easy to construct. They are made ofcard and lined with PLA, a plant-based plastic, and not a petroleum-based plastic. The clearwindow is also PLA. As food contamination is not a problem, the waste container can be sentto a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter) or sent to a commercial compostingcentre (for conversion into compost). 1500/40117

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CONTAINERS PLA Kraft Containers Chip Scoop Box Kraft PLA Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/650 Chip Scoop Box Kraft PLA - 100W x 110H x 55D mm 10 100 1,000 Our chip scoop boxes are flat-packed and very quick and easy to construct. They are made of card and lined with PLA, a plant-based plastic, and not a petroleum-based plastic. As food contamination is not a problem, the waste container can be sent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter) or sent to a commercial composting centre (for conversion into compost). 1500/650 Dessert Tub White PLA Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/311 Dessert Tub White PLA - 8oz - 50H x 95DIA 240ml 20 50 1,000 1500/312 Dessert Tub White PLA - 12oz - 60H x 100DIA 290ml 20 50 1,000 Our range of cardboard tubs are very popular in NZ markets. They are made of card and lined with PLA, a plant-based plastic, and not a petroleum-based plastic. As food contamination is not a problem, the waste container can be sent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter) or sent to a commercial composting centre (for conversion into compost). Currently, no lids are supplied. 1500/311 1500/31219

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DRINKWARDE OPuLrAB-lainmebdokoraafnt dsinSuglgeawr Calal,ndeopulbalteesw, alnl danCdPLriAppculetlwerayll, ahroetaclluppesraferectafvoarildaibspleoisnaltharsefeoosidze-cso, nwthamileinuatitleisdinpglaotnees wilclosmafemlyonbrCePaLkAdloidwsnizine.lCanledafrillPsLoArcbuepcsoamre acovamilpaobslet in three sizes, with oneccoommmmeornciafllactoomr dpomstienglidfascizileit.ieAsl.l inks used are food-based. Single Wall Cups PLA 23 Double Wall Cups PLA 23 Ripple Wall Cups PLA 25 Drinking Cup Lids CPLA 25 Single Wall Cup Sleeves 25 Clear Cold Serve Cups PLA 27 C lear Cold Serve Cup Lids PLA 27 Sugar Cane Cups 2921

Our Green Choice™ compostable cup rangeincludes hot serve cups, made from Kraft andlined with PLA, and cold serve cups, madefrom clear PLA or Sugar Cane. 22

DRINKWARE Paper and Card Cups All our hot cups have earned the required levels of managed forestry, food safety and compostability certification. Our products do not contain petroleum-based plastics, chemical dyes or inks. We only use plant- based paper, plastic and inks in our materials. Single Wall Cups PLA Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/331 8oz Kraft - 85H x 90DIA mm 20 50 1,000 1500/332 12oz Kraft - 110H x 90DIA mm 20 50 1,000 1500/333 16oz Kraft - 135H x 90DIA mm 20 50 1,000 Our single wall hot cups are a good economy option. An insulation sleeve is available to improve insulation properties. They are very popular in NZ markets. They are made of card and lined with PLA, a plant-based plastic, not a petroleum-based plastic. As food contamination is not a problem, the waste container can be sent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter) or sent to a commercial composting centre (for conversion into compost). 1500/331 1500/332 1500/333 1500/343 Double Wall Cups PLA Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/341 8oz Kraft - 85H x 90DIA mm 20 25 500 1500/342 12oz Kraft - 110H x 90DIA mm 20 25 500 1500/343 16oz Kraft - 135H x 90DIA mm 20 25 500 Our double wall hot cups provide great insulation properties and do not require a sleeve. They are very popular in NZ markets. They are made of two layers of card and lined with PLA, a plant-based plastic, not a petroleum-based plastic. As food contamination is not a problem, the waste container can be sent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter) or sent to a commercial composting centre (for conversion into compost). 1500/341 1500/342 See page 25 for lids.23

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DRINKWARE Paper and Card CupsAll our hot cups have earned the required levels of managed forestry, food safety and compostabilitycertification. Our products do not contain petroleum-based plastics, chemical dyes or inks. We only use plant-based paper, plastic and inks in our materials.Ripple Wall Cups PLAItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/351 8oz Kraft - 85H x 90DIA mm 20 25 5001500/352 12oz Kraft - 110H x 90DIA mm 20 25 5001500/353 16oz Kraft - 135H x 90DIA mm 20 25 500Our ripple wall hot cups provide optimum insulation propertiesand extra grip. They are very popular in NZ markets. Theyare made from two layers of card and lined with PLA, a plant-based plastic, and not a petroleum-based plastic. As foodcontamination is not a problem, the waste container can besent to a landfill (to eventually break down into plant matter)or sent to a commercial composting centre (for conversion intocompost). 1500/351 1500/352 1500/353 1500/371Drinking Cup Lids CPLAItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/371 8oz/12oz/16oz White 20 50 1,000Our one-size-fits-all lid is designed to snap cleanly onto all hot cups for a snug fit andeliminate leakage. Our breather holes ensure quick and clear flow of liquids when drinkingthrough the small spout. Made from Crystalised PLA, these lids are compostable or can besafely deposited in a landfill to naturally break down.Single Wall Cup SleevesItem Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty1500/361 Sleeve for 8/12oz 10 100 1,000 10 100 1,0001500/362 Sleeve for 16ozThese cardboard sleeves are designed for use with our Single Wall Cups 1500/361should users require extra safety when handling hot drinks. 1500/36225

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DRINKWARE PLA Clear Cups PLA Clear Cups are for cold-serve use and available in various sizes and lid styles. PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bioplastic that provides clear visibility and strength, perfect for serving brightly coloured smoothies, slushies, iced-coffees and milkshakes. PLA is globally recognized as a safe, non-toxic, strong, lightweight, flexible material that is 100% compostable in a commercial facility. If sent to a landfill it will decay as food matter and not leach petroleum-based plastics in to our ecosystem. Clear Cold Serve Cups PLA Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/322 PLA 12oz Clear Cup - 110H x 95DIA mm 20 50 1,000 1500/323 PLA 16oz Clear Cup - 120H x 95DIA mm 20 50 1,000 1500/324 PLA 20oz Clear Cup - 150H x 95DIA mm 20 50 1,000 Made with clear PLA, these cups look and feel like a combination of PET and PP materials, but they are compostable. This means they feel strong, while providing clear visual product representation, and they do not contain petroleum-based plastic. The wall and base mold design creates excellent grip, side wall strength and base stability. 1500/322 1500/323 1500/324 Clear Cold Serve Cup Lids PLA Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/325 PLA Dome Lid to suit 12oz, 16oz & 20oz 20 50 1,000 1500/326 PLA Flat Lid to suit 12oz, 16oz & 20oz 20 50 1,000 1500/325 1500/32627

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DRINKWARE Sugar Cane Cups Sugar Cane is a natural fibre, which means these cups can degrade naturally and safely (and compost in the correct conditions). A non-toxic food grade chemical is added to improve water resistance. Sugar Cane Cups Item Code Description Inners Qty per Inner Full Ctn Qty 1500/106 Sugar Cane 260ml Cup 20 50 1,000 Our Sugar Cane Cup is friendly to the environment when discarded. This tableware is made from a natural plant fibre that comes from sugar cane. A food grade chemical is added, the product is oil proof and water resistant, and is fit for microwave use and refrigeration. They are made from a non-toxic material which degrades naturally. Manufactured under ISO9001 regulations, these products meet FDA specifications for use in food applications. Lids are not supplied. 1500/10629

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FAQs Check for answers to any common questions. Why are compostable materials also How is PLA (Polylactic Acid) made and classed as biodegradable? why is it known as a bioplastic? Compostable products are made of organic PLA is an abbreviation of Polylactic Acid. It is matter, so they contain natural molecules that different than most thermoplastic polymers will naturally biodegrade. This is because bacterial in that it is derived from renewable plant-based microbes are attracted to natural molecules as a food resources like corn starch or sugar cane. CPLA is source. When they do consume these molecules, Crystalised PLA, and has simply been made to be more the residue is still natural matter and therefore less rigid so that PLA can be used for more purposes (like damaging to our environment. A compostable material a coffee cup lid). PLA products can be produced from is naturally biodegradable and the residue does not existing manufacturing equipment (those designed harm the ecosystem (plant matter returning to the soils and originally used for petrochemical industry plastics). as plant matter). PLA (Polylactic Acid) is made from This makes it relatively cost-efficient to produce. corn starch or sugar cane (biomass products), and Accordingly, PLA has the second largest production these natural molecules will biodegrade. volume of any bioplastic (the most common typically cited as thermoplastic starch). Plastics that are Is degradation different to derived from organic matter (e.g. PLA) are known as biodegradation? “bioplastics.” Yes. Everything degrades (or decomposes) Are Green Choice™ products food safe? over time, but some things take longer than others. This depends on the base material Yes, our products can be trusted, they have and the conditions in which the thing is decaying in earned the required levels of food safety (temperature, humidity, air and time). If something is certification. All products have passed SGS EU a natural product it breaks down naturally (mother 10/2011 and EN 1186-1/9/14:2002 food safety testing nature at work), whereas a man-made product can take methodology (tolerance to high temperatures and forever to decompose (think about concrete when you fatty substances, and absence of heavy metals). It has think about petroleum-based plastics). Biodegradation been approved for use in manufacture of disposable means that the molecules (that form the material) products as the temperatures of any hot drinks or are created and bound in such a way that natural food have to be safe for humans, in order to avoid “living” micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi and algae) will scalding. We would not recommend using any PLA- consume and break down the molecules. There are lined Green Choice products in a microwave as the chemical and physical degradation processes taking high temperatures may separate the PLA lining. All our place, both accelerated due to the involvement of living products are free of petroleum-based plastics and all organisms (hence the term biodegradation). inks are food-dyes. Get more FAQs by visiting our Green Choice™ website:31

FAQsDo Green Choice™ products break down Do compostables create methane if sentand become compost? to a landfill? This depends on the composting environment. This depends on the landfill conditions. All Green Choice products containing PLA Effective landfill management requires thecomply with EN 13432 (09-2000) standards and AVI/ waste to be stored as solids or else the landfill willOK 1 testing for \"OK COMPOST\" confirmation. So if collapse, so the correct sealing of landfills is key to this.the Local Council Authority manages the collection Keeping moisture, air and microbes out of a landfill isof organic waste and deposits it in an approved a challenge. If air is present, and the temperatures andCommercial Composting Facility, then yes they will moisture levels are right, natural waste in a landfill isbe converted into compost. Compostable products likely to be consumed by microbes, and this includesare made of organic matter, so they contain natural PLA. As part of this natural consumption process,molecules that will naturally biodegrade. This is methane will be produced and this will increase if morebecause bacterial microbes are attracted to natural air is added. This is normal, it is the decompositionmolecules as a food source. When they do consume process at work. Scientific tests have concluded thatthese molecules, the residue is still natural matter extremely low levels of methane are generated duringand therefore less damaging to our environment. A the digestion of PLA molecules. Methane releasedcompostable material is naturally biodegradable and to the atmosphere adds to the natural generation ofthe residue does not harm the ecosystem (plant matter methane, as we need methane in our atmospherereturning to the soils as plant matter). PLA (Polylactic to form clouds and produce water. However, anAcid) is made from corn starch or sugar cane (biomass excess of methane is not good as this raises globalproducts), and these natural molecules will biodegrade. temperatures.Can Green Choice™ products be placed Why do PLA products have recyclingin home composting systems? symbols ‘7’ and ‘00’? Yes, but we do not recommend this. Our In NZ we class all “other” plastics as class 7. products are not designed to compost in This class includes a number of petroleum-home systems. While they will not create any toxicity based plastics that are not considered mainstream,problems, it is unlikely that a home system will and they are bundled into this one recycling class. Thegenerate enough heat and air movement to break problem with placing PLA in this mix is that PLA is notthe products down into compost. Thinner and softer petroleum-based and recyclers do not want it bundled.products, like coffee cups and card containers will Yet PLA is still seen as an “other” plastic so it is classedbreak down faster than denser and stiffer products, as 7. Using 00 is essentially stating that PLA is notsuch as cutlery, clear cups and coffee cup lids. petroleum-based so a separate class should be used. In some parts of the world, PLA is used for making many different products that will not be contaminated with food waste (3D printers for example use PLA). In these instances, PLA can be, and sometimes is, recycled and not turned into compost. 32

Our Products are perfeIcntdfeoxr specific industries Bamboo Fibre Containers ........................................................................................................................ 11 Bamboo Fibre Tableware ........................................................................................................................ 03 Chip Scoop Box Kraft PLA ........................................................................................................................ 19 Clear Cold Serve Cup Lids PLA ................................................................................................................ 27 Clear Cold Serve Cups PLA ...................................................................................................................... 27 Dessert Tub White PLA ................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Double Wall Cups PLA .............................................................................................................................. 23 Hamburger Box Kraft PLA ....................................................................................................................... 17 Ripple Wall Cups PLA ................................................................................................................................ 25 Sandwich Box Kraft PLA ........................................................................................................................... 17 Single Wall Cup Sleeves ........................................................................................................................... 25 Single Wall Cups PLA ................................................................................................................................ 23 Sugar Cane Containers ............................................................................................................................ 13 Sugar Cane Cups........................................................................................................................................ 29 Sugar Cane Tableware ............................................................................................................................. 05 Take Away Box Kraft PLA ......................................................................................................................... 15 Drinking Cup Lids CPLA ............................................................................................................................ 25 White Cutlery CPLA ................................................................................................................................... 0733

Buying Green Choice™ Products is EasyVisit www.greenchoicepacific.co.nz to find how we can help you further and where you can buyproducts from your local distributor.Our local councils can help you seek composting services in Our Help Desk provides useful information and is designedyour area. to answer your questions. You can also download an electronic pdf version of this brochure on the downloads section of our Help Desk. Check the rear of this brochure to see if your local reseller has added contact details. If you need help finding a local reseller please call us on 0800 864 725. 34

YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR: