Viscount New Zealand says its reusable crate system has eliminated the equivalent of more than 200 million single-use cardboard boxes across the country’s produce supply chain.
The company operates a national pool of 1.5 million reusable plastic produce crates that circulate between growers, packhouses, transport operators and supermarkets.
Each crate is designed to be reused around 140 times during its lifespan, replacing the equivalent number of disposable cardboard cartons.
Viscount New Zealand general manager Regan Hill says the scale of the system highlights the environmental and operational benefits of reusable packaging.
“Reusable packaging is one of the most effective ways the produce industry can reduce waste before it’s created,” Hill says.
“When you look at the scale of New Zealand’s produce supply chain, small operational improvements quickly add up to significant environmental outcomes.”
The company says crates are returned after use, then washed, sanitised and recirculated through the supply chain rather than discarded after a single trip.
Viscount says the system also improves logistics efficiency and product handling across food distribution networks.
Hill says the reuse model is expanding beyond fresh produce into sectors such as eggs and poultry.
“While fresh produce has led the way, the same principles apply across sectors like eggs and poultry, where product protection, hygiene and consistency are critical,” he says.
“Reusable systems help improve handling efficiency, reduce damage and create a more controlled, reliable supply chain.”
The company says its reusable packaging systems are designed to improve airflow, temperature management and return logistics while reducing packaging waste.
Hill says the model demonstrates how circular packaging systems can operate at commercial scale.
“Reuse only works when growers, producers, logistics providers and retailers work together,” he says.
“What we’re seeing now is a proven model that can be extended beyond produce into other parts of the food system.”
Viscount says growing pressure to reduce packaging waste, emissions and supply chain costs is expected to further accelerate adoption of reusable systems across the food and retail sectors.
