Uber Eats is supporting restaurants across New Zealand to shift towards more sustainable packaging, unveiling a practical, science-backed Green Packaging framework to help partners make informed decisions.
To accelerate this transition, Uber Eats has committed up to NZD 10 million over the next two years in funding to help restaurants in New Zealand and Australia switch to more sustainable packaging through programs and subsidies.
Adapted in partnership with circular economy researchers at the University of Auckland’s CIRCUIT Research Centre and tailored to New Zealand’s waste and recycling systems, the framework provides practical guidance on which packaging materials can be recycled, composted or reused, helping restaurants navigate alternative packaging options.
This came at a time of changing consumer expectations. Many hospitality operators have been eager to adopt more sustainable practices but may face confusion and limited access to expert advice. The new resource has intended to provide a practical framework for merchants in the context of the packaging landscape in New Zealand.
“While many of our restaurant partners want to do their part in the sustainability area, many are unsure where to start - especially given how much New Zealand’s waste systems have changed. This framework offers clarity. It gives restaurants the confidence to make informed, practical choices that work within New Zealand’s infrastructure,” said General Manager of Uber Eats New Zealand, Andy Bowie.
“We also appreciate that to make the shift, for most this will come at a cost. We’ve committed up to NZD 10 million over the next two years to help restaurants on both sides of the Tasman access and adopt more sustainable packaging through funding, incentives and education. We want to make this transition as achievable as possible, particularly for small businesses nationwide.”
The framework covers many items from single-use containers to takeaway cups and bags, and promotes a shift away from hard-to-recycle materials.
To ensure the guidance is both practical and relevant for the New Zealand system, Professor Saeid Baroutian, Director of the CIRCUIT Research Centre at the University of Auckland, reviewed the framework, which was tailored to align with New Zealand’s waste and recycling infrastructure, including recent changes such as standardised kerbside collections and regulations on single-use plastics.
“We worked closely with Uber Eats to ensure the framework is grounded in the realities of New Zealand’s waste and recycling systems,” said Professor Saeid Baroutian, Executive Director of the CIRCUIT Research Centre at the University of Auckland.
“There’s still progress to be made - particularly when it comes to improving consistency and capability across the system - but this is a strong and practical first step. Too often, packaging is labelled ‘sustainable’ without considering how it’s actually processed here. This framework offers clear, evidence-based guidance that helps businesses make better decisions within the limits of our current infrastructure.”
The Restaurant Association of New Zealand has welcomed the initiative, highlighting the value of clear, evidence-based guidance for small businesses that often don’t have the means to achieve better sustainability outcomes, even if the positive intent exists.
“Restaurant operators are facing growing pressure to adapt, from regulatory change to rising customer expectations, all while juggling the day-to-day realities of running a business,” said Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand.
“What’s encouraging about this framework is that it meets businesses where they are. It offers clarity without being prescriptive and acknowledges the different challenges faced by small and independent operators trying to make more sustainable choices.”
The framework will also serve as the foundation for future sustainability initiatives on the Uber Eats platform, building on features already introduced in other markets.
In the months ahead, Uber Eats will launch an online marketplace where restaurant partners can access sustainable packaging options that meet Uber’s criteria. The marketplace will be supported by incentives to help ease the cost of making the switch.
The platform also explores in-app tools to recognise restaurants using sustainable packaging, helping customers make more informed choices at the point of order.
