The Packaging Forum's Love NZ soft plastic programme was officially launched by Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult at Countdown supermarket in Frankton on Friday.
``I think it's good that Queenstown is at the forefront of a challenging recycling programme. I'd like to say to the Queenstown district please play your part in this for the benefit of our environment,'' Mr Boult said.
In honour of the new programme, a seat made from the equivalent of 16,250 plastic bags was donated to Queenstown by The Packaging Forum.
Bins are now placed outside Countdown, Fresh Choice, New World, Pak'n Save and Four Square in Arrowtown, where shoppers can recycle soft plastic such as plastic bags, bread bags and frozen vegetable wrappers.
Smart Environmental then collects the plastic and takes it to Christchurch. It is then shipped to Melbourne company Replas, which turns it into bollards, traffic speed bumps, decking and furniture.
Kathmandu and LuluLemon in Queenstown have also committed to the programme.
``We are delighted to bring soft plastic recycling to Queenstown Lakes,'' Packaging Forum project manager Lyn Mayes said.
