Pact Packaging New Zealand has been recognised for Transformative Leadership by being named on the NEXT list in the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards.

The Sustainable Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, shine a light on those who are working to solve environmental and social challenges. The Transformative Leadership category recognises organisations who are imagining a regenerative, circular economy and taking real steps to make it a reality.

Deanne Holdsworth, Executive General Manager for Pact Packaging New Zealand, says “our inclusion on the NEXT List reflects the vision and commitment of our entire team. Our vision, which is to lead New Zealand with sustainable solutions for our customers, teams and partners, is not just words on a page. We believe in creating value for our local circular economy by eliminating packaging waste and creating a future where materials are valued and reused. Our goals are ambitious: by 2030, we aim to produce only recyclable packaging and reach an average of 50% recycled content across our portfolio. Ambitious goals require granularity in planning to ensure that our current sustainability journey continues.

It’s not just what we do – it’s how we do it that gives our journey purpose. We’ve led the way with circular packaging innovations—introducing Australasia’s first PET tray-to-tray recycling system and the first milk bottles made with recycled content. We’ve actively created solutions and replaced hard-to-recycle materials and invested in local manufacturing to keep resources circulating. Our team doesn’t just deliver—we advocate, collaborate, and support stewardship programmes that drive real change across many sectors.

We are both proud & grateful that our efforts to foster kaitiakitanga — guardianship of the environment — are being recognised. We know there is always more to do, and we are committed to this journey – and how we can change and improve.

We are proud to be part of a movement that is not only transforming our industry but also helping to shape a more sustainable future for Aotearoa. Being named on the NEXT List is a proud moment for our team, and we are inspired by the other finalists and by everyone working to build a more sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Learn more about some of our journey here