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Sustainability
Since 1955 Purex has been an integral part of NZ and continues to live by the strong values it was built upon – delivering a soft, strong, yet sustainable product locally made in Kawerau. All this whilst minimising the impact upon the natural environment we love.
Soft Plastics Recycling Video
Purex toilet paper outer packaging is made using 30% recycled plastic. Our packaging can be recycled again through the Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme in NZ. Did you know that over 82% of New Zealanders now have access to a soft plastic recycling bin within 20km of home or work? Drop your soft plastics off at a location near you;
Lifecycle
Pulp
A mixture of local and imported pulp made from softwood (NZ pine) and hardwood (Eucalyptus) trees is mixed with water to create a large mixture of pulp.
The pulp mixture is then spread across a long continuous fabric. It passes through a number of stages to extract water and dry the tissue.
Steam
Local clean steam is collected from a geothermal bore and travels along pipes to the factory. This eliminates the need for gas fired boilers. The geothermal bore is owned and operated by local Maori Iwi.
Paper
The large tissue paper rolls, called ‘mother reels’, are made locally in Kawerau, Bay of Plenty. Purex mother reels can weigh up to three tonnes each, similar to the weight of three cars.
Up to 59% of the energy we use at Kawerau to make Purex is renewable, such as hydroelectricity and local, naturally occurring geothermal steam, bringing the renewable energy over the entire life cycle of Purex to 73%.
We are the only tissue paper manufacturer in NZ and that’s a big part of what makes Purex so special.
Finished Products
Tissue paper from the mother reels are layered together, embossed, printed and wound onto recycled cardboard cores to create Purex toilet roll “logs”. The “logs“ are cut into toilet roll lengths for standard white and mega-long rolls.
All products are wrapped using recyclable materials under the FSC® and Eco Choice Aotearoa certifications.
We encourage you to recycle the cardboard core and soft plastic.
Transport
Purex finished product is transported to our customers around NZ for consumers to purchase.
Use
Purex has been loved by NZ households for over 65 years, we think you know what happens next……………
Disposal
Purex toilet tissue is dispersible; strong in use but breaks down easily in water.