About our packaging

We want to be part of the solution; not the problem. 

There’s no point hiding the fact that plastic packaging is a big issue in pet food. As a waste-conscious business, we accept it’s our responsibility to remove as much plastic as possible from our products before they travel to you. 

To do our part, we’ve set an ambitious goal to package Topflite products (all 273 of them) in recyclable or compostable materials by 2025. And we’re on track to achieve it. Here are some of the highlights so far:

  • Most Wild Bird products are now packaged in either paper sacks or sugarcane trays and compostable film
  • We’re trialing cardboard sleeves instead of plastic shrink wrap on Bug and Berry Coconuts
  • We’ve swapped the plastic for paper on our 20kg sacks of Chicken feed 
  • All Topflite Hound packaging is plastic free, and either recyclable or home compostable
  • New products are always packaged in compostable or fully recyclable packaging. Plastic destined for landfill is no longer an option for us when we develop a new product.

In all honesty, it hasn’t been easy. While there are many innovative plastic-free options for packaging pet food now, they generally require balancing a number of factors, like the potential for product damage, shelf life and keeping our goods tidy in transit. It’s an ongoing challenge – and one Topflite will rise to!

So how do I dispose of Topflite packaging?

We have a range of packaging materials currently in use (working on it!) so here’s a general guide.

Cardboard and paper

Our cardboard packaging and trays can be recycled or composted, as can our large paper sacks.  

Hard plastics

We only use plastic of the recyclable kind (# 1, 2 and 5) which can be recycled in almost all parts of New Zealand. This includes the tubs our Wild Bird Truffles come in and the green hooks on our Wild Bird Seed Bells. 

Soft plastics

Soft plastics, such as our woven PP sacks (#5 plastic) of Wild Bird Seed, Scratch & Lay and Lucky Duck can go into an official soft plastic recycling collection if you have one available. 

Home compostable film

We use a plant-based film where we can, including to wrap Energy Cakes and Truffles. Check the package to make sure it’s home compostable, then cut into strips and put into your compost system.

Packaging FAQs

Can I fill up my own containers with Topflite products?

If you have a Bin Inn store nearby, then yes, some Topflite products are available in the nude. The selection will depend on the store but may include our Wild Bird Seed Mixes, Lucky Duck or Aviary Seed Mix to name a few.

Can I recycle the plastic tub & lid that the Energy Truffles are packed in?

Indeed you can – most councils will collect the tub in curbside recycling because it is number ‘5’ plastic (polypropylene polymer or PP) which is one of the most easily reused plastics. Dunedinites can also drop them off at the green “Recycle It” bin, located at New World Centre City. This pilot scheme aims to return quality plastics straight to the manufacturer. 

Are your plastic pouches recyclable?

This is something we're working on. The majority of our plastic pouches are not recyclable currently, but we have begun swapping our multi-layered plastic pouches for single-polymer plastic. By 2025, they will all be recyclable.

What do I do with the home compostable wrap?

Much of our Wild Bird energy range now comes in compostable film – check the wrapper on yours to confirm. Made from renewable resources, the film is certified as compostable in both industrial and home composting environments, and is also suitable for bokashi bins. It’s not a good idea to put large volumes of the film into the compost but in small quantities, it will break down quickly with the right blend of other organic material. Cut the film into smaller pieces before adding into your compost pile. This will help expose more of the surface area to those hard-working microorganisms and help it break down faster. Good aeration, layering your browns and greens and keeping an eye on moisture content will help things ticking along.

What do I do with the bioplastic EcoDeli pottles?

We use these pottles made from a bioplastic called Ingeo for our Wild Bird Gourmet Hanging Treats. While they’re made from renewable sources and are marine degradable, they can only be commercially composted – they won’t compost in your home system. If your area has a commercial compost collection service, send them there. Otherwise, rest assured that we are working on a better alternative.