Sourcing and Sustainability
As New Zealand's leading grocery brand, we understand that every choice we make has an impact on our environment. We are committed to putting sustainability at the forefront of our sourcing decisions - without compromising the taste, integrity and affordability of our products. Read on to learn more about what we are doing to ensure that, when you buy Pams, it won't cost the earth.
Local and international sourcing
As Kiwis ourselves, we strive to source our ingredients from local suppliers and support New Zealand businesses wherever possible. Sometimes, however, we do have to source products and ingredients from overseas.
This can be due to a number of reasons: supply, demand, manufacturing capabilities, and cost of the product are just a few of the factors that Pams must consider to ensure our products meet your expectations and that our prices remain affordable.
Product imported from overseas must meet the requirements set by the Australia NZ Food Standard Authority and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). All products manufactured for Pams are made to set specifications which are set by Foodstuffs Own Brands.
Responsible Seafood
Every decision we make has a ripple effect - and for too long, overfishing has had a significant impact on our ocean life. With our Responsible Seafood Policy, we are committed to working with our seafood suppliers and fisheries to meet sustainability goals, and to only source products from suppliers and manufacturers that are dedicated to long-term conservation.
Working with leading organisations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the AquaCulture Stewardship Council, we are committed to following current global best practice to verify that Pams Seafood is sourced responsibly and sustainably.
Packaging
With the impact of plastic packaging on our environment now widely understood, we know that more and more Kiwis are seeking products with sustainable packaging.
Our goal is that by 2025, 100% of Pams packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable - watch this space as we update our range and work towards our goal.
Paper Products
While paper products are often seen as a sustainable alternative to plastics, these also need to be carefully sourced to reduce the impact of deforestation and maintain our precious ecosystems.
Working with the the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) our goal is that by 2025 all Pams products and packaging using timber, bamboo, pulp and paper products are certified to be responsibly sourced or have more than 95% recycled content.
Palm Oil
Perhaps one of the most controversial ingredients found in many products is palm oil, which has raised concern for its role in deforestation and compromising fragile ecosystems in some regions. For this reason, we are committed to using only certified sustainable palm oil in Pams products.
Pams are a member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a not-for-profit organisation who ensure that certified palm oil is produced against a set of environmental and social criteria. We require all Pams suppliers to provide evidence that, where palm oil is used as an ingredient, it is RSPO certified.