The businesses chose World Environment Day (June 5), with its theme of 'Beat Plastic Pollution', to commit to using 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging in their New Zealand operations by 2025 or earlier.

"These companies have drawn a line in the sand, pledging to do their bit to stem the tide of plastic waste and plastic pollution," said Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage on Tuesday.

New Zealand-based businesses that have signed the NZ Plastic Packaging Declaration are Foodstuffs, Countdown, New Zealand Post, and Frucor Suntory.

The other businesses to sign the declaration include . . .