7 Aug 2009

Nappy composting business opens

1:46 pm on 7 August 2009

A commercial disposable nappy composting plant has been opened in Canterbury.

The composting system - thought to be a world first - grew from an idea developed by Karen and Karl Upston who started a backyard nappy composting business in Rangiora two years ago.

Mrs Upston says only 10% of a disposable nappy is plastic and when this is removed the rest is broken down into a rich compost.

She says the privately-owned business will start on a small scale, processing 15,000 nappies a day, but she's hoping to expand the business around New Zealand.

Environment Minister Nick Smith, who opened the plant on Friday, says the project is a great example of kiwi ingenuity and looking after New Zealand's environment.