April 2007
Overview
New Zealand’s chemical industry has a solid foundation in primary products processing and has used its experience to produce global consumer products. These include products that derive from the dairy industry, animal by-products, food processing industries, wood pulp and paper industries and refined plant products.
Processing primary products still forms the core of the industry, but this is now complemented by products associated with a strong manufacturing sector. These include:
- petroleum and related products
- polymeric, metallic, and ceramic materials
- pharmaceutical, veterinary, and specialised biological products
- other specialised high value products.
Major markets
Australia, Japan and the USA are traditionally New Zealand’s major export markets, but this has broadened to include other countries. Growth into China is particularly significant.Significant products
Significant products (year ended September 2006)
| (NZ$m) | |
| Inorganic chemicals | $9.6 |
| Organic chemicals | $64.1 |
| Pharmaceutical products | $219.5 |
| Fertilisers | $5 |
| Tanning, dye, paint, putty | $57.4 |
| Perfumery, cosmetic, etc | $77.9 |
| Soap, wax, etc; dental prep | $78.2 |
| Albumins; mod starch; glue | $934.8 |
| Explosive | $4.9 |
| Photographic/ cinematographic | $12.3 |
| Misc. chemical products | $145.3 |
| Plastic | $449.3 |
| Rubber | $120.9 |
| Total | $2,179.2 |
Innovation
Collaborations between industry, universities, and government/industry research organisations are fuelling innovation, particularly in the primary sector.
New Zealand has seven universities, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research standards. The largest chemistry department is at the University of Auckland, where specialisations in food science, wine science and polymer science are offered as postgraduate programmes. All interact closely with their chemical industry counterparts. Academic staff are also involved in many collaborative projects with both national and international industrial partners.
Examples of innovation in this sector include:
- Cfine - a product used in making wine and beer that is made from hoki fish skins. It is the result of a joint venture between Sealord of Nelson and New Zealand Crop and Food Research
- Botry-Zen - a new biological control for the botrytis cinera fungus.
Industry contacts
Key industry groups representing New Zealand’s chemical industry include:
New Zealand Chemical Industry Council (NZCIC)
www.nzcic.org.nz
A not-for-profit industry association responsible for implementing and promoting Responsible Care™, the international safety, health and environmental (SH&E) protection initiative practised by the chemical industry in more than 45 countries worldwide.
Plastics New Zealand
www.plastics.org.nz
Plastics New Zealand liaises with government on a wide range of issues, sponsors the Plastics Industry Training Organisation, co-ordinates certain industrial relations matters, and undertakes environmental work through its environmental arm, the Plastics Environmental and Advisory Council, and the Plastics Foundation for Environmental Research.
New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC)
www.nzic.org.nz
The NZIC represents some 1,000 members involved in the profession of chemistry. Members participate in the study, practice, teaching, promotion, and management of chemistry.
The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ)
www.pepanz.org
PEPANZ promotes the interests of petroleum producers and explorers in New Zealand. It was set up to represent private sector companies that hold petroleum exploration and mining permits, and service companies and individuals working in the industry. Today its membership includes most of the hydrocarbon producing companies in New Zealand.
Surface Coatings Association New Zealand (Inc)
www.scanz.org.nz
SCANZ exists to promote the science and technology of paint, printing ink, pigments, varnishes, resins, plastics, solvents, drying, and non-drying chemicals through discussion, lectures, conferences, exhibitions, and printed papers. Its goal is to raise the standard and the scientific, technical, and professional knowledge of people engaged in these industries.
New Zealand Paint Ink Resin and Adhesives Manufacturers Federation (Inc) www.nzpaintfed.co.nz
NZPIRA represents companies manufacturing paint, ink, resin, and adhesive products. It deals with issues such as labelling and packaging legislation between New Zealand and Australia, the introduction of new technologies, best practice procedures, and safety and environmental impact issues.
