Refrigerant decarbonisation project led by a steering group representing Seeka, HumePack, Trevelyan’s and G4 Kiwi Supply
A collaborative project bringing together leading Bay of Plenty kiwifruit post-harvest operators has been recognised with the FMG Sustainable Innovation Award at the 2026 Horticulture Industry Awards, highlighting the power of industry-wide collaboration in tackling shared sustainability challenges.
The Kiwifruit Postharvest Industry Refrigerant Decarbonisation Project was established in 2024 to address a significant challenge facing the sector: transitioning away from high global warming refrigerants while managing ageing refrigeration infrastructure.
The initiative is led by a steering group comprising Lloyd Franks (Seeka), Ollie Hoare (HumePack), Sarah Lei (Trevelyan’s) and Les Dimond (G4 Kiwi Supply).
Working together for the benefit of the wider industry, the group is helping the sector transition away from high global warming refrigerants and ageing refrigeration infrastructure. Supported by NZ$1.75mn in government and industry funding, the project has already upgraded 29 refrigeration systems and reduced potential emissions by more than 17,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
For Seeka, the project’s success is a powerful reminder that meaningful progress can be achieved when organisations work together towards a common goal.
Lloyd Franks, sustainability and risk manager, said the project was built on a simple idea: collaboration delivers better outcomes.
“The sustainability challenges facing our industry are too large for any one organisation to solve alone. What made this project special was the willingness of post-harvest operators to come together, share knowledge and invest in solutions that will benefit the entire kiwifruit sector.”
The project united expertise, resources and industry knowledge to explore practical pathways for reducing emissions from New Zealand’s kiwifruit cool chain. By taking a collaborative approach, the group accelerated learning, reduced duplication, and developed solutions that can be adopted across the wider industry.
Franks said the award recognises not only the environmental outcomes achieved, but also the willingness of organisations to work collectively for the greater good.
“This project demonstrates what collaboration can achieve. By working together, we’ve been able to make faster progress, share valuable insights, and create practical solutions that will support a more sustainable future for the entire kiwifruit industry.”
The steering group’s work has helped build momentum around refrigerant decarbonisation across the sector, supporting the industry’s transition to more sustainable refrigeration technologies while strengthening the long-term resilience of New Zealand’s kiwifruit supply chain.
The recognition aligns closely with Seeka’s commitment to environmental stewardship and continuous improvement, while reinforcing a broader message that sustainability innovation is most effective when driven by collaboration.
“A greener future isn’t built by one company,” said Franks. “It’s built when an industry works together.”
The FMG Sustainable Innovation Award was presented during the New Zealand Horticulture Conference Industry Awards and Gala Dinner in Wellington on 29 July 2026
