Plastics operation for sale

Forestry company Carter Holt Harvey wants to sell its plastic packaging operation as part of a strategic review of all non-core assets.

The focus of the group's packaging operation was corrugated box and carton production, said a spokesman.

The plastics business, which manufactures foam packaging for fast food, butchery and supermarket products, employs about 650 people in its four New Zealand and Sydney manufacturing plants.

Auckland-based Polarcup, which is owned by international packaging giant Huhtamaki Van Leer Group, has applied for Commerce Commission clearance to buy the division.