The amount of packaging recycled by New Zealanders increased 14.5 percent between 2005 and 2007, latest figures show.

In the same period packaging consumption fell by 1.3 percent.

"Overall we are recycling 60 percent of the packaging consumed and we have now met or surpassed the individual recycling targets for paper, glass, aluminium, plastic and steel," Packaging Council executive director Paul Curtis said.

Packaging consumption fell from 163kg per person to 160kg in the two year period.

The quantity of recycling increased from 85kg per person to 96kg.

Mr Curtis said recycling was becoming a way of life.

"This is a great result reflecting what can be achieved if manufacturers and retailers, local and central government, recycling operators and the community have a common goal."

Eighty eight percent of aluminium was recycled, 62 percent of glass, 78 percent of paper, 47 percent of steel and 23 percent of plastics.

The figures meet all the targets set out in the Packaging Accord in 2004, which were to be meet by 2009.