The increased rainfall in Pretoria over the past few weeks has resulted in an increase of waste collection in the so-called "poly-island" litter trap which is cleaned and maintained by the Hennops Revival NPO. The poly-island is a natural litter trap that was created many years ago by two trees that had fallen across the river and became lodged in a V-shape that collects the … [Read more...]
Plans for an industry-managed waste plan applauded
The plastics and packaging industries of South Africa have welcomed the announcement made by Ms Barbara Creecy, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, to scrap the existing Section 28 plan for developing an Industry Waste Management Plan for the paper and packaging industry. Although the development of this plan has already been more than three years in the … [Read more...]
Now your yoghurt cups will be recycled too
There is pressure on all polystyrene producers to ensure their polymers remain in a resource loop and are recycled into new functional products. This is why Danone, manufacturers of yoghurt tubs, have joined the non-profit product recovery organisation Polystyrene Association of SA. According to the Adri Spangenberg, the Polystyrene Association’s Chief Executive Officer, … [Read more...]
Gauteng polystyrene collectors help ensure recycling success
South Africa’s success with the collection and recycling of post-consumer polystyrene continues to grow thanks to the combined effort of collectors and recyclers around the country. Despite its label of being “difficult to recycle plastic”, polystyrene recycling figures have continued to grow over the past eight years. “The applications and uses for recycled polystyrene … [Read more...]
Recycled polystyrene used in new Table Bay mall construction
More than 15 tons of recycled, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) have already gone into the production of 20,000 Greenlite Concrete blocks used in the new Table Bay Mall that is currently being constructed. Expected to open its doors at the end of September this year, this 65 000 m² regional shopping centre is located on a 20 ha site on the corner of the R27 (West Coast Road) and … [Read more...]
Collect bread tags to purchase a wheelchair for the needy
Each year, South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness month between 3 November and 3 December. As part of this year’s campaign, the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC) is encouraging people to collect their breadtags, which can be used to “purchase” a wheelchair for people with mobility impairments who are financially unable to afford one. Currently in … [Read more...]
Recycled product awards ceremony rewards conscious creations
New products created from waste materials is one of the most exciting and creative aspects of our green industry. So it was fun to attend the awards ceremony of the Best Recycled Product of the Year. And who would think that the humble Wheelie bin, which we all take for granted, would land such a high accolade? Indeed, the City of Cape Town and Mpact Plastic Containers were … [Read more...]
Germiston schools catch polystyrene recycling fever
Schools in Germiston and surrounding areas are proving to be dynamic eco-warriors with their fevert commitment to recycling. During the past few months, no less than nine schools have partnered with the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPCP) to recycle food packaging items made from polystyrene. Laerskool Germiston Primary, Elsburg Primary and Ons Ark Nursery were the first … [Read more...]
Polystyrene cups into wonderbags
Now's the time to put your company's used polystyrene cups to work for the earth and our poor communities. The Polystyrene Association of SA is initiating a community project where used Polystyrene cups from cafeterias and/ or coffee stations in businesses are recycled into Polystyrene balls to be used in cooking bags called Wonderbags. This is a recycling project for … [Read more...]
Creative ways with waste
Polystyrene got lumped with 'bad plastics' in the old days before it was recycled in our country. Today there are still those who don't understand that any product which you personally make sure is recycled, is green. So most of the time the essential ingredient in the story of waste is not what material you're using, but how you personally decide to handle it once you're … [Read more...]
Lightweight packaging saves the earth
One of the most misunderstood types of packaging is Polystyrene. Do you know what environmental benefits there are to this handy material? Here are some facts to update your knowledge. Last year we recycled 850 tons of Polystyrene in South Africa. That equals a road 80km long, 1m high and 1m wide. It is also equivalent to 30 stories of a rugby stadium such as Loftus. In … [Read more...]
Where do we go with our polystyrene?
When I think of Polystyrene my mind conjures pictures of drinking cups, egg trays, meat trays and picnic plates. This spongy material is called Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). EPS was invented in 1952 by BASF. It is a lightweight cellular material derived from petroleum and natural gas by-products. It is initially produced as small beads containing a blowing agent. The beads … [Read more...]
