Each year in July, people across the globe take part in “Plastic Free July” – an international movement that aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste in our environment by encouraging fellow citizens to make the shift towards long-term, environmentally friendly habits. Although skeptics might find it hard to believe, the plastics industry around the world supports these … [Read more...]
Mitigating plastic waste’s negative impact on the environment
The South African plastics industry is taking solid steps forward to mitigate the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment and society. This is evidenced by the amount of recycling of plastic waste that is already being undertaken in the country and initiatives geared at keeping our water-catchment areas free of plastic litter. Plastics are affordable, practical … [Read more...]
Caroline Reid Awards honour this year’s clean-up champions
Awards were handed out to this year's clean-up volunteers to recognise their tireless efforts in keeping our rivers and oceans clean. Plastics SA used National Water Week (20-26 March 2022) to recognize the commitment and dedication of our country’s water warriors by awarding the annual Caroline Reid Awards for Clean-Up Champions of the Year. “We launched the Caroline … [Read more...]
Green Corridors recognised for dedication to river restoration
Durban-based NPO Green Corridors, which cares for green spaces around the City, this week was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Plastics SA for its commitment and dedication to helping restore rivers and for protecting our waterways and natural environment. The Caroline Reid Award was presented to Green Corridors’ Coastal and Waste Management Projects Officer … [Read more...]
Protection urgently needed for SA’s water sources
When blood stops flowing, the body dies. Similarly, when water stops flowing, a country “dies”. Everybody knows that water is essential to all forms of life, but not everybody shows respect or pays enough attention to this precious commodity. It is terrible to see the impact a lack of water has on animals, plants and our environment - not to mention on humans. It should be … [Read more...]
PVC recycling in SA increased during 2020
The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) has welcomed the plastics recycling report for 2020 released by Plastics SA, indicating that the recycling of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or vinyl products in South Africa recorded a year-on-year increase of 9.5 %. Despite very difficult trading conditions owing to global raw material shortages and supply chain issues, high … [Read more...]
New partnership cleans up polluted waterways
Several prominent brands recently teamed up to remove litter from the Jukskei, one of Joburg's most heavily polluted rivers. Polo SA has been a brand known and loved by South Africans for many years. In 2020 Polo SA launched their Naturally Polo initiative focusing on sustainability and a more eco-conscious approach not only to fashion but to the broader environment in which … [Read more...]
Plastics industry releases latest recycling figures
The local plastics industry has just released the official plastic recycling stats for the year ending 31 December 2020. Each year, data is collected from plastics recyclers around the country by Plastix 911 on behalf of Plastics SA. PETCO provides figures from their listed PET recyclers, whilst raw material suppliers Sasol and Safripol provide input on the production and … [Read more...]
Supermarket trolley crowned recycled product of the year
A humble supermarket trolley, which most of us use at least once a week, has been crowned the Best Recycled Product of the Year at the South African Plastics Recycling Organisation’s (SAPRO) biennial competition which took place on Thursday, 14 October 2021. The trolley, manufactured by Supercart SA (Pty) Ltd for Pick n Pay and entered for the Consumer & Leisure … [Read more...]
Donated gumboots invaluable at river clean-up
There are many benefits to wearing a good pair of vinyl gumboots. Apart from their ability to keep feet dry because they are water-resistant, gumboots also provide good grip, sole support and flexibility that makes the boots comfortable to the wearer. PVC gumboots are easy to clean, help avoid the build-up of bacteria and will even shield volunteers from insect or snake … [Read more...]
Entries open for recycled plastic product awards
Entries are now open for the 2021 Best Recycled Plastic Product of the Year Awards. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony will be a virtual event that takes place on Thursday, 14 October 2021. During the event, the recycler of the material, the manufacturer of the product as well as the brand owner will be acknowledged. Each category will have a winner … [Read more...]
Clean-up and Recycle SA Week approaching
Its almost that time of the year again to stock up on black bags and dust off those beach boots for the annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA week, running from 13 - 18 September 2021. This year’s week will once again culminate in National Recycling Day on Friday, 17 September 2021 and the International Coastal Clean-Up Day/Let’s Do It World Clean-up Day on Saturday, 18 September … [Read more...]
Annual beach clean-up aims to preserve ocean life
Clean-ups happened across the country this month for World Environment Day. The theme of this year’s World Oceans Day was “Ocean: Life and Livelihoods” and this annual event helps to shed light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our life source, supports humanity and every other organism on Earth. Plastics|SA supported this good work by sponsoring plastic bags, as … [Read more...]
