The umbrella organisation for the local plastics industry, Plastics SA, is proud to once again support Captain Fanplastic, an education and awareness programme about sustainable plastic use that travels to South African schools to increase children's environmental literacy through hands-on learning. The first Captain Fanplastic school programme took place in October 2018, … [Read more...]
Clean-up and Recycle SA Week a resounding success
Clean-Up and Recycle SA Week was once again a huge success. The annual event, which took place from the 11 - 16 September, brought together communities, organisations, and individuals from across the nation to tackle plastic pollution and promote responsible recycling. Spring cleaning our environment "This year's event has been an incredible success and it was once again … [Read more...]
Clean Up & Recycle Week launched at Mandela Day event
On Mandela Day 2023, Plastics SA, in collaboration with Clean City SA, an award-winning community-based non-profit company, announced the launch of Clean Up & Recycle SA Week 2023, which will take place this year from 11 – 17 September 2023. This event was part of Clean City SA’s 2nd annual Mandela Day activities at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Clean City SA and … [Read more...]
SA plastics industry leaders attend Paris talks
The umbrella body representing the South African plastics industry has released its official response following the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The session, which took place in Paris from 29 May to 2 June, aimed to address … [Read more...]
Combating plastic pollution on World Environment Day
Solutions are urgently needed for the plastic waste crisis that is harming South Africa's environment and marine life. Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the South African plastics industry, is proud to announce its commitment to combating plastic pollution on World Environment Day on 5 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June 2023. “This year's theme, Solutions to … [Read more...]
Detrimental effects of rolling blackouts on SA’s plastics industry
Rolling blackouts that have plagued our country for more than a decade. From manufacturing and production, to retail and education, not a single industry is being left unscathed and unaffected. Plastics SA Executive Director Anton Hanekom says, the local plastics industry is no exception when it comes to experiencing the negative impact of relentless interruptions in power … [Read more...]
Ensuring SA’s water infrastructure and security
The importance of water and protecting our valuable water resources will once again be highlighted this year as we celebrate World Water Week, taking place from 20 - 26 March 2023. World Water Day, which was established in 1993 to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the fact that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, will be … [Read more...]
SA plastics recycling increased by 10% in 2021
South Africa recycled 344 527 tons of plastics during 2021 - representing a 10% increase over previous years. Plastics SA Executive Director Anton Hanekom announced the latest production and recycling figures for the fiscal year ending December 2021, revealing that 1 904 924 tons of polymer were converted into new plastics products this year. “This is the total amount of … [Read more...]
Another successful clean-up week for SA
South Africans can celebrate another successful Clean-Up and Recycle Week (12-17 September 2022) as thousands of kilogrammes of waste were removed from our natural spaces. According to Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics SA, literally hundreds of clean-up events took place around South Africa in an effort to keep our environment clean, with many more initiatives … [Read more...]
Do your part in reducing waste to landfill
“South Africa is facing a waste crisis, but every citizen can make a difference to reduce the amount of waste that pollutes our environment or ends up in landfill.” This is the opinion of Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics SA and coordinator of the annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, taking place from 12 to 17 September 2022. According to Douw, … [Read more...]
Working towards a litter-free world
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...]
