south african
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plastic bag
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What’s
Inside ...
4 Foreword: Separating fact from fiction
5 We need a world free of litter – not a plastic-free world 6 How we got to the current state of play 8&9 CSIR report confirms plastic bags tread lightly on Mother Earth 12&13 Higher plastic bag levies must deliver industry growth benefits
FOREWORD
Separating
D
factfrom fiction
uring the past few years, plastic products have been on the receiving end of harsh and unrelenting criticism by environmentalists. Plastic shopping bags in particular are often singled out for being a major pollutant of our environment, rivers and oceans. As an industry, we acknowledge that there is a world-wide plastic litter problem and we commend and support all efforts aimed at addressing this issue. However, it is important to separate facts from fiction as arguments very quickly become emotive and the extent of the problem exaggerated.
The true impact of plastic shopping bags on the environment is grossly overstated when considering the volume of plastic bag usage. If all the plastic shopping bags consumed annually in South Africa end up in landfills, the volume would only represent approximately 0,026% of the total solid waste disposed per year. A small percentage, indeed. Furthermore, packaging materials (i.e. plastic, glass, paper, cans) represents only 2 million tons of the 108 million tons of solid waste disposed of in our country’s landfills per annum. More than 50% of all packaging waste is collected for recycling. 46% of all the plastic produced in South Africa was recycled in the period 2011-2018, making us one of the top mechanical plastic recycling countries in the world! Several months ago, local plastic bag manufacturers made a concerted effort to improve the recyclability of the bags we produce, by reducing the filler content. At the same time many South African retailers decided to change their plastic shopping bags from virgin to include post-consumer recycled content. Both of these moves were hailed to be major milestones that were reached for the industry as it created a much-needed and substantial market for post-consumer, recycled material and helped to address the issue of plastic polluting the environment. By ensuring that plastic shopping bags become part of a circular economy, we created a win-win solution for the environment and for the industry which provides direct employment for approximately 2 000 South Africans, and many more indirect positions. We welcome and applaud the CSIR’s recent findings confirming that reusable plastic bags have the lowest environmental footprint compared to bags made from other materials (including cotton, paper or biodegradable materials) – provided that our 24-micron reusable bags are re-used. We urge consumers to reuse these bags as many times as possible for their primary use, namely shopping, as well as for the myriad of secondary uses, e.g. bin bags. We hope you will enjoy reading this digimag as it showcases the major players in the production of plastic shopping bags in South Africa. We are all passionate about our country, our environment and our industry. We will continue to object as strongly to plastic bags being labelled as single-use items, as we will when plastic bags are found to be polluting the environment. Yours sincerely Phillip Abelheim Transpaco
We need a world free of litter not a plastic-free world
E
ach 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 people to make the shift towards long-term, environmentally friendly habits. Although sceptics might find it hard to believe, the plastics industry in South Africa and our partners around the world support these objectives. While we don’t endorse the call to go “plastic free”, we do agree with the urgent appeal to reduce the global waste crisis.
It is important to highlight that the waste clogging our rivers, streams and oceans is not solely caused by plastics. Because plastic is a lightweight material, it floats and is therefore often the most visible pollutant. In turn, this has put a big target on the back of the plastics industry. To contend that the solution is as easy as simply banning the use of plastics, is an uninformed, irrational argument that can be perilous to the environment we are trying to protect. It is a fact that our modern lives would be virtually impossible without the use of plastics. Almost every sector or industry relies on plastics to make life easier, safer and more convenient. Plastics give us reliable performance at an affordable price. Think about the many applications of plastics in the healthcare environment, automotive industry, technology, building and construction, and mining. More and more of the plastics used in these sectors are either recyclable, or are being manufactured with a percentage of recycled plastic contents. This is because product designers and developers are now grasping the tremendous benefits and savings afforded to them through support of the circular economy. Over the past few years, numerous independent scientific studies have been conducted to assess the environmental footprint of plastics versus other packaging materials such as glass, paper and biodegradable packaging. Time and again, these life cycle analyses have proven that plastics require less energy, reduce waste and produce lower carbon emissions. Most recently, the CSIR released its findings confirming that reusable, plastic shopping bags are the best option for South Africa. After comparing 21 environmental and socio-economic indicators, including water use, land use, global warming, the impacts of pollution, impact on employment and the affordability for consumers, the report confirmed that locally-produced plastic shopping bags have the lowest environmental footprint compared to carrier bags made from alternative materials, or even biodegradable bags - provided they are re-used. Earlier, Danish researchers found that cotton bags need to be re-used 7 100 times to have the same cumulative environmental impact as using classic plastic bags. For every seven trucks needed to deliver paper shopping bags, for example, only one truck is needed to deliver the same number of plastic shopping bags - thereby further helping to reduce the environmental footprint and the amount of waste generated. It should therefore be abundantly clear that the real issue that needs to be addressed is not the use of plastics, but human behaviour. Every piece of carelessly discarded litter has the potential of ending up in the environment or polluting our oceans. Municipalities that fail to put an effective waste management system in place are inviting a waste crisis, and thereby risk not only failing their citizens, but also jeopardising the health of our planet. Over the past 25 years, our position has never changed: plastics don’t litter – people do! Every piece of plastic has value and has the potential to be repurposed and recycled into something new. While a battle rages on around the issue of litter in the environment, Plastics SA and its members will continue to make a tangible difference through various clean-up operations such as co-ordinating South Africa’s participation in the International Coastal Clean-Up, Operation Clean-Sweep, river catchment projects and ongoing education campaigns around the country. Anton Hanekom, Executive Director of Plastics SA
For more information, please visit www.plasticsinfo.co.za
How we got to the current
STATE OF PLAY A brief background to SA’s plastic bag regulations
I
n May 2003, South Africa introduced plastic bag legislation in an attempt to address the challenge of plastic bag litter. The new regulations stipulated that plastic carrier bags must be at least of 24 microns in thickness, and also governed the type of ink and print coverage allowed on these bags. These new laws essentially made it compulsory for retailers to provide shoppers with thicker, more durable plastic bags that could be reused and recycled. In 2004, the government introduced the plastic bag levy, which was initially set at 3 cents per bag. When these regulations came into effect, retailers in the fast moving consumer goods sector voluntarily agreed to charge 45 cents per bag. However, this was soon reduced to 25 cents, with retailers subsidising the price. The decision to charge for bags unfortunately resulted in an unintended negative consequence: an increase in shoplifting, as there was no longer a requirement for shoppers to use bags. Many clothing retailers saw plastic carrier bags as an informal form of security and decided not to charge for them. Despite this setback, the 2003 regulations have been a resounding success – in terms of both improving the recyclability and reusability of plastic bags, and reducing their usage by consumers. Although some believe that plastic bag usage has grown since the inception of the regulations, this is simply not true when one considers factors such as the rise in population, growth in retail activity, and the substantial increase in retail space and mall openings since 2003. Previously, vast quantities of small plastic bags were used by pharmacies and cafes as well as food, produce, hardware, liquor, cosmetic and apparel retailers. These bags are no longer in use. In addition, major retailers, through intensive advertising campaigns, have continuously encouraged consumers to reduce
usage, reuse their bags and recycle thereafter. During 2017, the plastic bag levy raised an impressive R231 million for the national fiscus, with 2.9 billion bags bought.
Not single-use The South African regulated 24-micron retail plastic bag is not a single-use plastic product, because the increased thickness means each bag can be reused several times over. Of all the packaging associated with one’s daily, weekly or monthly shop, only the plastic bag is reused multiple times for primary and secondary purposes. A recent experiment conducted by Transpaco proved that its 24-micron recycled bag can be reused up to 50 times – and still perform a secondary purpose.
Recycled material Today, all South African-manufactured retail plastic bags are recyclable, since the inclusion of calcium carbonate has been radically reduced and the vast majority of bags contain post-consumer recycled material in varying percentages. This particular initiative was implemented by retailers and plastic bag producers to create a market for post-consumer recycled material. Without markets for recycled material, there is little point in recycling. Europe and USA are exporting large quantities of plastic waste (previously to China) to Asia or it is ending up in landfills. Plastic bags are an ideal outlet for post-consumer waste, similar to refuse bags – and 46% of plastics produced in South Africa during 2018 was collected for recycliing.
Best choice For South Africans, plastic bags remain the most convenient and cost-effective method of transporting one’s purchases, especially for those who don’t have their own vehicles and rely on public transport.
011 887 0430 www.transpaco.co.za
Treading lightly on
mother earth CSIR report confirms plastic carrier bags have smallest environmental footprint
I
t has now been scientifically shown that reusable plastic shopping bags are the kindest to our precious environment. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa’s premier scientific research and development organisation, recently released findings confirming that reusable, plastic shopping bags have the lowest environmental footprint compared to carrier bags made from alternative materials. The study – a life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) of grocery carrier bags in South Africa – was funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and aimed to identify which bag is “best” in the South African context. An LCSA is a useful research tool that unpacks the environmental, social and economic impacts of a product throughout its life cycle. This particular study assessed 16 different types of carrier bags, including the standard single-
use, 24 micron HDPE bags as well as a number of reusable and biodegradable alternatives. Some 21 environmental and socio-economic indicators were used to assess the life cycle of each bag, including water use, land use, global warming, the impacts of pollution, impact on employment and affordability for consumers. The study’s findings have been welcomed by the South African plastics industry. “What is particularly encouraging is that the CSIR study assessed a broad range of environmental and socioeconomic indicators that are unique to our South African context,” says Anton Hanekom, Executive Director of Plastics SA. “It has confirmed that our locally produced plastic bags (ranging from 24 microns right up to 70 microns) are ideally suited to be reused – and therefore, we believe, should not be considered single-use plastics at all.
Treading lightly on
mother earth “Our retail plastic bags are unique and unquestionably reusable for their primary function, namely shopping. However, they also have a multitude of secondary uses in South African households. “Moreover, it is important to highlight that our locally produced carrier bags are recyclable and a large percentage of them even have recycled content,” he emphasises. Although the CSIR study focused primarily on testing plastic carrier bags that are between 30 and 70 microns in thickness, it confirmed that plastic carrier bags performed best overall – provided they are reused. “Taking into account environmental and socio-economic impacts across the full product life cycle – from resource extraction, through production and use to end of life – the best performing bags are all made from conventional plastics. In particular, the reusable ones are best – but only if they are actually reused, as many times as possible,” explains Anton Nahman, the principal environmental economist at the CSIR who led the research team. “This study shows that ‘biodegradable’ doesn’t necessarily mean better – at least not for carrier bags.”
Plastic’s important role Hanekom adds: “The manufacture and recycling of plastic carrier bags not only help to create employment for more than 60 000 South Africans, they also contribute vast sums of money to state funds. Plastic bags are still the only packaging item on which an environmental tax is levied. In the beginning of April this year, the plastic bag levy was increased to 25 cents, which is expected to generate more than R250 million for the state coffers. The plastics industry is appealing to Government to ensure that at least some of these funds are used to help us boost recycling and grow a circular economy.” Weighing in on the matter on behalf of plastic bag manufacturers, Phillip Abelheim, Chief Executive Officer of Transpaco Limited, one of South Africa’s biggest manufacturers of plastic bags, says the latest research findings are encouraging to a manufacturing sector that has, until recently, been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism. “Plastic bags were never intended to only be used once. In fact, they were invented in 1959 by Swedish engineer Sten Gustaf Thulin with the purpose of saving the planet. To help save the forests, he designed these bags to be significantly stronger than paper bags so that they could be used over and over again. To Thulin, who was known for always carrying a plastic bag folded in his pocket, the idea that people only use their bags once and then throw them away, would be bizarre – and would go completely go against what they were originally designed to do,” Abelheim elaborates. “We believe that plastic carrier bags and plastic items in general have an important role to play in our modern society. The recent worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has once again proven that the world relies on plastics to help prevent the spread of diseases, protect food and to keep us healthy. Plastic products are strong and versatile and offer us convenience at a low price. “The ongoing challenge lies in preventing this ‘wonder’ material from ending up in the environment after it has been used, and ensuring it is properly discarded so that it can be recycled into a multitude of different and new products,” Hanekom concludes.
Plastic
A better choice?
ADVERTORIAL
Plastic,
According to statistics recently released by Plastics SA in its annual National Plastics Recycling Survey: • 46.3 % of plastics waste was collected for recycling, making South Africa one of the best mechanical recyclers in the world According to of statistics released by Plastics SAAfrica in its annual n a world rife with greenwashing and false claims around plastic, • The amount plasticsrecently that were recycled in South during National 2018 alone saved enough oil to fuel 200 000 cars for one year – travelling Plastics Recycling Survey: Tuffy stands proud. For more than 30 years Tuffy has been in the 000%km/annum. • 46.3 of plastics waste was collected for recycling, making South Africa business of manufacturing plastic film and its converted forms such as 30 • Plastics recycling saved 246 000 tons of CO2 - the equivalent In a world rife sheeting with greenwashing and false around plastic, one of the best mechanical recyclers in the world bags, and tubing from 100%claims recycled material. Part Tuffy of Tuffy’s emissions of 51 200 cars - in the same year stands proud. For than hasus”, been the are business • The amount of plastics thatrecyclers. were recycled in South Africa during 2018 credo is to more be “soft on30 theyears worldTuffy around andinthey living this • South Africa has 300 active of manufacturing plastic film and its converted forms such as bags, alone saved enough oil to fuel 200 000 direct cars foremployment one year – travelling by in effect taking waste out of the environment and turning this into • The plastics recycling industry provided sheeting and tubing from 100% recycled material. Part of Tuffy’s credo is to30 more than 7 800 people and created a further 58 500 000 km/annum. everyday items, and in the process creating much needed jobs in South to be “soft on the world around us”, and they are living this by in effect income-generating jobs. 246 000 tons of CO2 – the equivalent emissions • Plastics recycling saved Africa. 100% recycled, 100% recyclable, local. taking waste out of the environment and100% turning this into everyday • R2.3 billion was injected into the informal sector through the items, and in the process creating much needed jobs in South Africa. of 51 200 cars - in the same year purchasing of recyclable plastics waste 100% recycled, 100% recyclable, 100% local. • South has 300materials active recyclers. • 70 % of Africa all recyclable originated from landfill and other • The plastics recycling post-consumer sourcesindustry provided direct employment to more than
I
A bETTER chOIcE?
7 800 people and created a further 58 500 income-generating jobs.
Using plastic from recycled onlythrough createsthe jobs, it • R2.3 billionmade was injected into thematerial informalnot sector purchasing benefits the environment by reducing visible pollution and turns a single of recyclable plastics waste use item into one that can be recreated in the same or another form. • 70carrier % of all recyclable materials originated from material, landfill and postTuffy bags are made from 100% recycled areother 100% consumer sources recyclable and are made locally. Talk us to made provide your consumer withnot a better alternative Usingtoplastic from recycled material only creates jobs, it benefits carrier bag. the environment by reducing visible pollution and turns a single use item
into one that can be recreated in the same or another form. Tuffy carrier bags are made from 100% recycled material, are 100% recyclable and are made locally. Talk to us to provide your consumer with a better alternative carrier bag.
Tuffy carrier bags, tougher, better, greener.
Tuffy carrier bags, tougher, better, greener.
021 385 1626 |
info@tuffy.co.za
Bagging
HIGHER Levies
Industry calls for levy funds to boost plastics circular economy
I
n his Budget speech in March this year, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced a raft of taxes and levies that would need to be raised to bolster the state’s coffers.
While the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant national lockdown necessitated Mboweni releasing a revised budget, revenue-generating taxes and increased levies – many of which came into effect in April already – have obviously remained in place.
One of these is the plastic bag levy, which increased from 12 cents to 25 cents. Furthermore, the Budget Review revealed that National Treasury will also be consulting on extending the current levy on plastic bags to all single-use plastics used for retail consumption, including plastic straws, utensils and packaging in 2021. An assessment of the current levy, including a clarification of the tax treatment of compostable bags, will be undertaken. According to Anton Hanekom, Plastics SA Executive Director, Mboweni’s announcement of the increased plastic bag levy was clearly framed within the context of the green economy – and conveyed the impression that the funds raised will be used to mitigate climate change. “If the expected R250 million generated from raised levies is used to boost recycling and grow a circular economy, we would welcome and support the Minister’s announcement. However, past experiences have shown that Government views the plastic bag levy as an easy way to raise funds to pay for other projects that have nothing to do with the environment,” Hanekom says.
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni
Bagging
plastics recycling industry continued to record year-onyear growth. In 2018 alone, 352 000 tons of plastics were recycled into raw material, achieving an impressive input recycling collection rate of 46.3 % for all plastics. It created permanent employment for 7 800 people and a further 58 500 income-generating jobs during this year.
Levies
“In recent years, the plastics industry has made important strides forward aimed at addressing the issue of plastic bags polluting the environment. For example, plastic bag manufacturers agreed to remove fillers in order to produce bags that are fully recyclable. In addition, recycled plastic material is now used to produce most of the carrier bags sold in South Africa today. We have created an end-market for recycled plastic products and dramatically reduced the amount of waste being sent to landfill. By ensuring that the products we create become part of a circular economy, we create a win-win situation for the environment and for the industry.
HIGHER Plastics SA calculates that almost R2 billion was raised through the levy on plastic carrier bags since it was first introduced in 2004. The levy was applied to the manufacturers of the plastic bags, but passed on to consumers. Bags were prescribed to have a thickness of 30 microns to aid recycling and promote reuse, in terms of an agreement that was reached between the departments of environmental affairs, labour and businesses. “A section 21 company, Buyisa-e-Bag, was established to administer the funds by promoting waste minimisation and awareness initiatives in the plastics industry, expanding collector networks, creating jobs as well as kick-starting rural collection by empowering SMEs and creating additional capacity in non-governmental organisations (NGOs),” explains Hanekom. “However, the project quickly failed and less than half of the money raised went towards recycling projects. The rest was channelled into the National Revenue Fund and allocated to government departments.” Despite the lack of government funding, the South African
“The plastics and packaging industries continue to work in close consultation with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and other interest groups around developing an ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ scheme. “It is our sincere hope that the money raised through the new plastic bag levy will be ring-fenced for the recycling industry and that the entire process will be managed with transparency, accountability and clear communication to all the parties concerned,” Hanekom concludes.
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REDUCE REDUCE REUSE REUSE RECYCLE RECYCLE Playing our part in stimulating the circular economy to make a REAL difference in the fight against LITTER.
Verified manufacturer of 100% recycled plastic shopping bags.
LEADERPAK info@leaderpak.co.za (043) 740 3312
We also produce films and bags to the butchery, bakery and fresh produce industry. Stretch Wrap
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