SOUTH AFRICA IS SUCCESSFULLY RECYCLING PVC PRODUCTS

South Africa continues to record increase in the annual recycling of PVC products. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic for the industry, the recycling rate of vinyl products increased by 9.5% in 2020.

The following year (2021), 22 242 tonnes of PVC were recycled: 14 201 t of flexible and 8 041 t of rigid PVC. This is a 3.8% increase; while the virgin market for PVC decreased by 4.6% over the same period.

The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) – the voluntary association representing the local vinyls industry – says this achievement is a significant contribution to the country’s efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices and the circular economy.

According to data released by Plastics SA, the total domestic demand for PVC is approximately 141 800 t – of which roughly 76 000 t go into the manufacturing of rigids (compounds, dry blends, etc.) and 65 800 t are used for flexibles. Of this amount, only 12 600 t (or 9%) of the locally consumed PVC goes into packaging, such as bottles, thermoformed punnets, blister packs, clingfilm and other flexible packaging.

Although PVC is a small-volume polymer packaging material, SAVA stresses that it has specific and necessary application values. Moreover, vinyl products are in high demand by the almost 50 PVC recyclers that operate throughout South Africa and work in close partnership with SAVA.

Effects of rolling blackouts on plastics industry

With the seemingly endless challenges that South Africa and its people face, the driving force behind these challenges seems to be the notorious 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. Anton Hanekom, executive director, Plastics SA, says that the local plastics industry is no exception when it comes to experiencing the negative impact of relentless interruptions in power supply.

The industry is especially exposed when it comes to load-shedding, since the processing and production of plastics and plastic products are done primarily through thermal processing. This means that high temperatures must be maintained throughout the manufacturing process.

However, without power, these high temperatures cannot be effectively reached and maintained; nor is there enough time between scheduled power outages for the machines used to reach the required temperature for the processes to be restarted. When the plastics industry faces such severe challenges, it quickly snowballs and affects other closely related and critical industries, such as the packaging sector, which accounts for half of all plastic polymer consumption in South Africa, followed by the building and construction sector.

The challenges extend beyond the financial bottom line of these producers, as effective packaging is important to avoid food waste, extend the shelf life and prevent spoilage or breakage of certain products. We need to start talking about ‘packaging security’ in the same breath as food security.

Recycled concrete aggregates experience significant growth

The global recycled concrete aggregates market value was recorded at US$9 053.7 million (R172.98 million) in 2023. Over the next decade (2023 to 2033), global recycled concrete aggregate sales are likely to soar at a healthy CAGR of 8.0%.

Total market valuation at the end of 2033 is expected to reach around $19 500.1 million (R372.6 million).

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) are materials obtained from the demolition of old concrete structures such as buildings, bridges and roads. These materials are then crushed and screened into different sizes suitable for use in various construction applications.

RCAs are sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials that are experiencing significant growth due to various factors. The adoption of recycled concrete aggregates is increasing due to the growing demand for sustainable construction practices. As construction companies become more aware of the environmental impact of their projects and seek to reduce their carbon footprint, they are shifting towards RCAs.

RCAs offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials, conserving natural resources and reducing waste in the construction industry. With their durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions, RCAs are commonly used in road and pavement applications. They meet or exceed industry standards and have thus become reliable and longlasting materials for construction projects.