R E C YC L A B L E PAC K AG I N G & P R AC T I C E S
Plastics industry flexes its muscles The South African plastics industry is defined as a priority sector by government and forms an important part of the South African economy.
T
he sector employed roughly
carbon, climate-resilient and sustainable
60 000 people during the past
society. The plastics industry can play
financial year. It also converted
a valuable part in assuring this gaol. It
just over 1.8 million tonnes of polymer into
is keen to partner with government to
plastics products during 2018. Another
demonstrate how plastics products and
positive is that converter demand grew the
recycling can help to create an adaptive
period – reaching 1 544 million tonnes of
strategy; strengthen the country’s
virgin polymer in 2018.
resilience and reduce our vulnerability to
As a commodity, almost every conceivable sector and industry uses
climate change. • Life cycle assessments indicate
or relies on plastic with food packaging
that plastic products are more
just one sector that relies heavily on
environmentally friendly than other
this material. The sector is a valuable
materials if disposed of correctly and
contributor to the country’s output
recycled effectively
growth and employment with a multiplier
• Fit for purpose plastic, designed
effect of 3.7 per cent for every job created
with recyclability in mind offer
and 3.5% for every Rand invested.
a low carbon footprint and low environmental impact – often lower
THE HIGH COST OF LOADSHEDDING
than biodegradable products • Plastic bag manufacturers have
Conversion methods for plastic
removed fillers to produce fully
fabrication are electricity-intensive
recyclable bags. A 100% certified
and account for about 15 to 18% of
plastic material can now be used to
a manufacturer's operating costs.
produce carrier bags. This creates
Manufacturers and recyclers rely on
an end-market for recycled plastic
a consistent supply of high voltage
products and helps reduce waste
electricity for their machines to operate
to landfill
at maximum capacity and Eskom’s current
• Products become part of a circular
difficulties impacted negatively on supply and output. • Persistent energy shortages disrupted businesses and machines that usually run 24 hours a day. This was due to lost power during the day and mid-operation • Raw materials and resources are wasted as machines must be scraped clean for start processes to start anew • Local plastics suppliers were unable to meet deadline and supply orders in time • Local suppliers are seen to be
economy by reusing products • The number of plastics recycled in South Africa during 2018 saved enough oil to fuel 200 000 cars for one year – travelling 30 000km per annum • Saved 246 000 tonnes of CO2 in 2018 – the equivalent of 51 200 cars • Provided direct employment to more income-generating jobs • R2.3 million was injected into the informal sector through the purchase of recyclable plastic waste.
government's plans to negotiate
SMART CITIES WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE
supplementary power purchase
A smart city is taking shape in Lanseria.
agreements to acquire additional
The process is being led by the
capacity from existing wind and solar
investment and infrastructure office
plants. It is also in favour of the idea
of the Presidency with provincial
for successful municipalities to procure
governments of Gauteng and North West,
its power from independent power
working with Johannesburg, Tshwane
producers. A restructured power supply
and Madibeng.
The plastics industry welcomes the
in 2020 will go far in assisting the sector and allay fears about job cuts.
The plastics and packaging industry has been working closely with the Department of Environment, Forestry and
PLASTICS AND THE GREEN ECONOMY
Fisheries and other interest groups in
President Cyril Ramaphosa is committed
plan This will be built around the
to transitioning South Africa to a low-
beneficiation of waste. The development
40
Food Review | March 2020
Finance minister Tito Mboweni announced an increase in the plastic bag levy from 12c to 25c at the beginning of April 2020. 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 Plastics SA executive director Anton Hanekom, Minister 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. Past experiences (such as the failed Buyisa e-Bag initiative) 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 points out.
than 7 800 people and created 58 000
unreliable and more finished products are being imported into the country.
BAGGING HIGHER LEVIES
preparing an Industry Waste Management
of an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme is also well underway. In conclusion, Anton Hanekom executive director of Plastics|SA says, "We are carefully optimistic about the plans and strategies unveiled during the recent SONA. We are calling for a strong political will and decisive action to see these plans to fruition." •
Plastics|SA – www.plasticsinfo.co.za
