Recycling Matters Dec 2015

MAY 2015 | ISSUE 1

ENERGY SAPPMA Christmas

12 “wastes” of Christmas

FROM WASTE TO ENERGY

Decision to Launch 11 Years Ago Proves Correct

POLYCO 12 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS TO RECEIVE R4.6 MILLION IN FUNDING

MRF

the waste management revolution

water is life LEGISLATION SAVE WATER AT ALL COST

THE WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGAL FRAMEWORK

South Africa R24,00 (incl.

VAT) South Africa R29.00

THEthe 4Rs 4rs OF RECYCLING: of recycling : REDUCE ||RE-USE | RECOVER | RECYCLE Reduce re-use | recover | recycle

“I am a proud recycler, because I separate at source” – Ian Barnard December 2015

Issue 3

“i am a proud recycler, because I separate at source” - Ian Barnard”

Editor’s note

T

hat moment when you feel you are part of a revolution; that is a defining moment in the life of a person.

When I interact with the various recycling enthusiasts from entrepreneurs to industrialists to PR agencies and associations; the story is always one of passion for what they believe in and determination to achieve something; something that is going to change and remodel our economy. For years human beings have been pursuing resources in mines and oil wells. A time is coming and is here now when the mine and the oil well will be the waste that lies in our bins.

The question that begs answering is how we extract the intrinsic value present in our waste and use it to add value to our lives. I believe the solution comes from understanding three things: 1. Understanding the value in our waste 2. Understanding the most efficient processes we can adopt to recover that value, and 3. Understanding the market that is available to buy the recovered waste Over the holidays as 2015 comes to a close, work stops, turkeys roast in the oven and champagne bottles pop open, what we will have as a direct result of our activities is this precious thing we call waste. Sadly the municipal unionised workers (Pikitup) have gone on strike leaving some of this waste stranded right in front of our door steps.

If they make it back to work before Christmas day, Santa won’t have to endure dirty, smelly neighbourhood streets to distribute presents. But maybe we should be a bit more sympathetic to the Pikitup workers; after all they have the mandate to ensure our valuable waste finds its way to a designated place for disposal. In a bustling city like Joburg, how quickly the waste gets out of our offices and homes is critical.

In Johannesburg we are dumping over 5000 tons of waste every day. It is a potentially R50billion dollar business in resource recovery per year that can create thousands of jobs for the unemployed. All the paper, plastic, metals, textiles, and glass that we are dumping can be recovered and sold off to a manufacturer or a recycler for money. So why dump it and then spend more money to recover it from the landfill.

The solution is to ensure that it goes into a waste recovery process before it gets to a landfill.

All the paper manufacturers and plastics manufacturers will take recovered materials from the waste stream and pay for it. So far the recovery of materials has plateaued. We are not able to increase our capacity to recover materials from the waste stream any more than we have done in the past.

The solution is to employ mechanised processes for receiving of municipal solid waste and subsequent separation, marketing and trading with buyers.

A plant called a MRF (pronounced murf), receives, separates and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers. MRF stands for Material Recovery Facility. To date this seems the most efficient and viable way to recover the waste we are throwing away. A fully functional MRF operation can sort approximately 500 metric tons of waste and employ 300 people. Johannesburg alone needs 10 MRFs. That leads to 3000 people in full employment including various ripple industries around the MRF. Recycling is the new mining. What was initially extracted from our mines finds itself in our homes through packaging and home electrical and mechanical appliances. The resource is not lost. It is to be mined from the waste stream by the process we call recycling.

Happy Holidays

Managing Editor Chris Mutale

pages 8.

(SAVA) Releases the First Ever PVC Recycling Survey

12.

PLASTICS INDUSTRY SHOWS SIGNS OF GROWTH AMIDST TOUGH ECONOMY

16.

Could Circular Economybe the solution to youth unemployment?

18.

MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILTY The Waste Management Revolution

22.

Spotlight on SAPRO’s ecycled Product of the Year Awards

24.

WATER IS LIFE

30.

Decision to Launch SAPPMA11 Years Ago Proves Correct

32.

12 “ wastes” of Christmas

34.

POLYCO - 12 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS TO RECEIVE R4.6 MILLION IN FUNDING

38.

Aruba ICF Energy Efficient Walling Systems wins Silver Award

40.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

46.

e-Waste an opportunity for economic growth in Africa?

48.

COLLECT YOUR BREADTAGS TO PURCHASE A WHEELCHAIR

50.

THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE AND THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY

52.

CLIMATE CHANGE

56.

CELEBRATING VINYL EXCELLENCE WITH A MEMORABLE TRIP TO THE UK

4

Contents

December 2015

8

(SAVA) Releases the First Ever PVC Recycling Survey

MATERIALS 1 8 RECOVERY FACILITY

40

RAINWATER HARVESTING

CELEBRATING VINYL 5 9 EXCELLENCE WITH A MEMORABLE TRIP TO THE UK

The team CEO / Publisher

Ian Barnard

Could Circular Economy be the solution to youth unemployment?

Managing Director

16

Lisa Cruickshack Marketing Director

Linki Khubayi Editor

Chris Mutale Senior Journalist

Theo Moerane

WATER IS LIFE

24

Layout & Graphics designer

Sibusiso Singo

Disclaimer

CLIMATE CHANGE

52

The views and opinions expressed in the various articles in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of magazine publisher or editor. While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct at the time of going to print, Recycling Matters cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication.

The publishers or authors do not give any warranty for the completeness or accuracy for this publication’s content, explanation or opinion. It is advisable that prospective persons, institutions and businesses consult their technical advisor/s, attorney/s and/or financial advisor/s prior to following pursuing any business opportunity. Š Recycling Matters. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing. Recycling Matters buy all rights to contributions, text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing.

2015 December

5

Two Ians, Ian Gwebu and Ian Barnard have teamed together to set up a material recovery facility (MRF). Both recycling enthusiasts see the MRF as a revolutionary solution to waste management in the city.

GLASS

6

PA P E R

PLASTIC

P.O. Box 74153 Turffontein, 1 Crystal Place, D e c e m b eJohannesburg r 2015 2140, South Africa

M E TA L

THE ENVIRONMENT IS NOT PART OF YOUR BUSINESS In the last year, POLYCO and other plastic EPR organisations successfully diverted 31 560 ten-tonne trucks of plastic packaging from landfill which created 6 037 formal jobs and 47 420 informal jobs.

1 COLLECTION

2 SORTING

3 RECYCLING

4 MANUFACTURING

5 CONSUMER

Working together we can achieve more POLYCO represents a group of extraordinary companies that understands its extended responsibility within the SA plastics industry. Contact us to find out how you, as a brand owner or retailer, can become a POLYCO Associate Member and assist with saving our environment.

For more information please contact: lisl@polyco.co.za or call: 021 531 0647

2015 December

7

SAVA

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) Releases the First Ever PVC Recycling Survey PVC Resin Manufactured in South Africa 195000 190000

189915

188732 184763

185000

184328

180000 175000 169276

170000 162108

165000 160000 155000 150000

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

145000

T

y2009

he Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) released the results of its first ever PVC Recycling Survey into the state, scope and size of PVC recycling currently taking place in South Africa.

“This survey gives us a detailed picture of the flow of PVC products in South Africa, the state of the PVC recycling industry and recyclate markets. It is also a valuable knowledge tool that will assist us with forward planning and in setting targets for endof-life solutions, and supports SAVA’s Product Stewardship Programme (PSP) commitment,” says Delanie Bezuidenhout, SAVA Chief Executive Officer. She adds that the information obtained from the survey will also form the baseline for an Industry Waste Management Plan (IndWMP) for the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

“PVC is a key product of the chemical industry and, along with polypropylene and polyethylene, one of the most widely produced plastics. Today, about 40 million tons of PVC are produced

8

December 2015

y2010

y2011

y2012

worldwide. However, as we are using more plastic products, we are also creating more plastic waste. The promulgation of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (59/2008) has placed great emphasis on recycling and the reduction of materials to landfill,” she says.

Size of the PVC Market in South Africa In 2014, a total of 32 397 tons of PVC was imported, mainly in powder format. This predominantly accounts for emulsion PVC used in coatings, dip moulding and slush moulded applications. The local PVC producer, SASOL, only produces suspension PVC. Small quantities of rigid and flexible compounds were also imported during this period.

State of PVC Recycling in South Africa PVC is one of the most widely used polymers in the world and has the longest history of recycling amongst plastics and the most advanced level of mechanical recycling. However, when competing against inexpen-

y2013

y2014

pvc recycling imported pvc Almost 80% of all the imported PVC powders originated from the following four countries: South Korea (33.2 %) Germany (17.6 %) Thailand (15.6 %) China (12.9 %)

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

u The amount of recyclable PVC available greatly affects the feasibility of a recycling system, as it requires a minimum quantity of waste to allow for a technically- and economically feasible operation.

sive gas and oil used to make virgin material, in addition to issues such as additives used, exposure to heat and contamination, it does weaken the case and makes PVC recycling even more challenging. Despite this, the tonnages recycled locally since 2009 have increased by 16 % to 18 488 tons recycled in 2014.

SAVA RELEASES RESULTS OF FIRST EVER PVC RECYCLING SURVEY

There was only 1 PVC recycler each in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga in 2014.

“The quantity of PVC waste available is a function of PVC consumption.

However, in contrast to most commodity polymers such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Polypropylene (PP), the majority of PVC products can be found in long-term applications with an expected life-span of 50 years or more. There is therefore a considerable time difference between PVC consumption and PVC waste,” Delanie explains.

“Large volumes of miner’s gumboots, mining hoses as well as cables originate from the mines and it makes therefore sense that the larger recyclers are based in the Northwest Province and Gauteng,” Delanie explains.

In South Africa, there are currently approximately 40 PVC recyclers who procure separated, sorted recyclables from various sources such as collectors. During the first step of processing, further sorting is done and the unwanted and unsuited material is returned to landfill. The remainder of the material is then processed further and sold to convertors as a raw material.

Very few of the PVC recyclers only recycle PVC. Due to low tonnages, the majority of them also recycles one or two other materials. Gauteng has the largest number of PVC recyclers and also the largest volumes of PVC recycled in 2014, namely 69%. The NorthWest Province, on the other hand, only has 6 recyclers, but managed to recycle 726 tons per recycler versus the 670 tons per recycler in Gauteng.

Factors influencing the recycling rate The potential for recycling of PVC waste is largely determined by the degree of contamination, i.e. the degree to which PVC is mixed with other material when collected, and the differences in the composition of the collected PVC material itself. PVC products does not consist of pure PVC but rather of PVC compounds that contain varying quantities of additives.

“The amount of recyclable PVC available greatly affects the feasibility of a recycling system, as it requires a minimum quantity of waste to allow for a technically- and economically feasible operation. Furthermore, the geographical area supplying a recycling plant must not exceed a certain size in order to keep transport distances and associated costs within a reasonable range,” Delanie explains.

As a result of these and other influencing factors, PVC recycling in South Africa is mainly focused on those

2015 December

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www.recyclingmatters.co.za

recyclable amount

SAVA

SAVA

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

PVC End Use Markets - South Africa Flooring 0%

Hose 2%

Sheet 2%

Film 7% Custom Profile 8%

Footwear 2% Pipe 55%

Cable 15%

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

Bottle 1%

areas where economic profitability is achieved, e.g. pre-consumer- and post-consumer pipe- and cable waste. The majority of other PVC post-consumer waste is landfilled. Low recycling rates of post-consumer PVC waste can also be contributed to relatively low prices of virgin material and inexpensive landfilling costs. Thus, unless there are legal measures or voluntary agreements put into place, the incentives for the recycling of PVC post-consumer waste remains low.

Applications and end-markets for recycled PVC When it reaches its end of life, PVC

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December 2015

Conduit 8%

can be recycled. “In fact, PVC has the longest history of recycling amongst plastics and the most advanced level of mechanical recycling,� Delanie says.

Recycling coated fabrics, such as bill-boards and advertising banners, is especially challenging because of their composite nature. In South Africa, there are various smaller projects geared at the re-use, or upcycling, of these products. Both these companies manufacture commercially viable products from discarded PVC material and SAVA is proud to be associated with two of these projects, Eco-Smart Solutions and Street Sleeper, by way

of business support and equipment donation.

SAVA RELEASES RESULTS OF FIRST EVER PVC RECYCLING SURVEY In addition, PVC-P recyclate is used for a variety of different applications, including conduits and cables, sheeting, shoe soles and floor tiles. PVC-U recyclate originating from the pipe sector is recycled back into pipe and profiles.

Job creation in the PVC recycling sector The 37 recyclers interviewed employ

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

Conclusion The lifespan of the majority of PVC products is long. In building and construction, for example, an estimated life span of 50 to 100 years is not unrealistic. Consequently the tonnage of PVC items entering the waste stream remains small and insignificant.

This situation, however, will change over time as progressively a greater amount of PVC products approach the end of their useful economic lives and slowly begin to increase the volume of the PVC waste stream.

Increased collection in outlying areas, better communication between role-players in the value chain, from waste generators to collectors and recyclers, more consumer education with regards to what can be recycled and where to take recyclables, development of new markets for products made from recycled material, increasing the content of recyclate used in the manufacturing of new products, designing for recycling which includes the phasing out of hazardous substances such as lead and an investment in a wash plant for the pre-treatment of PVC-U waste, is some of the aspects identified through this report as requirements to significantly increase diversion rates.

Recycling targets are also difficult to

measure and we feel that the focus should in future rather be placed on implementing projects aimed at encouraging end-markets for recyclate, as it would drive recovery upstream. “We believe that the key to succeeding and avoiding costs in our current regulatory environment is to take a proactive approach and for our industry to invest in a long-term and innovative approach towards waste management. The long-term costs of being unprepared are simply too high,�

Delanie concludes.

PVC lifespan u The lifespan of the majority of PVC products is long. In building and construction, for example, an estimated life span of 50 to 100 years is not unrealistic.

coated fabrics u Recycling coated fabrics, such as bill-boards and advertising banners, is especially challenging because of their composite nature. In South Africa, there are various smaller projects geared at the re-use, or upcycling, of these products.

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www.recyclingmatters.co.za

712 people in formal jobs. It is estimated that a further 3 081 indirect or informal jobs related to the collection, transport, cleaning and baling operations were sustained in 2014.

SAVA

plastics

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

PLASTICS INDUSTRY SHOWS SIGNS OF GROWTH AMIDST TOUGH ECONOMY Apparent Plastics Consumption (2014)

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

The challenge for us is to ensure that we continue to become more innovative and agile in creating opportunities that can contribute to longterm and sustainable employment,

P

lastics|SA reported on solid growth during the last financial year, and a positive outlook for 2016 at its Annual General Meeting which took place at the company’s head office in Midrand yesterday.

“Although we certainly need to take heed of warnings from reliable economists, it is not all doom and gloom in the South African plastics industry. Despite some of the plastics subsectors experiencing a downturn in demand as they struggle to adjust to increased imports and changes in the market for their products, key opportunities still exist for growth. For instance, the recent phase-out of import tariffs on polymers and other inputs contribute to more competitive input prices,” Philip de Weerdt, outgoing chairman of Plastics|SA told board members and other interested parties who were in attendance.

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December 2015

Growth vs GDP

1800

10

1600

8

1400

6

1200

4

1000

2

800

0

600

-2

400

-4

200

-6

0

2005

2006

Virgin Tonnages

2007

2008

2009

Recycled (Diverted) Tonnages

2010

2011

2012

% growth (virgin & recycled)

2013

2014

GDP % growth

-8

plastics

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Remaining strong in the face of adverse economic conditions

An increased demand for all applications of plastic by South Africa’s growing middle-class has also had a positive impact on the industry this past year. Of the 1.4 million tonnes of plastics that entered the market during the past year, approximately 55% of all polymers went into packaging. 29% of this was used in rigid packaging and 26% used for flexible packaging. The third largest application of plastics in South Africa was in the building and construction industry (15%), followed by electronic appliances (6%), automotive and transport industries (5%), engineering

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

Plastics manufacturing contributes approximately 1.6 % to South Africa’s GDP and 14.2 % to the Manufacturing Sector and has been defined as a priority sector by Government. According to the latest figures released, local plastics consumption has seen a year on year increase in recycled (diverted) tonnages (9 %), whilst virgin tonnage consumption has stagnated at 1,400,000 tonnes. When compared against the GDP growth of less than 2% during the same period, this is an achievement of which the plastics industry can be proud.

Growing plastics applications

Anton hanekom u “Zero Plastics to Landfill by 2030”. According to Plastics|SA’s Executive Director, Anton Hanekom, the most recent recycling survey has shown that plastic diverted from landfill increased by 12.8% from 2013

material suppliers u Anton Hanekom said “According to the latest statistics, unemployment has reached a 12 year high in South Africa, having increased to 26.4% from the last quarter of 2014.”

2015 December

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plastics

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

(5%), agriculture (4%) and houseware (3%).

Growing plastic recovery and recycling

Polyolefins (PE-HD, PE-LD and PP) made up approximately 57 % of the plastics market, followed by PET (13.86%), PVC (11.09%), and Polystyrene (4.2%). Multi-layered and other plastic packaging materials made up 14.49% of the market.

“The recycling of the majority of these different types of plastics is now successfully driven by Material Recovery Organisations (MRO’s) such as POLYCO, PETCO, SAVA and the PSPC who act as a “conscience” for the plastics industry by getting membership buy-in from plastic producers and spending those funds on worthy recycling initiatives that increase the recycling rate of their specific type of plastics.

Last year Plastics|SA set the pace for the recovery, recycling and diversion of plastics from the country’s landfill sites with its aspirational vision named “Zero Plastics to Landfill by 2030”.

According to Plastics|SA’s Executive Director, Anton Hanekom, the most recent recycling survey has shown that plastic diverted from landfill increased by 12.8% from 2013.

“The plastics recycling industry is showing positive movement and due to the increase in the use of waste plastic as an input material in the conversion process, the demand for plastic waste locally has increased,” Hanekom said. The total plastic

tonnage recycled was 20.3 % of all plastics manufactured in 2014. 22 % of plastics was diverted from landfill, 90.2% was mechanically recycled and 9.8% was exported for recycling elsewhere.

A major contributor to employment According to the latest statistics, unemployment has reached a 12 year high in South Africa, having increased to 26.4% from the last quarter of 2014. “The challenge for us therefore remains to ensure that we continue to become more innovative and agile in creating opportunities that can contribute to long-term and sustainable employment,” Hanekom said. He highlighted that the plastics recycling

Sports & Leisure 1.0% Clothing & Footwear 1.0% Other 1.0% Medical 2.0%

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

Furniture 2.0%

Rigid Packaging 29.0 %

Housewares 2.0% Agriculture 4.0% Engineering 5.0% Automotive & Transport 5.0%

%

Electric & electronic Appliances 6.0% Flexible Packaging Building & Construction 15.0%

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26.0%

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plastics

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industry in particular has shown leadership and entrepreneurship in this regard, as it currently employs more than 47 000 people in the informal sector.

New board members announced Plastics|SA announced the names of its newly elected board members for 2016. They are Anton Hanekom (Plastics|SA), Bernhard Mahl - Chairperson (Safripol), Douglas Greig – Deputy Vice-Chairperson (Tuffy Manufacturing), Jeremy Mackintosh – Deputy Vice Chairperson (Polyoak Packaging), Douw Steyn - Ex-officio (Plastics|SA), Jaco Breytenbach (Transpaco Recycling), Jan Venter (SAPPMA), Loutjie de Jongh

(Mpact), Mxolisi Khutama (Nampak Limited), Bob Bond (PISA), David Mokomela (Sasol Base Chemicals), Mike Myers (EPSASA), Leigh Pollard (HOSAF), Rowan le Roux (Polyoak Packaging), Wayne Wiid (Pioneer Plastics), Fernando Lopes (Engen Petroleum), and Helmut Oellermann (Plastichem).

Looking ahead Government has requested the plastics industry to submit its waste management plans for the various sectors. Hanekom said the leadership is hopeful that this might be an indication that Industry will be allowed to continue with current initiatives, without too much interference

from government.

“During this past year, the plastics industry was forced to embrace change, adapt and face enormous challenges in a struggling economy which doesn’t always facilitate local manufacturing. We are grateful to those members of the industry who contribute towards our activities by way of membership fees. There are still raw material producers and importers who are not subscribing to the fees and we would like to encourage the industry to support the raw material producers and importers that support us, making it possible to fulfil our vision of enabling a vibrant and sustainable plastics industry in South Africa”, Hanekom concluded.

government request Government has requested the plastics industry to submit its waste management plans for the various sectors.

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REDISA

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

Could Circular Economy be the solution to youth unemployment?

HERMANN ERDMANN www.recyclingmatters.co.za

CEO Redisa

T

he Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has completed a new study on the benefits of the circular economy in South Africa. Findings show that major economic and environmental benefits can be gained from turning ‘waste into worth’ – using the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) as a case study as to how this has already successfully been realised.

deposited in landfills and other dumps, this would create local jobs and support the emergence of local entrepreneurs, while cleaning up the environment.

The report findings are timely as the jobless crisis is particularly acute among young people aged 15 to 25, where the unemployment rate exceeds 50%. This is worse than that experienced in many other emerging markets; South Africa is home to 0.7% of the world’s young people but alarmingly has almost 2% of the world’s unemployed youth.

For REDISA, the case study dealt with in the IRR report, the circular economy means balancing economic growth, infrastructure development and creating small business and job opportunities - while lowering our emissions and overall impact on the environment. Environmental degradation and resource depletion threaten the sustainability of economic growth in the developed world, and build enormous pressures in the developing world as it strives to

Should South Africa do more to ‘monetise’ the waste products currently being

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December 2015

The Circular Economies – Turning waste into worth report provides a factbase to inform the choices that need to be made going forward, it presents for the first time, a vision of how the circular economy could overcome the unemployment crisis in the country.

match the West’s prodigal lifestyle. Both issues can be addressed by the circular economy if the generation of waste is reduced, resources are reused and recycled, and recycling initiatives are made economically attractive.

According to REDISA, CEO Hermann Erdmann, “On a planet of finite resources, the circular economy is not optional, it is inevitable. In under three years we have developed a circular economy within the tyre industry in South Africa and have seen tangible results: over 2 600 new jobs, and over 200 SMMEs developed and supported. The implementation of circular economies will lead to unprecedented opportunities, the creation of reverse logistics networks, new processes and new industries using the recovered resources.”

IRR CEO Frans Cronjé says: “The jobless crisis in South Africa is acute with more than 50% of 15 to 25-year-olds not

REDISA

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

1.

Monies collected need to be ring-fenced, and not included in the fiscus

2.

Organisations collecting and processing waste should be independent private sector companies

3.

The key to success lies in a public-private collaboration

4.

5.

The State needs to provide an enabling policy landscape, but not implement An efficient IT system to manage appointing, paying, assisting, and overseeing the supply chain network

in education, employment or training.

Youth unemployment in South Africa is also worse than that experienced in many other emerging markets, for the country is home to 0.7% of the world’s young people but has almost 2% of the world’s unemployed youth. The process of collecting, transporting, and recycling waste could generate hundreds of thousands of sustainable jobs and viable small businesses, thereby tackling one of South Africa’s greatest challenges – joblessness.”

REDISA has since its inception stood on the foundation that we can turn our ‘Waste into Worth’, that everything used still maintains its value and that waste can be organised to produce jobs for thousands of people as well as substantially reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. REDISA has therefore taken on its shoulders the task of incubating a whole industry, starting with tyres as a proof of concept.

About REDISA REDISA, by implementing a circular economy model, has already been able to support the SA economy through 80% of the waste management fees collected invested back into industry, specifically focusing on building, growing and supporting the tyre recycling industry.

The world-first REDISA Plan has gained accolades and recognition both locally and internationally and is contributing to the growing recognition of the need to implement circular economy approaches to ensure sustainable economic development across the world.

About IRR The IRR produces, disseminates, and promotes the new ideas that South African policy makers need in order to promote the investment and economic growth that will draw poor people into jobs and build a more prosperous South Africa.

Vissershok Depot

Midrand Depot

Lebogang – Transporter, JHB

Megan – Transporter, PE

Johanna – Depot Manager, Mossel Bay

Midrand Depot

Vissershok Depot

SOME SEE WASTE, WE SEE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR PEOPLE. Now’s the time to positively change lives, in a way that works for everyone. REDISA manages the process of turning waste into worth via an award-winning Waste Tyre Management Plan that aids employment, businesses, communities and the environment. It has already made a difference and we look forward to the potential it has for our future.

For a look at our latest achievements, statistics and positive stories worth celebrating, please visit our website.

JOIN THE JOURNEY | www.redisa.org.za |

/wasteintoworth |

@wasteintoworth

2015 December

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www.recyclingmatters.co.za

Key steps to introducing a circular economy approach successfully:

MRF

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILTY

The Waste Management Revolution 18

T

wo Ians, Ian Gwebu and Ian Barnard have teamed together to set up a material recovery facility (MRF). Both recycling enthusiasts see the MRF as a revolutionary solution to waste management in the city. A materials recovery facility or materials recycling facility (MRF - pronounced “murf�) is a specialized plant that receives, separates and

December 2015

prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers. CADI Property and Projects (PTY), which is owned by the two is mandated with the main objective of setting up and running MRFs in the country. Stafford MRF the name given to the first among several MRFs is to be situated just south of the Johannesburg CBD at 1 Crystal Place, Stafford.

The property, which is 21000

markets Expanded

7 The markets for the recovered materials have expanded over the years in South Africa as and when they become available.

www.recyclingmatters.co.za

square metres in size, makes it perfectly suited for a MRF operation.

The City of Johannesburg owns and operates 4 landfills under Pikitup, which all fall in the category of general waste landfills. PIKITUP collects and also appoints other private waste management companies to collect residential domestic municipal solid waste (MSW). Private waste management companies largely collect MSW from office parks, business centres, shopping blocks, shopping malls, light and general industries, schools, transportation nodes and others around the City of Johannesburg. In the Pikitup Annual Report of 2010/2011, it was also reported that 1 123 494 tons per annum of MSW was landfilled at the 4 PIKITUP landfills while 167 233 tons per annum MSW was

The 4 PIKITUP landfills are; Robinson Deep, which is less than 2 km from the proposed Stafford MRF, Marie Louise, Grootkoppies and Ennerdale. They are all generally situated in the South of Johannesburg. Collectively do not have much air space to take care of the City’s future needs if landfilling of MSW continues at the rate that it is currently. Ultimately landfilling is a loss of recyclable materials (paper grades, plastic grades, glass, metals and textiles) which all constitute the MSW. StaffordMRF will help mitigate this overload by reducing the landfills intake by 250 tons per day. Landfilling is also very detrimental to the environment in many respects.

Vision The vision of Stafford MRF is to be South Africa’s pioneering forerunner in recovering recyclable materials in the country through the establishment and operation of state of the art material recovery facilities in all major economic centres across the nation.

Job Creation

Ian Gwebu, noted that out of a total of a staff complement of 300 employees, 70% will manual hand sorters. This is one of the very few industries that can give employment to such a large proportion of its staff to people with limited education requirements since they only need to work with hands.

MRF experience also found that females are most suited for manual hand sorting. The MRF also provides opportunities to employ disabled people for the manual sorting and other office jobs.

Statistics show that reclaimers recovering recyclables directly from MSW at landfills and hawkers recovering recyclables at the landfill do so at an average of 60 to 100 kg/person/ day. In the case of a MRF, when hand sorting MSW initially split mechanically with the organics simultaneously removed in a MRF as described the average, hand sorting rate becomes 80 to 100 kg/person/hour. The MRF has capacity to sort through 500 tons every single day.

The Waste Stream In general recyclable materials consisting of paper grades, plastic grades, the different colour glass cullet, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and textiles are in the mixed waste streams and are available for recovery at pre-consumer and post-consumer locations. Pre-consumer recyclable waste material occurs during the production, converting and preuse positions while post-consumer recyclable material occurs after the intended use of the material. Thus all things being equal, the post-consumer recyclable tonnages of materials

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Background

collected in the City but landfilled at other privately owned landfills in the North and East of the City.

MRF

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MRF

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should exceed those of pre-consumer.

Thus the challenge of recovering recyclable materials for recycling is that of undertaking it effectively and in a sustainable modus operandi in all the possible locations such as employing MRFs. PIKITUP specialises in collecting mainly residential domestic MSW, the so called Round Collection Refuse (RCR), to the landfill and the private waste management companies generally collect from the City centre businesses, office parks, shopping malls, light and large industries etc.

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The recovery of waste paper has since 2006 up to 2011 plateaued at the level of 57% to 59% (Recovered paper/Recoverable paper) nationally. The unrecovered waste paper landfilled has stayed in the range of 712 000 to 788 000 tons per annum nationally. There is still the scope of large growth potential which will depend on the development of the country in general. Paper and steel consumption generally form yardsticks of countries’ development.

Similarly plastics recovery in South Africa (Plastics recovered/Plastics converted) has stayed in the range

of 17.8% to 18.9% during the period 2009 to 2011. Thus, for this recyclable material as well there is a large scope of potential growth which is also dependent on the country’s economic performance.

The consumption of glass in South Africa is at 20 kg/person/year while its recovery rate stands at 48% (Recycled glass/Recoverable glass).

All the recyclables recovery rates appear to have reached a plateau by the methods that have historically been utilized in South Africa. In some instances the recovery rates of some products, e.g. some waste paper

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MRF

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grades, are actually now preventing the growth of some consumer products manufacturing capacities like tissue. Clearly to improve on the recyclables recovery rates, new and proven strategies have to be employed to reclaim the valuable raw materials being landfilled at present.

MRFs have proven their worth and value in many developed countries in particular in the EU and Japan.

MRFs have been experienced to result in recyclables recovery rates to be taken to the next level in countries where the recycling business has carved a significant niche in the country’s industrial efforts.

New Markets The markets for the recovered materials have expanded over the years in South Africa as and when they become available. In the paper and paper board industry more paper mills which rely solely on waste paper as their raw material have been built, increasing phenomenally over the most recent years from the traditional South African corporates of Mondi, Sappi, Kimberly-Clark and Nampak. As an example of this expansion 15 years ago over 90% of tissue wadding manufactured in

SA done was by Kimberly-Clark, Nampak and Sappi. However, now their total market share is 55% and still dropping.

In the glass recycling industry there has recently been large expansions of capacities by the major glass recyclers, Consol and Nampak, to the extent that there is now a third major glass recycling factory being contemplated in Gauteng.

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SAPRO

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Spotlight on SAPRO’s

recycled Product of the Year Awards

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roducts made from PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) could be hard to recycle. Although South Africa saw a 3.9 % increase in the total amount of PVC diverted from landfill in 2014 (18 488 tons), vinyl is still often, and wrongly, regarded as being not-recyclable. However, SAPRO’s Recycled Product of the Year Awards which took place in Stellenbosch recently, proved that there is a growing market for recycled vinyl products.

“It was especially in the category for novel and artistic products where we saw the majority of entries made from recycled PVC”, says Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of the Southern African Vinyls Association. Novel and Artistic products are a great outlet for recycled products. Not necessarily mass produced, they play a valuable role in diverting plastics from landfill and creating consumer awareness.

Initiatives in this category support small South African producers and in particular non-profitand community groups.

Three of the five finalists in this category who made it to the final round recycled used PVC banners and billboards to create top end, high demand products that are being sold around the world. “PVC banners used for advertising an event or a product have a very short life expectancy. Because they are made from reinforced PVC in order to withstand the elements, they cannot be recycled in the conventional mechanical waste

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We have seen an increasing demand from corporates who want or need to support small South African producers and non-profit community groups in particular. stream,” Delanie explains.

• E’Yako Green walked away with the Gold Award in this category, with their Conference Bags made from recycled PVC banners.

“E’Yako Green has partnered with a small black-owned, Gauteng based factory to make these conference products and has once again proven to the judges and the general public that eco-products needn’t be boring or

December 2015

expensive to be useful and eye catching,” Delanie says.

Since 2013, they have up-cycled approximately 24.5 tons of PVC waste and 300kg of polyester waste and created 13 full time jobs and an average of 4 temporary jobs.

Export orders have been supplied to Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Norway.

• Upcycled PVC banners also featured in the

beautifully made Shews, which were entered by Eco-Smart Solutions. This company was the Gold Winner in 2012 with their Geyser Blanket, as well as a Silver Winner in 2013 for their Lifestyle Range, which also used recycled PVC banners.

To date, more than 1500 pairs of shoes ranging from size 3 to 9 have been sold.

Customers buy the shoes because of their comfort, variety of colours and the wide

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SAPRO

ranging size options, rather than being up-cycled. They are water proof and has a drawstring which facilitates half and in-between sizes.

The shoes are sold in special tote bags that are also covered with one of six colour shwe-shwe cloth. The shews are exported to the UK, USA

and Germany and has been ordered by large international brands such as Samsung and the Sheraton Hotels.

SAVA is a proud supporter of the project and has donated two industrial sewing machines to help Lise Kuhle and her team grow their business even further.

“We have seen an increasing demand from corporates who want or need to support small South African producers and non-profit community groups in particular. There is also a very definite trend towards companies wanting promotional products that are different, creative and unique and have a real feel good story. From SAVA’s side, we are extremely excited to see how many of these top-end products find their inspiration from recycled vinyl.

We welcome any initiative that assists us in our efforts to maximise diversion from landfill and create new job opportunities, and will continue offer our support to these entrepreneurs in any way we can,” Delanie explains.

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• Creative Waste entered their impressive-looking Travelers kit, which is made from a combination of waste materials with a creative artistic touch.

It is not only appealing to the eye but also strong and durable to meet the customer’s needs. The affordable kit is made up of a tog trolley bag, a backpack/messenger bag, a toiletry bag and a tablet/notepad cover and addresses all the needs of a traveler.

In each of the items, the outer layer is made from synthetic rubber tubes and the lining from polypropylene shade cloth with PVC banner trimming.

• The tyre tube serves as a robust, protective layer, apart from it being waterproofed, while the inner lining creates a shade to keep the content at a controlled temperature.

water

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WATER IS LIFE

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The water molecule is one of the most versatile structures known. Comprising two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen (H2O),

P

eople, like all living things, need water to survive and prosper. Sometimes people settle in areas where there is not a good source of water nearby. This is the case with the Witwatersrand area. At the end of the 19th century, many people came to the Witwatersrand in search of gold.

As the mining town of Johannesburg grew, there wasn’t enough water in the area to meet everybody’s needs.

Attempts by the Johannesburg Water Works Company to meet the demand were hampered by the Great Drought of 1895. Frequent complaints concerning water led to the appointment of the Water Works Commission in 1895 to examine ways in which Johannesburg

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As the Vaal River flows westward it flows into the Grootdraai Dam. This dam has a total storage capacity of 350 million cubic metres, a surface area of 39 square kilometres and an average depth of 27 metres could be provided with good quality drinking water.

A geologist by the name of Dr Draper, was commissioned by the commission to assist. After searching on the farm Zuurbekom, Dr Draper found what everybody was looking for. He tied his handkerchief to the branch

of a thorn bush and arriving back in Johannesburg, told the Water Works Commission “go to Zuurbekom, you will find my handkerchief tied to a tree, sink a borehole there and you will find water, plenty of it.” In 1896 and 1897 the Water Works Commission secured a stable supply of water from the Zuur-

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2015 December

water

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bekom Water Supply Companies wells.

In 1903 the Water Works Commission established Rand Water in order to ensure that the Witwatersrand received enough clean, safe drinking water.

GROUNDWATER Initially Rand Water used groundwater from the Zuurbekom Wells on the West Rand. This water was of such good quality that it didn’t require any cleaning (purification).

Natural Drainage

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When the water from the Zuurbekom Wells could no longer supply enough water for the growing population of the Witwatersrand, the Vaal River to the south of Johannesburg was chosen as a new water source. In 1923 Rand Water dammed the Vaal River to form the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir. In 1938 the Vaal Dam was built upstream of the

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Vaal River Barrage Reservoir, which is now the main source of water for Rand Water. Rivers such as the Vaal and Wilge Rivers naturally flow into the Vaal Dam. These rivers flow through agricultural land and rural settlements with very little industry. This means that the water in the Vaal Dam is of a good

quality by international standards.

THE VAAL RIVER SYSTEM The Vaal River system has its beginnings in the eastern highveld plains, in the vicinity of Ermelo. Shallow hollows and low hillocks form a natural sponge

water

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where water collects in pans, vleis and streams. These streams link up and the Vaal River is born, flowing westward on a long course, without rapids or waterfalls, broadening into a large river. To the Bushmen, the river was known as Gij’Gariep (“tawny”) from its muddy colour. The European name, Vaal, also means tawny. The Sotho called it iliGwa (“erratic”) because of the unpredictable variations in its flow.

As the Vaal River flows westward it flows into the Grootdraai Dam. This dam has a total storage capacity of 350 million cubic metres, a surface area of 39 square kilometres and an average depth of 27 metres. On its course to the Vaal Dam a number of rivers join the Vaal River: • the Little Vaal that begins in the escarpment near Ermelo; • the Klip River that begins near Memel in the Free State; • the Waterval River that begins in Secunda.

WATER IS LIFE The water molecule is one of the most versatile structures known.

waterval RIVER Comprising two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen (H2O), water has remarkable dissolving powers and is therefore a supreme solvent. Changing from solid to liquid to gas, water absorbs large amounts of energy in the form of heat, and releases equivalent amounts when going from gas to liquid to solid.

Water sculpts landscapes as rivers, waves and floods; it dissolves soft soluble rocks (such as limestone) and erodes hard insoluble rocks (such as granite); it obscures the sun as clouds; it carries chemicals

6

dissolved in it; it transports suspended materials that will be deposited on flood plains, along coastal margins, and on deep ocean floors. Its capacity for heat exchange drives our weather systems!

In our bodies it is the most abundant molecule present. As a solvent it allows the transport of vital materials such as foodstuffs and oxygen into and within cells, and the export of waste products such as ammonia and carbon dioxide from cells.

Water is absolutely essential for all forms of life. We experience this every day when we become thirsty. Why

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water

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do we need so much water? Simply because our bodies consist of approximately 75% water. If we do not drink enough water we may dehydrate. When you dehydrate it means that you have lost more water from the cells that build your muscles, than has been replaced.

That is a very dangerous situation, because irreversible damage may be done to your body, and if you lose too much water you will die.

All forms of life on Earth have always been dependent on water for survival, and today water holds the key to survival in the future too. When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in 1969 he described Planet Earth as “a shining blue pearl spinning in space”. The blue colour is, in fact, the water that is present on Earth and the atmosphere.

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Approximately 97% of all water is found in the sea which covers about 70% of the Earth’s surface. The seawater contains a large amount of salt in solution, which means that it cannot be used as it is. Only the remaining 3% is fresh water.

Of this 3%, less than 1% is available for life on Earth, whilst the rest is in the form of ice at the poles, within the

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THE WATER (HYDROLOGICAL) CYCLE

re-uses the water. This recycling of water is called the water cycle.

Water exists on Earth as water droplets and is found in oceans, rivers, lakes, dams, the soil, and other places. Heat from the sun causes some of these water droplets to change from a liquid to a gas, called water vapour. This process is called evaporation.

The water that we have on Earth is very old. The same water that is used presently was used by the dinosaurs millions of years ago. This is because the Earth recycles its water, i.e. it

At the same time some water vapour is released from plant leaves through very tiny openings in the leaves, by way of a process called transpiration. As soon as the water vapour is released from the

Earth’s crust as groundwater, and in the atmosphere as water vapour (see diagram on page 2). This means that very little fresh water is available on Earth in a form that can readily be used for human consumption.

water cycle

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water

As soon as the combined droplets become too heavy to stay in the air, they fall to the Earth as either rain or hail.

On the other hand, if the air temperature is low enough, some of the water vapour may freeze before it condenses into water (by the process of sublimation). When this happens snowis formed which falls to the ground as very light flakes instead of water droplets. By a similar process of sublimation, water vapour that occurs close to the ground surface may freeze if the temperature falls below freezing point.

In such a situation, frost will form

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leaves, it forms part of the other water vapour in the air. Another process by which water vapour is formed is when evaporation occurs from the ice sheets at the poles, and from glaciers.

This process is called sublimation.

The reverse process whereby water vapour freezes without condensing into water is also call sublimation. The water vapour that has been released into the air eventually cools down and changes from a gas to a liquid, and thus back into water droplets.

This process is called condensation.

While these water droplets float in the atmosphere they join together to form clouds. on surfaces such as leaves, grass and even rocks. If the temperature is very low during the night, but not at freezing point, very small water droplets may form, by condensation, from water vapour in the air, which we observe as dew. The rain, hail, snow, frost and dew all form part of a process called precipitation.

Some of these water droplets fall into the oceans, some into rivers and streams, some into lakes and dams, and some onto the land. On land it either seeps into the ground

to form groundwater, or forms surface drainage when it runs on the surface through rivers, lakes and dams and ultimately back into the ocean. Water knows no boundaries, and as it flows over the Earth’s surface, it is used by communities of plants, animals and humans in order to survive. At any stage in the cycle the water can be reheated by the sun and evaporate, then the whole cycle repeats itself, and so it will continue without interruption throughout time.

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Decision to Launch SAPPMA 11 Years Ago Proves Correct

T

he South African Plastic Pipes Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) held their Annual General Meeting in Midrand on the 30th of September. Speaking to the more than 40 captains of industry that were in attendance, Chief Executive Officer Jan Venter said the decision to launch the association 11 years ago, has certainly been proven correct.

“There is little doubt that we have played a key role in the general well-being of this industry. In spite of severe pressure on the economy in

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general and the plastics pipe industry in particular, SAPPMA had a good year and fulfilled its mandate within the boundaries of its budget,” he said.

Improving the long-term health of the local plastic pipe industry SAPPMA’s main focus continues to be improving the long-term health of the plastics pipe industry. This is done through the work done by a team of volunteers serving on SAPPMA’s Technical Committee which strives to-

wards ensuring good product quality, an adherence to industry standards, accessing and sharing technical information, and delivering ongoing training and marketing services.

Growth in membership SAPPMA membership has continued to grow and counts 16 pipe manufacturers, 2 polymer producers, 15 suppliers, 3 merchants and 27 fabricators/installers listed as associates.

“To be a member of SAPPMA bears great responsibility but also great ben-

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New board of directors SAPPMA’S new Board of Directors were announced at the AGM, being (fltr): Gary van Eyk (Sun Ace); Ronnie Kruger (Marley Pipe Systems); Tony Dean (Rare Plastics); CP Bandaru (Flotek); Jan Venter (CEO). Absent were Chairman Benhard Mahl (Safripol) and Gerhard Kotzee (DPI Plastics). more 2/… sappma agm 2015 two Merit Award Winners The Association also awarded Merit Awards, consisting of a bronze medal and a certificate, to Ian Venter of Marley Pipe Systems (picture left), Renier Snyman (picture right) of DPI Plastics and Phillip Bawden of Incledon (absent) in recognition for their individual contributions and frequency of attending meetings.

Gearing up for 2016 Looking at what can be expected from the year ahead, Venter said that the need for an effective association in

the value chain of plastics pipe only increases as times get tougher on the socio-economic front.

“Even though we have hardly any influence on the macro economic and political climate of the country, we can and do continue to influence key aspects at a lower level,” Venter said.

To this end, SAPPMA has appointed a qualified civil engineer who will start in January 2016 and who will be tasked with assisting the association in improving its technical marketing.

“Even at the previous AGM we indicated the need for a qualified individual to focus on this aspect, but financial restraints have prohibited it up to now.

This has now become possible and will undoubtedly be of great benefit to plastic pipe in general and SAPPMA in particular, as the interaction with consulting engineers, contractors and other large customers will improve the awareness, knowledge and value of plastic piping systems,” Venter explained.

They have also commissioned LHA Consultants to do an updated market survey of the pipe industry and participating companies can look forward to getting the information soon, whilst SAPPMA will continue to interact and engage with the SABS on issues relating to certification.

membership growth

engineers and customers as additional safeguard against inferior product quality. Plastic is no longer viewed as a cheap alternative or foreign material as it was in years gone by. It has finally taken its rightful place on the world stage as material that is recognised for playing an absolute and critical role in all areas of modern life”.

Concluded Venter: “The SAPPMA brand continues to grow stature and is being recognized by most design

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efits. People vote with their feet and the continuous growth in membership underlines this statement. We also believe it is proof that companies continue to find value companies in the association. It is our view that any company carrying the interest of this industry at heart should be a member and cooperate to make it a better place,” Venter said.

SAPPMA

christmas

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12 ‘wastes’ of Christmas

1

Christmas is a great time for celebrating with family and friends.

However, all that consumption can leave quite a bit of waste.

Here are ways to indulge and still be environmentally thoughtful.

Food glorious food

Don’t waste food scraps – place in a compost bin or worm farm. Your scraps will be back feeding your garden and reducing water use in no time. Compost bins and worm farms make excellent Christmas gifts too!

2 3

Less is more Give a treat which has less environmental impact, such as a massage or tickets to an event.

Bottled and canned cheer

5

Keep it clean

Some councils allow food scraps in the green organics bin. Check out the green organics fact sheet at zerowaste.sa.gov.au or ask your council for more information.

Tip: Freeze seafood and foods with strong odours until the day of your bin collection.

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4

Recycling is not numbered Does the triangular symbol with a number from 1 to 7 in it mean the item is recyclable?

No! This is a plastics identification code used by manufacturers to label the type of plastic.

Soft plastics create problems at kerbside recycling facilities so never place recyclables in plastic bags.

Simply put all recyclables into the recycling bin loose and soft plastics and bags can be recycled at metropolitan Coles stores or placed in the waste bin.

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Most food and drink packaging, including bottles, jars, cans and tins, cardboard boxes and cartons can be recycled. Don’t forget to cash in cans and bottles with a 10 cent deposit.

December 2015

Rigid plastic bottles and containers that hold their own shape, including soft drink and milk bottles as well as take-away containers can be recycled in your recycling bin.

Give bottles, jars and tins a quick rinse before placing in your recycling bin to ensure these are free from food contamination that may resign them to landfill. The water you use to rinse will be more than made up for in the water saved recycling versus making a new item from raw materials.

6

Lids off

Many lids can be recycled too.

Place metal lids inside a steel can, squeeze the top closed so they don’t fall out. Plastic lids can go inside a plastic milk bottle and then placed in your recycling bin.

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Not all glass can go in your recycling bin.

Glass bottles and jars are perfect but drinking glasses, oven-proof glass and crockery have to go in the waste bin.

E-Christmas

Buy rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger. They are not only a wise environmental choice but save you money too.

Got a new tv or electronic item from a loved one?

Other used batteries can often be recycled, but not in your recycling bin.

Check www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/recycle-right for details on your nearest recycler.

Check www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au for details on e-waste recycling.

Christmas Tree O’ Christmas Tree

Once living Christmas trees can be cut into smaller pieces and recycled in your green organics bin. Larger trees can be taken to a waste transfer station which separates organics for composting.

If purchasing an artificial tree, make sure it’s good quality and will last you many Christmases. At the end of its life place in the waste bin.

Please do not put artificial trees in recycling bins.

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Powered up

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7 9 11

Let’s make it clearer

christmas

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10

The ‘white’ Christmas packaging

Polystyrene foam packaging, even if it has that triangular symbol, is not recyclable through your kerbside bin so put it in your waste bin.

That’s a wrap

Reuse pre-loved wrap, newspaper and bags and tie with a reusable ribbon instead of tape. Paper wrapping, cards and cardboard boxes can be placed in your recycling bin or reused another time.

Unsure about which bin a specific waste item should go?

Check out the RECYCLE RIGHT online search engine that provides details specific to your council.

Visit zerowaste.sa.gov.au/recycle-right or call 1300 137 118.

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POLYCO

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POLYCO - 12 SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

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TO RECEIVE R4.6 MILLION IN FUNDING

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OLYCO, the Polyolefin Recycling Company (NPC), has announced the names of the 12 collectors of post-consumer polyolefin waste that will be receiving a total of R4.6million in grants and interest-free loans. As part of POLYCO’s mandate to promote and grow the collection and recycling of post-consumer PP, HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE packaging materials, as is required in terms of the Packaging Industry obligations to the South African Government under extended producer responsibility, the company issued a call

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December 2015

for proposals in April 2015 to collectors who were interested in partnering with them. “We received a total of 38 applicants from all over South Africa, of which 16 were shortlisted and finally 12 successful applicants were approved by the POLYCO board,” says Mandy Naudé, CEO of POLYCO. The result is that POLYCO will invest R3.7 million as interest-free loans and R850 000 as grants into 12 post-consumer polyolefin collection companies.

Providing funding support to these companies and helping them to optimize

their supply chains, allows us to unlock approximately 27 500 tonnes of new polyolefin plastics for recycling over the next three years – putting us ahead of our 5 year plan”, Mandy says.

The collection and sorting sector faces numerous constraints which prevent them from growing their volumes or collecting more materials. The majority of the collectors who had applied to POLYCO for funding in this cycle, required new machinery and equipment that would allow them to make maximum use of their available space and move materials more effectively through

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The successful applicants are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

A2 Recycling in Kagiso

5.

Innovative Mouldings in Port Eliz-

6.

7.

8.

9.

Mavesa Scrap Metals in Germiston

10.

Pick Up Waste Recycling in

11.

12.

Remade in Germiston

Anti-Waste in Polokwane Aspigon 218cc in Lenasia Mary Recycling Works in Meadowlands

abeth

Neo Recycling in Thabazimbi Nondaba Recycling in Secunda Polymer Waste Management Centre in Longdale, Gauteng

Potchefstroom

Trashback Pty Ltd in Sandton

jobs to many people in our area who do not have an income. Together, we will be able to collect waste from more of the landfills around Germiston”. Jabu from Mavesa Scrap Metals “POLYCO’s funding means a lot to me and is going to help me grow my business, as I will now be able to increase the volumes of the materials I collect and employ more people. I am going to buy a new granulator. In time and as my business grows, I will also be buying a wash plant, and have my eye on a truck that I want to buy to help me speed up collections and deliveries.”

Bongani Mashinini from Aspigon 218cc “We are very excited about the opportunity for the interest-free loan received, and what it will mean for our business. We have built up Anti-Waste to become a well-established and reliable recycling company over the past 22 years. Anti-Waste has already created 362 permanent jobs and 104 self-sustainable jobs, and this funding will allow us to create even more jobs in the Limpopo Province. Thanks to POLYCO’s vote of confidence in our operations, we will now be

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the process, whilst minimizing their logistic costs.

“Almost all of the collectors needed bailers at their premises in order to compact the bulky polyolefin materials that were brought in, such as milk bottles, yoghurt tubs, margarine containers and ice cream tubs. Granulators to shred the materials into smaller pieces were also high on the collectors’ wish lists, as both these machines allow them to save on warehousing and logistical costs. By helping them find solutions to the bottle necks in their operations, they will now be able to buy and process more materials from the informal collectors and have a direct, positive impact on the amount of plastic waste that is sent to landfill,” she explains.

Upon hearing the good news that their applications were successful, this is what some of the applicants had to say: “I feel very excited about what this grant will mean for my business. I started out as a waste collector myself picking up plastics from landfills. Today, I employ 14 staff members and POLYCO’s funding will help me grow my operations and provide

POLYCO

POLYCO

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able to invest in purchasing a granulator and a baling machine that will allow us to streamline and grow our operations in the Limpopo province”. Fanus Beytell from Anti-Waste, Polokwane “We are very blessed and thankful to POLYCO for the trust they have shown in us and our company. With this money, we will be able to purchase a large baling machine which will aid with storing our collected plastic waste thereby allowing us to buy in more material. We will also be building collection bins for a special project that we have in the pipeline”. Johan and Crizaan Jacobs, Innovative Mouldings “I became unemployed after being retrenched. With nowhere else to turn, I teamed up with five other people and together we starting buying up bulk plastic materials which were collected from waste pickers at the dumping sites. Today, we have grown our business to the place where own our own trucks and collect materials from

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I never thought that I could get so excited about rubbish! The decision by POLYCO to grant us funding is a real highlight for us. The grant will be spent on granulators, trailers and balers thereby building capacity in Westdene and Rosslyn

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morris sibaya f This means we can now collect materials from further away, buy more equipment and employ more people in rural areas where employment opportunities as scarce

ment Centre POLYCO’s third call for proposals in 2015 has gone out on the 17th of August and is focused specifically on supply chain efficiency projects for mechanical recyclers.

“We look forward to going through the applications from mechanical recyclers and announcing the names of the successful applicants later this year.

These applicants also enjoy the benefit of becoming part of the POLYCO network whereby they are referred business opportunities, connected to valuable networks, provided with media exposure and offered general business support and advice if required. We have set ourselves the goal of growing polyolefin recycling in South Africa by a further 300 000 tonnes over the next 5 years. We believe it is achievable through forming partnerships with recyclers and collectors who share our vision and passion for the industry,” Mandy concludes.

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Secunda.Leslie, Kinross, Kriel, Bethal, Morgenzon, Amersfoort and Davel.

POLYCO’s funding support will help us to grow our operations even further by being able to minimize our logistic costs by granulating the material before transport. This means we can now collect materials from further away, buy more equipment and employ more people in rural areas where employment opportunities as scarce”. Morris Sibaya from Nondaba Recycling “I never thought that I could get so excited about rubbish! The decision by POLYCO to grant us funding is a real highlight for us. We have mapped out a growth plan and can now suddenly envisage a whole new scenario for our future, We cannot do this on our own and need partners such as POLYCO. The grant will be spent on granulators, trailers and balers thereby building capacity in Westdene and Rosslyn, to help us roll out our vision. Stephen Levitt from Polymer Waste Manage-

POLYCO

efficiancy

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Aruba ICF Energy Efficient Walling Systems wins Silver Award with Greenlite Insulated Concrete

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ruba Energy Efficient Walling Systems received a Silver Award in the category Mixed Materials for their Greenlite Insulated Concrete at the prestigious South African Plastics Recycling Organization’s (SAPRO) Recycled Product of the Year Awards held recently at the Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

The Aruba Eco Building System is an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form Construction) method that uses a recycled, expanded Polystyrene rEPS that is coated with a special cement mixture to produce a lightweight, strong and highly versatile product that is used in a variety of different building applications.

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This fast, cost-effective building system is ideally suited to meet construction needs on the African continent and has assisted in successfully diverting more than 950 tons of polystyrene from landfills during 2014 alone.

“We started using rEPS in our building projects about 18 months ago, after our tests showed that the recycled material outperformed the virgin material. Not only was it readily available and vastly cheaper, but the structure and size ensured that our concrete mixture adhered better to the beads without compromising on any of the properties that makes polystyrene ideal for use in building and construction projects,” says Hilton Cowie of Aruba ICF.

Post-consumer polystyrene is collected for Aruba from recyclers operating around Cape Town with the help of the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC). After being shred and pelletized, the polystyrene beads are coated with special additives which allow the beads to mix correctly with cement and water without separating.

The coated, treated beads are packaged in 250 litre bags to be used on site as the aggregate for light weight insulated concrete.

“We offer an environmentally safe, green building initiative that is rapidly increasing in popularity and acceptance by architects and building contractors alike. The rEPS modules

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efficiency

Besides construction, other uses include flower pots, light fittings, outdoor furniture and pizza ovens.

The composite wall panel has a fire resistance of 140 minutes when tested in accordance with SANS 10177:2 (2005). Aruba ICF is currently busy with a large project in partnership with Motheo Construction at the Sandton Gautrain Station where Greenlite Concrete is being used to fill voids, to insulate and raise floor levels in all the new vendor shops at the station.

Commenting on the award, PSPC Director Adri Spangenberg says the market for products made from recycled polystyrene continues to grow each year. “It is exciting to see so many new and practical applications being developed in South Africa that allows us to divert material away from

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comply with all statutory requirements and facilitate the use of unskilled labour,” Cowie says. Furthernore, Aruba’s product enjoys the approval of SABS as it contains no CFC’s, HCFC’s nor HCF’s, will not decay and is vermin proof with very low water absorption properties. It is also flame retardant and has the advantage of excellent thermal insulation and acoustic properties.

landfill and transform them into high value, high demand end markets. We are overjoyed that a panel of independent judges were impressed with the Greenlite Insulated Concrete’s values on water vapour permeability, thermal conductivity, as well as the thermal resistance and thermal transmittance coefficients,” she says.

Concluded Cowie: “We are very thankful to the industry associations such as Polystyrene Packaging Council

(PSPC) and SAPRO who have shown an unwavering belief in our products and helped us get consistent, reliable access to recycled materials for our projects in order to meet supply and deadlines. The faith and support that the plastics industry and related associations show in initiatives such as ours, helps to raise the profile of our product and bring it to the attention of a greater market”, Cowie says.

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water

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RAINWATER HARVESTING

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ainwater harvesting is the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse on-site, rather than allowing it to run off.

Rainwater can be collected from rivers or roofs, and in many places the water collected is redirected to a deep pit (well, shaft, or borehole), a reservoir with percolation, or collected from dew or fog with nets or other tools. Its uses include water for gardens, livestock, irrigation, domestic use with proper treatment, and indoor heating for houses. The harvested water can also

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water supply

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l

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Quality The concentration of contaminants is reduced significantly by diverting the initial flow of run-off water to waste.

Improved water quality can also be obtained by using a floating draw-off mechanism (rather than from the base of the tank) and by using a series of tanks, with draw from the last in series. Pre-filtration is a common practice used in the industry to ensure that the water entering the tank is free of large sediment. Pre-filtration is important to keep the system healthy.

Conceptually, a water supply system should match the quality of water with the end use. Supplying rainwater that has gone through preliminary

healthy system Y Pre-filtration is a common practice used in the industry to ensure that the water entering the tank is free of large sediment. Pre-filtration is important to keep the system healthy.

filtration measures for non-potable water uses, such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and laundry, may be a significant part of a sustainable water management strategy.

History Around the third century BC, the farming communities in Balochistan (now located in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran), and Kutch, India, used rainwater harvesting for irrigation. In ancient Tamil Nadu (India), rainwater harvesting was done by Chola kings. Rainwater from the Brihadeeswara temple (located in Balaganpathy Nagar, Thanjavur, India) was collected in Shivaganga tank. During the later Chola period, the Vﾄｫrﾄ］am tank was built (1011 to 1037 CE) in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu to store water for drinking and irrigation purposes. Vﾄｫrﾄ］am is

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be used as drinking water, longer-term storage and for other purposes such as groundwater recharge.

water

water

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a 16-kilometre (9.9 mi) long tank with a storage capacity of 1,465,000,000 cubic feet (41,500,000 m3).

Rainwater harvesting was done in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh in the olden days. Ratanpur, in the state of Chhattisgarh, had around 150 ponds.

Most of the tanks or ponds were utilised in agriculture works.

Advantages

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Rainwater harvesting provides an independent water supply during regional water supply restrictions and in many developed countries is often used to supplement the main supply. It provides water when there is a drought, can help mitigate flooding of low-lying areas, and reduces demand on wells which

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may enable ground water levels to be sustained. It also helps in the availability of potable water as rainwater is substantially free of salinity and other salts. Application of rainwater harvesting in an urban water system provides a substantial benefit for both water supply and wastewater subsystems by reducing the need for clean water in water distribution systems, less generated stormwater in sewer system, as well as a reduction in stormwater runoff polluting freshwater bodies.

MODERN DAY USES In China and Brazil Currently in China and Brazil rooftop rainwater harvesting is being practiced for providing drinking water, domestic water, water for livestock, water for small irrigation and a way to replenish

china & brazil w Currently in China and Brazil rooftop rainwater harvesting is being practiced for providing drinking water, domestic water, water for livestock, water for small irrigation and a way to replenish ground water levels.

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water

The South African Water Research Commission has supported research into rainwater harvesting. Studies in arid, semi-arid and humid regions have confirmed that techniques such as mulching, pitting, ridging and modified run-on plots are effective for small-scale crop production.

In the United States

Until 2009 in Colorado, water rights laws almost completely restricted rainwater harvesting; a property owner who captured rainwater was deemed to be stealing it from those who have rights to take water from

united states

L Until 2009 in Colorado, water rights laws almost completely restricted rainwater harvesting; a property owner who captured rainwater was deemed to be stealing it from those who have rights to take water from the watershed.

quality of rainwater Improved water quality can also be obtained by using a floating draw-off mechanism (rather than from the base of the tank) 2015 December

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ground water levels. Gansu province in China and semi-arid north east Brazil have the largest rooftop rainwater harvesting projects on-going.

In South Africa

water

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the watershed. Now, residential well owners that meet certain criteria may obtain a permit to install a rooftop precipitation collection system. Up to 10 large scale pilot studies may also be permitted.

The main factor in persuading Legislature to change the law was a 2007 study that found that in an average year, 97% of the precipitation that fell in Douglas County, in the southern suburbs of Denver, never reached a stream—it was used by plants or evaporated on the ground. In Colorado you cannot even drill a water well unless you have at least 35 acres.

In the United Kingdom

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In the United Kingdom, water butts are often found in domestic gardens to collect rainwater, which

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is then used to water the garden.

However, the British government’s Code For Sustainable Homes encourages fitting large underground tanks to new-build homes to collect rainwater for flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering the garden, and washing cars.

This reduces by 50% the amount of mains water used by the home.

Harvesting water for gardening, carwashing laundry and toilet flushing

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packaging

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Use less and reuse where possible Choose recycled products and products that are designed to be recycled. (look for the relevant logos on packaging) Encourage others to join you in recycling Remember the four R’s. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover

Paper compactors and bailing equipment 30m3 Containers Office collections Confidential shredding Once-off requirements e.g. archive clearouts Certified document destruction Recycling aids Assistance with recycling programmes

Paper compactors and bailing equipment 30m3 Containers Office collections Confidential shredding Once-off requirements e.g. archive clearouts Certified document destruction Recycling aids Assistance with recycling programmes

Use less and reuse where possible Choose recycled products and products that are designed to be recycled. (look for the relevant logos on packaging)

Paper compactors and bailing equipment Encourage others to join you in recycling 30m3 Containers Remember the four R’s. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover Office collections Confidential shredding Once-off requirements e.g. archive clearouts Certified document destruction Recycling aids Assistance with recycling programmes

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e-waste

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e-Waste an opportunity

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for economic growth in Africa?

T

o help ease the high unemployment levels throughout the continent, organisations need to be innovative and create new commercially viable business opportunities. eWaste has captured the headlines in recent months and is no doubt an attractive proposition for companies to help stimulate economy growth.

At the recent national consultative conference on electronic and electrical waste (eWaste) management, the Minister of Environmental

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Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with the waste sector in meeting its challenges.

The conference focused on issues around the contextualisation of the eWaste challenges in South Africa, the management of eWaste in Municipalities, eWaste Recycling and Policy and legislative environment. eWaste makes up 5 – 8 percent of municipal solid waste in South Africa and is growing at a rate three times faster than any other form of waste.

Xperien CEO Wale Arewa says the challenge in the proper management of eWaste is a result of a lack of recycling infrastructure, poor legislation and inadequate funding. “The eWaste sector is a catalyst for socio-economic development, it is the source of new businesses and jobs.”

“As part of the overall concern for the environment, the Department of Environmental Affairs has already seen many new job opportunities created in other areas of recycling such as tyres and plastic packaging. Neither

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mental Waste Management Act 2008 (NEMWA 2008) and the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA).

Echoing a warning by the e-Waste Association of South Africa, Arewa says Africa is becoming a dumping ground for America and Europe under the guise of donations. “If we do not manage our eWaste, South Africa could find itself and its people in a high risk health and environmental crisis.”

This is aggravated by low levels of consumer awareness as well as unregulated disposal, collection and recycling eWaste processes, amongst others. Research shows that unrestricted use of the informal sector to handle eWaste can create more prob-

lems than it solves. Metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are all present in eWaste. For those workers who spend endless days exposed to dangerous levels of toxic elements with little to no protection, while breaking down electronics by hand, are at huge risk. “eWaste contains a number of hazardous materials, which if not handled correctly, present huge risks to those who process eWaste as well. That’s why we believe any initiative to boost employment in the field of eWaste needs careful consideration. There is certainly an increase in eWaste disposal compliance awareness, customers realise this importance of choosing the correct partner for eWaste disposal,” he adds.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for example forecasts that obsolete computers, both in China and in South Africa, will rise by 500% in 2020 compared to their 2007 levels. Statistics show for instance that developed countries will increase their exports of eWaste into China and Africa by 50-80%.

“The World Bank is one of many international institutions that fully appreciate the importance of evaluating the impact of any initiative,” says Dr Peter Tobin of IACT-Africa, one of the companies helping Xperien explore the implications of the opportunities and threats presented by eWaste.

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of these, however, have the same challenges as those faced by eWaste,” says Arewa.

He says the range of products to be recycled, the diversity of their contents and recoverable components and materials, provide significant challenges and present hazards that need careful management.

Company executives need to consider regulatory compliance, cost and more importantly, the protection of company information. eWaste disposal challenges facing companies in today’s environment include legislative requirements, compliance to Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 (PoPI 2013), the National Environ-

e-waste

breadtags

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COLLECT YOUR BREADTAGS

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TO PURCHASE A WHEELCHAIR

E

National Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 Nov – 3 Dec 2015

ach year, South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness month between 3 November and 3 December. As part of this year’s campaign, the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC) is encouraging people to collect their breadtags which can be used to “purchase” a wheelchair for people with mobility impairments who are financially unable to afford one.

Currently in its 8th year, the PSPC’s hugely successful “Breadtags for Wheelchairs” project has already touched hundreds of lives around the country and has also recently expanded internationally to Japan and Australia.

According to PSPC Director, Adri Spangenberg, they have close to 1 000 coordinators around the country who assist with the breadtag collection.

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Each year, close to 300 wheelchairs are handed over thanks to the collection of the breadtags which are made of high impact polystyrene (HIPS). These closures have a high recycling value, and are recycled into seedling trays, cornices, skirtings, outdoor furniture, coat hangers, poles and decking.

Because it is important to ensure that the correct wheelchair is purchased when seating quadriplegics, the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) assists with assessing the requirements of the wheelchair recipient by making sure they get the right chair for their needs. Similarly, specialist wheelchair supplier CE Mobility, services the wheelchairs to ensure they stay in a good condition. They have also committed themselves to donate

one wheelchair to a needy recipient for every wheelchair bought through them using the breadtags.

“Apart from the knowledge that we are addressing a big need in our communities, we also don’t want to see these breadtags end up in our country’s landfills as they have a good recycling market value. Factories manufacturing polystyrene and other plastics consume less energy and natural resources when they used recycled products, resulting in a cleaner, greener and healthier environment. It is important for us to raise awareness that Polystyrene is successfully being recycled in South Africa and to create new markets for this recycled product, while at the same time changing somebody’s life with one small act of kindness”.

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Adri says

Adri explains

w

w

The network of volunteers is made up of teachers, learners, churches and individuals who all diligently collect breadtags in order to make a big difference in the lives of the less fortunate

We have established a network of buyers around the country who have agreed to pay R6.00 for each kilogram of breadtags that are collected. Once enough tags have been collected to cover the cost of the wheelchair selected, this money is then paid over to the pharmacy or wheelchair supplier of their choice 2015 December

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plastics

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THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE

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AND THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY

Dame Lesley Anne Glover is a Scottish biologist and academic.

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lastics|SA has just released the exciting line-up of speakers who will be presenting at the second industry-specific conference on Wednesday, 16 March 2016 as part of the Pro-Plas Africa Conference that will be taking place from the 15th to the 18th of March 2016 at the Expo Centre, NASREC, south of Johannesburg.

The theme for next year’s conference is “The Triple Bottom Line and the Plastics Industry”, and will see local and international speakers unpack the issue of how people, planet and profit are affected by the current and future plastics environment.

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The programme has now been confirmed with the following presenters:

Dame Lesley Anne Glover

is a Scottish biologist and academic.

She was Professor of Molecular biology and Cell biology at the University of Aberdeen before being named Vice-Principal for External Affairs and Dean for Europe. She also served as Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of the European Commission from 2012 to 2014. Glover is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Institute of Biology, the Royal Society of Arts, and the American Society for Microbiology and was a council member of the Natural Environment Research Council

About plastics|sa Represents all sectors of the South African Plastics Industry including polymer producers and importers, converters, machine suppliers, fabricators and recyclers.

from 2001-11. She was recognised in 2008 as a Woman of Outstanding Achievement by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology. In February 2013 she was assessed as the 19th most powerful woman in the United Kingdom by Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4. Prof Glover will be the first opening keynote

plastics

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relating to mergers and acquisitions, anti-corruption law and general commercial law.

Alec Erwin

needs very little introduction as South Africa’s leading corporate trend analyst and design consultant, as well as freelance journalist, columnist and social commentator, who currently runs his own company called Flux

was Minister of Public Enterprises in South Africa from 2004 to 2008. Prior to this he was Minister of Trade and Industry. Mr Erwin will be the second keynote speaker of the day, and will focus his talk on what the local plastics industry should do to ensure that it not only survives, but thrives in a challenging economic climate.

Jason J. Drew

has been described as one of ‘Africa’s most inspiring green leaders’ by Leadership Magazine. In his talk entitled, “From Industrial revolution to sustainability revolution - the business of fixing our future”, Jason will give a unique business leader’s insight into the future of business, the environment – and the challenges for us as business leaders. He will also provide an insight into some of the remarkable and profitable green businesses he has started and invested in both in Africa and Europe.

Dion Chang

Trends. Chang works both locally and internationally.

Members of Plastics|SA only pay R1 200.00 per person (excluding VAT) and non-members pay R1 400.00 for a full day conference of international standard, lunch, coffee and tea breaks and a cocktail function afterwards.

Seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis

plastic industry

I

Mefane Makhutla

is the HR Director for Astrapak. Drawing on his substantial experience managing the human element in the workplace, he will be sharing his expertise on how the plastics industry’s leaders can maximize, motivate and maintain their most valuable resources – people. Mefane specialises in offering advice and support to divisional teams on all HR related matters ensuring compliance with company policy and current labour legislation.

dion chang

south africa’s leading corporate trend analyst

Meluleki Nzimande

has been involved in various investigations into customs duty amendments, including anti-dumping and other trade remedy investigations.

He has also advised on bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to which South Africa is party, including the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreements, the SACU Agreement, the WTO Agreement and others. He will be unpacking the profit aspect of the day’s theme, addressing matters

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speaker and will share her views on how the global plastics industry is rising to the challenge to improve its triple bottom line.

climate

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CLIMATE CHANGE

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arth’s temperature depends on the balance between energy entering and leaving the planet’s system. When incoming energy from the sun is absorbed by the Earth system, Earth warms. When the sun’s energy is reflected back into space, Earth avoids warming. When absorbed energy is released back into space, Earth cools.

Many factors, both natural and human, can cause changes in Earth’s energy balance, including: • Variations in the sun’s energy reaching Earth • Changes in the reflectivity of Earth’s atmosphere and surface • Changes in the greenhouse effect, which affects the amount of heat retained by Earth’s atmosphere These factors have caused Earth’s

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climate to change many times.

Scientists have pieced together a record of Earth’s climate, dating back hundreds of thousands of years (and, in some cases, millions or hundreds of millions of years), by analyzing a number of indirect measures of climate such as ice cores, tree rings, glacier lengths, pollen remains, and ocean sediments, and by studying changes in Earth’s orbit around the sun.

This record shows that the climate system varies naturally over a wide range of time scales. In general, climate changes prior to the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s can be explained by natural causes, such as changes in solar energy, volcanic eruptions, and natural changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations.

Recent climate changes, however,

cannot be explained by natural causes alone. Research indicates that natural causes do not explain most observed warming, especially warming since the mid-20th century. Rather, it is extremely likely that human activities have been the dominant cause of that warming.

The Greenhouse Effect Causes the Atmosphere to Retain Heat When sunlight reaches Earth’s surface, it can either be reflected back into space or absorbed by Earth. Once absorbed, the planet releases some of the energy back into the atmosphere as heat (also called infrared radiation).

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) like water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) absorb energy, slowing or preventing the loss of heat to space.

In this way, GHGs act like a blanket, making Earth warmer than it would otherwise be. This process is commonly

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climate

known as the “greenhouse effect.”

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The Role of the Greenhouse Effect in the Past Over the last several hundred thousand years, CO2 levels varied in tandem with the glacial cycles. During warm “interglacial” periods, CO2 levels were higher. During cool “glacial” periods, CO2 levels were lower. The heating or cooling of Earth’s surface and oceans can cause changes in the natural sources and sinks of these gases, and thus change greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

These changing concentrations are thought to have acted as a positive feedback, amplifying the temperature changes caused by long-term shifts in Earth’s orbit.

greenhouse effect

.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) like water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) absorb energy, slowing or preventing the loss of heat to space. In this way, GHGs act like a blanket, making Earth warmer than it would otherwise be.

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climate

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The Recent Role of the Greenhouse Effect Since the Industrial Revolution began around 1750, human activities have contributed substantially to climate change by adding CO2 and other heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. These greenhouse gas emissions have increased the greenhouse effect and caused Earth’s surface temperature to rise. The primary human activity affecting the amount and rate of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.

Climate Forcers

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Particles and aerosols in the atmosphere can also affect climate. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and biomass contribute to emissions of these substances, although some aerosols also come from natural sources such as volcanoes and

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When sunlight reaches Earth’s surface, it can either be reflected back into space or absorbed by Earth. Once absorbed, the planet releases some of the energy back into the atmosphere as heat (also called infrared radiation).

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climate

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marine plankton.

Industrial Revolution

Black carbon

L

L

Since the Industrial Revolution began around 1750, human activities have contributed substantially to climate change by adding CO2 and other heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere.

(BC) is a solid particle or aerosol, not a gas, but it also contributes to warming of the atmosphere. Unlike GHGs, BC can directly absorb incoming and reflected sunlight in addition to absorbing infrared radiation.

• Black carbon (BC) is a solid particle or aerosol, not a gas, but it also contributes to warming of the atmosphere. Unlike GHGs, BC can directly absorb incoming and reflected sunlight in addition to absorbing infrared radiation. BC can also be deposited on snow and ice, darkening the surface and thereby increasing the snow’s absorption of sunlight and accelerating melt.

• Sulfates, organic carbon, and other aerosols can cause cooling by reflecting sunlight.

• Warming and cooling aerosols can interact with clouds, changing a number of cloud attributes such as their formation, dissipation, reflectivity, and precipitation rates. Clouds can contribute both to cooling, by reflecting sunlight, and warming, by trapping outgoing heat.

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vinyl

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CELEBRATING VINYL EXCELLENCE

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WITH A MEMORABLE TRIP TO THE UK

P

olyflor South Africa’s recent “In Search of Excellence” competition looked to celebrate the best in vinyl solutions across different industries and applications.

According to Tandy Coleman-Spolander, Marketing Director of Polyflor SA, the aim was to encourage all key stakeholders within the industry to raise the bar in vinyl solutioning, and to push the art of the possible.

Entries for the competition flooded in from around the country when it was revealed that the prize included a trip of a lifetime to travel to the UK to watch the Springbok rugby team compete with Scotland at St James Park in Newcastle, plus the opportunity to witness world

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class manufacture in action at the Polyflor and Gradus factories in Manchester.

“It was an unbelievable experience to visit the UK for the first time with the amazing Polyflor group. Even though we were such a diverse group of people we got along so easily. We were treated to a fantastic game of World Cup rugby between South Africa and Scotland and I still get goose bumps when I tell people about the South African fans singing our national anthem under the stadium after the game. It was very interesting to visit the Polyflor and Gradus factories and to see where and how products we specify are manufactured. The care and attention we were treated with has made a lasting impression on me,” said Heloise Urry of Graceland Architects who had won the architects category for the Mediclinic Midstream project.

This sentiment was echoed by Donovan D’Oliveira, Interior Designer of Mediclinic Southern Africa, who described it as a trip of a lifetime.

“I was very privileged to be part of it.

Not only did we watch a historical game

vinyl

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hand.

“The tour not only proved to be an amazing opportunity to learn more about how vinyl products are manufactured within European standards, but also offered everyone an oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to see and meet our Bokke at the World Cup.

By the time the group landed back in South Africa, everybody was eager to ensure their next projects would raise the industry levels even further, and to make sure that they would be part of the next winning team in Polyflor’s biennial “In Search of Excellence’ competition,” Tandy concluded.

Pieter du Plessis of Flor Pro, and winner of the contractor category for the Toys-R-Us project in Wonderboom, Pretoria, said the trip highlighted the fact that quality assurance and eco-sustainability is top of mind when it comes to the manufacturing of Polyflor products.

“The Polyflor team treated us to stunning restaurants and very fine dining during our trip, and went out of the way to make it a memorable experience for each one off us. The visit to the Polyflor head office and distribution centre in Oldham showed just how the company is able to deliver any order within 24 hours within the UK, and why stock distribution to Polyflor SA is so effective,” Pieter said.

Other highlights of the trip included a trip down the River Tyne, visiting the Polyflor Riverside Factory, which manufactures heterogeneous vinyl flooring and the company’s Whitefield factory, where homogenous vinyl flooring is manufactured. The last factory visit took place at Gradus, to see their solutions for flooring accessories, barrier matting and wall protection first

vinyl flooring

p

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live in one of the UK’s three largest stadiums and be there to witness our team beat Scotland, but we were also fortunate enough to have met several of the Springboks in person.

I thoroughly enjoyed the tours of the Polyflor and Gradus factories in Manchester which were informative and opened my eyes to new ideas and possibilities,” he said.

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editorial

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2015 December

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Two Ians, Ian Gwebu and Ian Barnard have teamed together to set up a material recovery facility (MRF). Both recycling enthusiasts see the MRF as a revolutionary solution to waste management in the city.

GLASS

PA P E R

PLASTIC

P.O. Box 74153 Turffontein, 1 Crystal Place, Johannesburg 2140, South Africa

M E TA L