Cooperation Of Polystyrene Suppliers In Gauteng To Ensure A Sustainable Industry
The Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC) was formed in 2007 to oversee the recycling, responsible production and distribution of polystyrene related products by not only polystyrene suppliers in Gauteng, but also in the other provinces of South Africa.
The PSPC has set several objectives, including that of setting national quality standards relating to the production, usage, and recycling of polystyrene related products. In addition, the PSPC endeavours to align the production and distribution by polystyrene suppliers also in Gauteng to that of the international best practices adopted worldwide.
The Council furthermore with the support and assistance of polystyrene suppliers in South Africa inform the public about recycling projects, drop-off points and uses of polystyrene. The PSPC also informs, guides, and educates the media and any interested persons and companies regarding polystyrene as a viable packaging material.
Polystyrene is a rather stable product and if left in nature, it will take years to break down. As such it can become an environmental hazard. To prevent such, it is extremely important to promote recycling of the product. The Council endeavours to promote, along with the polystyrene suppliers in Gauteng, responsible collection, recycling and usage of the products in industry to minimize the effects on the environment.
The polystyrene manufacturers contribute to job creation, improvement of living and economic stability by also ensuring responsible management of packaging products through recycling projects.
The PSPC and polystyrene suppliers in Gauteng work together in addition to members of the Expanded Polystyrene Association (EPSASA) as well as recycling companies. The Council forms partnerships locally and internationally to promote environmentally friendly practices and recycling of polystyrene.
The local industry including polystyrene manufacturers and suppliers in Gauteng fund the PSPC by means of payment of industry levies. Some of the members of PSPC are briefly introduced below.
Protea Polymers
It is one of the largest suppliers of raw materials for the production of polystyrene related products. The company imports and distributes the raw materials required by industry to ensure high quality packaging products.
Cibapac
The company is one of the leading polystyrene manufacturers in South Africa as well as internationally. The company focuses on the production of clear film PVC for food wrapping in perforated and non-perforated forms. The company supplies the PVC wrap to a large number of fresh produce suppliers and meat processing clients.
Polyoak
The company has been around for a few decades and is a leading supplier of rigid plastic packaging products. Polyoak focuses on injection mould related products for various industries including food and beverage suppliers and manufactures thin wall based containers suitable for dairy products such as ice-cream and yoghurts.
Importance of Coordination and Standards
Without coordination of the recycling efforts, polystyrene suppliers in Gauteng will not be able to minimize the environmental footprint of polystyrene. It is furthermore important to have a central body to regulate production and education of the public. This is where the PSPC has come to play an important role ensuring sustainability for polystyrene industry in South Africa.
