The Polystyrene Industry In South Africa Supports The PSPC
The Polystyrene Packaging Council has been set up to focus on the development of the polystyrene industry in South Africa. One of the main objectives of the Council is to set-up the necessary resources and tools for relevant projects that will improve the general perception of polystyrene as a viable packaging material that can be recycled.
The Council acts as a representative of the polystyrene industry in public relations to educate consumers, manufacturers, and various large scale users of polystyrene about the benefits of using polystyrene as material and also to educate South Africans regarding recycling of the material.
The Polystyrene Industry South Africa
The PSPC supports sustainable development and usage of the product and aims to provide adequate support to consumers, right through to the producers. As part of this focus, the Council plays an active part in the promotion of the polystyrene industry and the products produced by them.
Fully understanding concerns regarding the safety of packaging material, especially as pertaining to food stuffs, the Council endeavours to use scientific data and research to inform the public and all role players about the qualities of the product that makes it suitable for packaging and especially for food stuffs.
Environmental Concerns
With expanded polystyrene wastage posing an environmental problem if left in nature, the polystyrene industry in South Africa works with the Council and consumers to ensure adequate recycling. For this purpose, recycling points are set-up and the public educated as to the value of recycling and where the drop-off points are.
The above is an ongoing process, aimed at the development of a comprehensive network of collection points throughout the country. This will also help to minimize littering. Further to the focus of minimizing littering, the Council is committed to the education of the public and the market sector regarding minimization of littering and optimal usage of recycling facilities. The product is already recycled in the country and with continued effort, will become one of the most recycled products in the South Africa.
Standards in the Industry
The Council has the support of industry in establishing national quality standards as well as guidelines regarding manufacturing, distribution, and recycling of not just one type, but all types of polystyrene produced. Another goal is to align the South African industry with international best practices as related to the production, distribution, management, and recycling of polystyrene.
Since it is important that the leadership and legislators of the country support the manufacturing and recycling of polystyrene, it is essential to also educate and inform them about the benefits of the product. The Council furthermore aims at the creation of a forum for discussion of issues particularly of importance to industry.
Although the Council was established only in 2007, groundbreaking work has already been done. No doubt, there is still a lot of ground to cover, but with a focussed agenda and the support of the polystyrene industry, the promotion of the product as safe packaging material will ensure its future.
