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South Africa becomes serious about Polysterene
In an effort to raise awareness of Polystyrene as a product and its numerous packaging uses, the impact on the environment and the importance of recycling, various representatives of manufacturers, consumer bodies and recycling organizations have recently joined forces to form the first ever Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC) in South Africa. The successful launch was held in Cape Town on 17 October 2007 at the V & A Waterfront.
According to Greg Metcalf, Chairman of the newly formed body, the primary objectives of the PSPC are to coordinate efforts of the various players in the polystyrene industry in demonstrating their commitment to the environment through collection and recycling, and to communicate the safety, health and hygiene of polystyrene packaging to consumers.
�?€?œPolystyrene is the most widely used form of packaging throughout the world today with a wide variety of uses �?€?“ ranging from packaging convenience food, to use in fridges, the manufacturing of CD boxes, computers and yoghurt cups,�?€? Metcalf says. �?€?œWe therefore see it as our responsibility to also educate the consumers and the public about the importance of recycling polystyrene and the true facts about how it is being manufactured, transported and used.�?€?
The mandate of the PSPC, however, stretches beyond merely proclaiming the good news about polystyrene. �?€?œIt is not just about Polystyrene as a product, but about an industry sector that significantly contributes to job creation, economic growth, addressing unemployment and providing convenience to the consumer,�?€? Metcalf explains. �?€?œThe industry�?€?™s efforts to meet all eco responsibilities must be seen to be positive, constructive and effective through relevant technical, communications and public policy efforts.�?€?
As part of their strategy, the PSPC will be launching an extensive communication and education campaign aimed at the consumer, retailers and the general public over the next few months. �?€?œWe are finalizing plans for road shows, exhibitions, competitions, press functions and information pamphlets explaining how beneficial Polystyrene is in many ways not always evident to the consumer and to communicate little known facts about Polystyrene and our recycling initiatives that are underway,�?€? Metcalf says.
Some of these �?€?œFast Facts�?€? about Polystyrene include:
- Significant quantities of Polystyrene is manufactured and used in South Africa, including being used for fast food packaging, yoghurt cups and coffee cups.
- The Polystyrene industry provides employment to a few thousand people throughout the country.
- Polystyrene is incredibly lightweight �?€?“ thereby lowering the carbon footprint when the product is transported�?€� even lower than any other form of plastic foam or paper board currently used by manufacturers.
- Polystyrene is a fundamental form of packaging in the fast food and retail industry.
- Because polystyrene is also a by-product of petroleum, it therefore consumes no dedicated process or resource in its manufacture.
- The use of CFCs in foaming has completely been eliminated
- Polystyrene offers retailers the most cost effective packaging solution to keep pre-packed meat and chicken fresh
- Significant amounts have been allocated for the establishing of recycling depots and launching of Polystyrene recycling efforts throughout the country.
- The PSPC will be looking to major retailers to join in the effort to raise awareness about recycling and have Polystyrene recycling depots at their food outlets.
- The Chairman of PSPC is Greg Metcalf, from Plastform and the Vice President is Ken Morris, from Mondipak, David Hughes from the Plastics Federation is an executive member. Adri Spangenberg an independent consultant has been appointed as Director of the PSPC. In addition, the PSPC has as its member�?€?™s international polymer suppliers (polymer is not manufactured locally) and local Polystyrene packaging converters. Other members also include representatives from EPSASA (Expanded Polystyrene Association) whose primary focus is building products. Where necessary, the Council will form partnerships with other relevant industry associations �?€?“ both locally and oversees.
For further information about the PSPC, contact Adri Spangenberg on (011) 793 2658
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