Plastic SA integrates the plastic value chain
Attendees gained valuable insights into how the country is managing plastic's destructive side effects.
According to a local organisation, Plastic SA, plastic is a controversial product, so useful in many areas, but also a major pollutant of rivers, oceans, and wherever one goes.
Representing the bulk of manufacturers of plastic products in South Africa, the organisation held a networking and information session at its Midrand headquarters on June 22.
About 80 members of non-profit organisations and the public sector gained some valuable insights into where the country is going with its management of the destructive downside of plastic products.
In his remarks, Action for Responsible Management of Our Rivers (Armour) committee member Anthony Duigan said one very positive outcome for Armour was evidence of the growing integration of the plastics value chain.
“[It is ] linking the manufacturers of plastic products through the legislated requirement for producers to also take responsibility for what is happening to some of their products –Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Regulations 2020 – with the waste pickers who are SA’s major recyclers, turning waste into money,” said Duigan.
In the networking event titled ‘Celebrating the creation of collaborative cities and suburbs’, some dots were connected regarding the regulations of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on the one hand, and government policy on the other.
Taking into account what industries are doing to support recyclable products, and linking it with the potential that lies at the end of the chain, a new economy for waste pickers, the department is enforcing the EPR and aiming to make all plastic carry bags 100% recyclable within five years.
“Connecting the dots, or integrating the plastics value chain, is at the start of a long and innovative journey,” added Duigan.
Cityzen Smart Communities CEO Najen Naidoo presented an ambitious plan for creating smart communities in which reclaimers are fully integrated into the local economy as a core part of waste management.
“The plan is to first link parts of Sandton – Rivonia, Sunninghill, and Morningside – into the first Smart Community.”
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/306750/calls-rates-trigger-protest/
