The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) revealed that the recycling of all food and beverage glass packaging has incrementally increased to 41.1 per cent, illustrating a growth in recycling in South Africa.
The CEO of the company, Shabeer Jhetam, explained the widespread benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling glass at the TGRC Annual Green Dialogues hosted on 28 June at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.
“As our influence grows, we are passionate about fulfilling the mandate of reducing glass waste in South Africa, and diverting glass products from landfills into a new product lifecycle,” said Jhetam.
At this year’s event, the company showcased the origins and goodness of glass, the product lifecycle, glass’ ability to reduce carbon emissions and contribute positively to slowing climate change, how glass recycling saves water and can ensure cleaner oceans, how recycling saves energy and also celebrated the continued role of glass in everyday life.
Glass is one of the world’s natural wonders since it is a pure product touching each of the earth’s four elements: earth, air, water and fire. According to the company, eight out of 10 glass bottles and jars placed in the market annually is diverted from landfill.
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Jhetam said he was heartened by the many ways that the glass recycling network provided income opportunities to previously disadvantaged groups and he hoped to grow this impact further.
“Underpinning every success we have celebrated in the past year and challenges we face in future is the ‘fire’ of people,” he added. “None of this would be possible without the passion that each person brings to this cause. From our valued shareholders and staff, from glass artists to the retailers and restaurants that diligently recycle, and the hard-working collectors, entrepreneurs and schools that ensure that glass does not end up in South Africa’s landfills, each individual plays a vital role.”
Jhetam said the company would work together with fellow South Africans as seamlessly as the four elements to create a sustainable future for all.
For recycling tips and advice, visit TGRC website www.tgrc.co.za or like TGRC on Facebook.
