Polystyrene is still regularly and widely used in South Africa, from disposable cups and take-away boxes, to packaging for appliances and even cornices.
Most of our supermarkets supply fruit and vegetables in polystyrene/styrofoam trays. Lagos in Nigeria just banned styrene products, to the relief of environmentalists.
This is a significant move for an African country and indicates a growing level of social and environmental care consistent with the amazing improvements we’ve seen in countries like Rwanda and Ghana.
But this trend is not new: polystyrene is already banned in at least 76 countries, with Haiti first banning it in 2012 and many others coming on board since 2017 (including Zimbabwe and the Seychelles).
All members of the European Union outlawed extruded polystyrene in 2021; Canada and India followed in 2022, as did New Zealand, various South American countries, most island states and certain states in the USA.
The Chinese government tried to ban polystyrene as early as 1999, but this was reversed ‘amidst industry lobbying’ in 2013 (Wikipedia).
Polystyrene is a very dangerous material: it is made from chemicals including styrene and benzene, and affects the central nervous system, affecting vision, concentration, memory, balance and hearing; it contributes to liver and kidney problems and is believed to be carcinogenic.
Furthermore, it doesn’t biodegrade and can’t be recycled in our area, and so presents a serious pollution problem.
It eventually breaks down into microplastics over the years in the soil and water, poisoning plants and being ingested by fish and other animals… and so is indirectly consumed by humans.
It is debatable why the SA government continues to allow the production and distribution of polystyrene, especially for food packaging.
While this is still the case, please avoid it all costs, whether you sell food and drinks or are a consumer.
For all our sakes, please try not to buy food packaged in styrofoam; supply your own take-away containers and shopping bags and support businesses that provide paper and cardboard packaging.
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