THABA YA BATSWANA: Alan De Haas from Mpact was the guest speaker at the Green Business Platform meeting held at Thaba Ya Batswana on Tuesday November 5.
Speaking on smarter, sustainable solutions for recycling, Alan gave an overview of Mpact and also advice on recycling.
“Mpact is one of the largest paper and plastic packaging groups in Southern Africa, with 30 operating sites, 23 which are manufacturing operations, employing approximately 3 700 people.
“Mpact Recycling, which used to be called Mondi Recycling, a division of Mpact, is by far the biggest paper recycler in South Africa. Our main processing plant and fibre yard is situated locally in Tulisa Park,” said Alan.
Why is it important to recycle?
The recycling industry plays a vital role in sustainable development in South Africa, particularly with respect to the environment and job creation. All around South Africa, the waste from communities, businesses, homes and schools ends up in landfill sites. Not only does recycling have long-term implications for the environment by reducing the impact of landfill sites as well as decreasing the need to import raw materials, it also creates jobs in the industry.
Many people rely on recycled paper to make a living, selling paper they collect to Mpact Recycling, giving them a steady means of income. “The recovered paper is brought to Mpact Recycling sites where it is sorted and then sent to our paper mills. There it is made into all sorts of other recycled-based products that you use every day, such as corrugated boxes, newspapers, pizza boxes, cereal boxes and even toothpaste boxes.
“Recycling paper, including cardboard, old newspapers, magazines or schoolbooks is a simple process that everyone can help with, and which has an impact on the future of our country in many ways,” Alan added.
Why don’t you recycle?
Recycling is easy but many house holders say they don’t have enough space to recycle. If you have a garden or yard put out three containers with lids; one for plastic, such as milk bottles; one for glass, and the other for cardboard and paper.
Bag up the glass, plastic and paper items into three separate packets and take them to your local recycling/ Pickitup depot. If you haven’t time to do this, put out the bags for the recycling men who come around on the day your dustbin goes out. The recyclers will appreciate your time and effort and it will help them to make a living.
If you would like to find out any more information about Mpact visit their website: www.mpact.co.za or e-mail: info@mpact.co.za alternatively phone too-free 0800 022122 or 011 538 8600.
Andrew Barker, from KlipSa and Nicky Vakaloudis from SOJO thanked Alan for his contribution to the meeting. Next month’s meeting will be held on Tuesday December 3 at Thaba Ya Batswana, 07:30 for 08:00. A guest speaker has still to be confirmed.
