DANONE SOUTHERN AFRICA JOINS POLYSTYRENE ASSOCIATION OF SA

 Pressure on producers to join a PRO

According to the Adri Spangenberg, the Polystyrene Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Danone SA is a major manufacturer of High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) used in their yoghurt tubs and has set an excellent example for other producers to follow with regards to their commitment to Extended Producer Responsibility.

“The Polystyrene Association of SA has had good success with getting the manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) on-board as members and to be supportive with our various recycling projects which are aimed at keeping polystyrene packaging out of the country’s landfills. In view of the recent developments with regards to Government’s Section 28 call for the development of Industry Waste Management Plans from the paper & packaging industry, electrical & electronic industry and lighting industry, we have made concerted efforts to encourage HIPS producers to also sign up with us as members,” Adri explains.

Developing end-markets for recycled yoghurt tubs

The Polystyrene Association of SA has developed various end-markets that specifically use recycled yoghurt tubs made from HIPS and that bear the number 6 polymer identification code at the bottom. One such an end-market is the Tutu Desk initiative – a simple, portable and robust lap desk that children can place on their laps for a stable writing platform, thereby creating a dedicated ‘work zone’ whether they are sitting on the floor or on a chair.

“It requires approximately 1 kg of yoghurt tubs in weight to manufacture one desk, and each one is designed to last the lifetime of the child at school. The project falls under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Polystyrene Association is privileged to have been part of this project for the past six years via WESSA (Wildlife Education Schools of South Africa) and its network of Eco-Schools who are also collecting yoghurt tubs that are recycled into the lapdesks,” she says. Last year alone, more than 5 449 tons of polystyrene was successfully recycled in South Africa through the Association’s various recycling projects.

Showing a commitment to sustainability