The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) is excited to announce its participation and support of the upcoming Clean-Up & Recycle SA week and River Clean-Up Day initiatives. SAVA, the leading industry association for the vinyls sector in Southern Africa, will be actively contributing to these annual sustainability events coordinated by Plastics SA by supporting clean-up efforts across the region and promoting environmental awareness.
Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, which will take place from 11-16 September 2023, is an annual initiative that brings together thousands of volunteers from around the country to take action against litter and pollution. According to Monique Holtzhausen, CEO of SAVA, the association recognizes the importance of mobilising communities to take responsibility for cleaning their own neighbourhoods and is committed to playing an active role in cleaning up our environment.
“PVC (or vinyl) is primarily used in building and construction products such as pipes, gutters, windows and doors or flooring. All of these products have a long life-span of fifty years or more. Less than 2 % of PVC is used in packaging and therefore not often found in the environment as litter or visible pollutants. However, as an industry we want to show our commitment to working towards a cleaner, healthier world,” says Monique Holtzhausen, CEO of SAVA.
She explained that their enthusiastic support of River Clean-Up Day will focus on the vital task of cleaning up our rivers and waterways. SAVA members and industry stakeholders are encouraged to get involved in clean-up activities taking place across the country throughout the month of September, thereby making a tangible difference in the cleanliness and sustainability of Southern Africa's natural environment. Neptun Boot and BBF Safety, two of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of PVC gumboots, donated much-needed footwear to help keep clean-up crews safe and dry, whilst SAVA donated t-shirts and encouraged to member companies to volunteer their time and energy to participate in clean-ups around the country.
Said Monique: “Clean water is a precious resource and SAVA is dedicated to preserving and protecting it. As an industry we are actively participating not only help ensure the safety and comfort of the volunteers, but also serve as a symbol of unity in the fight against pollution. What’s more, these PVC gumboots are 100 % recyclable once they have reached the end of their lifespan and in high demand by our recyclers,”
"SAVA's mission is to inspire individuals and organisations to take action in preserving Southern Africa's natural beauty for future generations. We are committed to promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability within our industry and beyond, seek to inspire good change and promote awareness about the need of environmental preservation through our active participation in Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week and River Clean-Up Day,” Monique concluded.