From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.
Sashnee Moodley:
Paper and plastics packaging business Mpact has unveiled a new R350-million PET recycling operation in Wadeville aimed at reducing the impact of plastic waste in South Africa. Natasha Odendaal tells us more.
Natasha Odendaal:
Mpact’s new 20 000 m2 bottle-to-bottle PET recycling facility has paved the way for improved recycling rates of PET in South Africa, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and diverting waste from nearly at capacity landfills. Industry body Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz tells us more.
Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz:
Natasha Odendaal:
Total PET – virgin and recycled – consumption in South Africa is around 198 000 t/y – 68% of which is consumed in the beverage industry for bottle manufacture.
Petco was targeting the collection and recycling of some 70% of the plastics by 2022.
Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz:
Natasha Odendaal:
The potential for job creation and other peripheral benefits of the first PET recycling plant in Africa to meet The Coca-Cola Company’s full PET certification requirements to package the company’s soft drinks were also highlighted:
Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz:
Natasha Odendaal:
ABI Bottling, an SABMiller subsidiary and bottling partner of Coca-Cola, Mpact’s anchor client, would consume 6 000 t/y of the 21 000 t/y rPET food and beverage packaging output from the facility.
Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines this week:
Corporates urged to support youth development through football programme
And, South Africa not immune from ‘Brexit’ fallout
The South African Football Association’s Agency is urging corporate companies to partner and invest in its football-based Safe-Hub programme, which aims to encourage youth to engage in life skills programmes through the use of football.
SDA CEO Robin Petersen:
The outcome of the ‘Brexit’ referendum on Thursday June 23 is not of mere academic interest to South Africa and could have real consequences for the country’s trade relations with both Britain and the European Union.
University of Birmingham's Professor Peter Sinclair:
Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.