In the realm of waste management, certain materials have long been considered challenging to recycle. Polystyrene, in particular, has garnered a reputation for being difficult to repurpose, leading to a prevailing misconception that it cannot be effectively recycled. However, thanks to the relentless efforts and ongoing investments of the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) – a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) with The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Lighting, Portable Batteries and Paper and Packaging Sectors – this narrative is rapidly evolving.
In a groundbreaking development, eWASA has proudly announced an exceptional achievement for 2022-2023 reporting period: a remarkable 31% recycling rate for polystyrene. This significant milestone not only defies the conventional wisdom surrounding the recyclability of this versatile material that is used widely for food packaging, take-away containers, fish boxes as well as protective packaging for household appliances, car parts and other fragile items, but also underscores the efficacy of organisation’s initiatives in bolstering recycling infrastructure for these materials.
Adri Spangenberg, an EPR Specialist and Business Associate of eWASA explains that one of the driving forces behind this achievement is the growing demand for sustainable waste management solutions. “As global awareness of environmental issues continues to escalate, organisations like eWASA are increasingly under pressure to enhance recycling capabilities and divert materials from landfills. Moreover, pressure groups such as the Plastics Pact have underscored the importance of reevaluating traditional perceptions of recyclability. eWASA’s success in achieving a substantial recycling rate for expanded, extruded and high impact polystyrene challenges the notion that it is not recyclable, prompting a paradigm shift in waste management discourse and on-pack labelling”.
Keith Anderson, CEO of eWASA, affirms Adri’s sentiment, stating that the implications of this achievement extend beyond mere statistics. “This is a significant milestone that we have achieved through collective effort by industry stakeholders who are supporting eWASA’s unwavering commitment to advancing recycling initiatives. The funds raised from our polystyrene packaging members have been channelled directly into recycling and collection efforts, underscoring our proactive approach to addressing waste management challenges,” he says.
Beyond the numbers, the implications of eWASA’s achievements reverberate across various sectors and underscores the economic viability of the various recycling initiatives that it supports.
“Various new end-markets have been developed in recent years for recycled polystyrene, ranging from lightweight concrete bricks to picture frames, cornices, curtain rods and other building and construction products. Moreover, the integration of polystyrene recycling into household waste collection systems signifies a pivotal shift in waste management practices, paving the way for more inclusive and comprehensive recycling programmes,” Adri says.
Looking ahead, eWASA’s triumph serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the global recycling community. By challenging entrenched perceptions and investing in innovative solutions and has demonstrated the transformative power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. As the momentum towards sustainability continues to build, eWASA’s achievements stand as a testament to the boundless potential of recycling to drive positive change on a global scale.
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Author: Keaoleboha Sefako from Aim Marketing & Communications Consultants on behalf of eWASA.
Why is the environment important to human kind? The environment is important to human kind because it provides us with the basic necessities of life such as air, water, food and shelter. It also has a direct impact on our physical and mental well-being, as it provides places for recreation and relaxation, and can help to reduce stress. Furthermore, the environment contributes to the overall quality of life, as it helps to regulate the climate, and can affect the health of our economy and communities. Finally, the environment is essential for sustaining the biodiversity of our planet, which is essential for the survival of many species, including humans.
Three examples of how the environment affects human activities?
- Climate Change: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and overfishing are all contributing to global climate change. Climate change has been linked to a range of impacts, from more extreme weather patterns to sea level rise and disruption of food production.
- Air Pollution: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes are a major source of air pollution. This air pollution can cause respiratory problems, acid rain, and crop damage.
- Water Pollution: Human activities such as dumping waste into bodies of water, agricultural runoff, and oil spills can lead to water pollution. This pollution can cause algal blooms, contamination of drinking water, and destruction of aquatic ecosystems.
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