Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the South African plastics industry, is proud to announce its commitment to combating plastic pollution on World Environment Day on 5 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June 2023.

“This year's theme, Solutions to Plastic Pollution, highlights the urgent need to address the plastic waste crisis that is damaging our environment and harming our marine life. As a responsible industry, Plastics SA is taking the lead in developing and supporting various initiatives to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment and our oceans,” says Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics SA.

To mark World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, Plastics SA will once again be actively participating and supporting numerous clean-ups at beaches, rivers, and waterways across the country. These clean-up events will bring together volunteers, community groups, and organizations to collect plastic waste and other debris from the environment and dispose of it safely and responsibly.

In addition to the clean-up events, Plastics SA is also committed to ongoing education and training about the dangers of marine pollution and the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling.

“Plastics SA believes in taking responsibility for our waste and preventing it from ending up in nature. As one of our key areas of focus, we are proud to be working with various industry partners who are implementing projects and initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment and our oceans," Steyn says. "We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference and protect our environment and our oceans for future generations."

We recognise that plastic pollution is a global issue that requires collective action from all stakeholders and therefore we will continue to work with government, civil society, and other industries to develop sustainable solutions to plastic pollution that are also cost efficient.

"We believe that by taking a proactive approach, we can develop innovative solutions that will help to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. We are committed to working with our partners to find practical solutions to plastic pollution that are cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable,” Steyn says.

Plastics SA is calling on all South Africans to join the fight against plastic pollution and support the initiatives on World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. By working together, we can make a real difference and protect our environment and our oceans for future generations.