Ethics in Waste Management – Interwaste Holdings Ltd

The Era of Responsibility: Embracing Accountability for a Sustainable Future

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Tue, 06 May 2025 07:17:07 +0000

Earth is our only home, and how we treat it defines the legacy we leave for future generations. With waste mounting, biodiversity dwindling, and ecosystems under threat, the Era of Responsibility is not just an option – it’s a necessity. May’s theme, “There is no Planet B,” is a call to action for South Africa and the world to embrace sustainable practices, promote accountability, and take collective responsibility for protecting our precious planet.

The Weight of Responsibility

South Africa faces significant challenges in waste management, but it’s also a country rich with potential to lead the way in sustainable innovation. With an annual waste generation of 107 million tonnes, the need for accountability across all sectors – government, business, and individuals – is more urgent than ever. Programs like the National Waste Management Strategy (2020) are setting ambitious goals, but achieving them requires everyone to step up.

Lessons in Accountability: What Works

Sustainability thrives on responsibility, and South Africa is already home to initiatives proving that accountability works:

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Action

Companies like PETCO are revolutionizing plastic recycling by taking responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. Their work in South Africa has not only increased recycling rates but also created jobs and reduced the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Collaborative Waste Reduction

The Packa-Ching initiative uses mobile recycling units to collect recyclable waste directly from communities. This innovative model not only reduces waste but also incentivizes recycling through cash rewards, fostering community accountability and participation.

Sustainable Farming and Waste Reduction

In Limpopo, the Magoebaskloof Biomass Project turns invasive plant species into renewable energy. This initiative demonstrates how responsibility in managing environmental challenges can yield both ecological and economic benefits.

The Role of Individuals: Accountability Starts at Home

The Era of Responsibility isn’t just about policies and corporate action – it starts with individuals taking charge of their own impact. Simple steps can make a big difference:

Reduce and Reuse: Minimize single-use plastics and find creative ways to repurpose items.
Separate Waste at Source: Participate in programs like the Separation at Source initiative to ensure recyclables are properly processed.
Support Local Efforts: Engage with community initiatives like buy-back centres and composting programs to contribute to sustainable waste management.

Staking Our Future: Responsibility with Action

As South Africans, we hold the power to turn responsibility into action. Every piece of waste diverted from a landfill, every policy enforced, and every innovation adopted brings us closer to sustainability. The stakes are high – there is no alternative to Earth. By embracing accountability now, we can preserve our planet’s resources and create a thriving, waste-conscious future.

Choosing Responsibility Over Neglect

The Era of Responsibility is not just about acknowledging the problem; it’s about being part of the solution. South Africa’s challenges are steep, but the rewards of accountability are far-reaching – cleaner environments, healthier communities, and a sustainable economy.

Each small action contributes to a larger movement of change. Let’s choose responsibility over neglect, sustainability over convenience, and collaboration over isolation. Together, we can build a future where waste no longer defines us but empowers us to innovate and protect the one planet we all call home.

Accelerating South Africa’s Path to Sustainability

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:00:04 +0000

Time is of the essence.
As waste accumulates, ecosystems degrade, and climate challenges intensify, the imperative for swift, effective action becomes undeniable. South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture: continue on a path of neglect or embark on bold strides toward a sustainable future. April’s theme, “Make Haste, Not Waste,” urges us to expedite efforts in waste management and sustainability, ensuring that today’s actions pave the way for tomorrow’s solutions.

The Urgency of Action

South Africa generates approximately 107 million tonnes of general waste annually, with a staggering 90% – or 84 million tonnes – ending up in landfills or stockpiles. This overwhelming reliance on landfills not only strains available space but also poses significant environmental hazards.

A promising initiative addressing this challenge is the City of Cape Town’s waste-to-energy project at the Coastal Park Landfill site in Muizenberg. This project aims to convert landfill gas into electricity, showcasing a proactive approach to waste management and energy production.

Innovations Leading the Way

Sustainable waste management transcends mere reduction of disposal; it involves reimagining waste as a valuable resource. South Africa is home to several pioneering projects spearheading this transformation:

Biogas Energy Projects

The City of Cape Town has raised R36 million through the auction of carbon credits for its waste-to-energy initiatives. These projects focus on converting landfill gas into electricity, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating renewable energy.

Plastic Road Pilot Project

In KwaZulu-Natal, a pilot program has successfully incorporated recycled plastic into road construction. These “plastic roads” are more durable and cost-effective than traditional materials, offering a sustainable solution for plastic waste.

Circular Economy Startups

Enterprises like the EcoBrick Exchange are transforming non-recyclable plastics into building materials, addressing both waste and housing challenges through innovative means.

Collaboration Is Key

While innovation is vital, scaling these efforts necessitates collaboration across sectors. Government policies, private-sector investment, and community engagement must converge to achieve substantial progress.

Government Leadership: The National Waste Management Strategy (2020) outlines clear objectives for reducing landfill dependency and advancing a circular economy. Effective enforcement and adequate funding are crucial to realizing these goals.
Corporate Responsibility: Businesses adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, such as PETCO in the plastics industry, exemplify corporate leadership in sustainability.
Community Participation: Initiatives like the Separation at Source program rely on public cooperation to ensure proper sorting and processing of recyclable materials.

Stopping the Clock: A Future Worth Making Haste For

The race toward sustainability is not just about reducing waste – it’s about reshaping our mindset and systems for a cleaner, healthier future. Every moment we delay compounds the challenges, but every action we take moves us closer to lasting solutions. In South Africa, the time to act is now.

Each piece of waste mismanaged is a missed opportunity to protect our ecosystems, conserve our resources, and build an economy that thrives on innovation. By making haste with purpose, we can transform the ripple effects of neglect into waves of positive change.

The vision of a waste-free South Africa is within reach – but only if we commit to it. Let this be the moment we choose to act swiftly and intentionally, embracing innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Together, we can ensure that waste no longer defines our future but becomes the cornerstone of our transformation.

The Ripple Effect: How Weak Waste Practices Impact Us All

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:15:36 +0000

Waste management doesn’t happen in isolation. Every misstep – from illegal dumping to inadequate recycling – creates ripple effects that spread far and wide. In South Africa, weak waste practices amplify environmental damage, deepen social inequality, and strain already stretched municipal budgets. These interconnected challenges highlight an urgent truth: what we do with our waste doesn’t just disappear – it comes back to impact us all.

A Chain Reaction of Environmental Consequences

South Africa’s waste crisis isn’t just about overflowing landfills; it’s about the cumulative effects of inadequate practices on the environment.

One striking example is the uMgeni River in KwaZulu-Natal, where illegal dumping and poor waste disposal have heavily polluted this critical water source. Leaking toxins and untreated waste have affected biodiversity and water quality, endangering both ecosystems and human health.

Another area of concern is the Olifants River Catchment Area, a hotspot for agricultural runoff and waste mismanagement. The ripple effects here include degraded water quality, reduced agricultural yields, and downstream impacts on local communities relying on these resources.

Social Impacts: The Forgotten Communities

Weak waste practices disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, creating a cycle of inequality that is difficult to break.

Across the country, informal waste pickers work in unsafe conditions to collect recyclable materials. These individuals often face health risks from exposure to hazardous waste and lack the necessary infrastructure to support their efforts. While their work contributes to recycling and waste reduction, they remain marginalized, with limited access to resources or protection.

Another nationwide occurrence is how waste mismanagement has exacerbated social challenges. Illegal dumping sites near residential areas have led to increased vermin infestations, polluted air, and higher rates of illness – all of which impact the quality of life for residents.

Economic Costs: Paying the Price of Inaction

The economic ripple effects of poor waste management are significant and far-reaching:

Tourism Losses

Waste pollution has tarnished South Africa’s natural beauty, impacting tourism. For example, Durban’s beaches often face closures due to waste pollution creating unsafe swimming conditions in the sea, costing the city millions in lost revenue during peak holiday seasons.

Lost Opportunities in Recycling

The informal waste economy in South Africa plays a crucial role in recycling, yet inefficiencies in infrastructure mean billions of rands worth of recyclable materials are lost annually. Scaling initiatives like Buy-Back Centrescould unlock this potential while creating jobs and reducing landfill dependency.

Strain on Municipalities

Weak practices create mounting costs for municipalities tasked with addressing illegal dumping, rehabilitating polluted sites, and maintaining aging landfill infrastructure. Without long-term investments in sustainable solutions, these costs will continue to grow.

Breaking the Chain: Lessons for the Future

The ripple effect of weak waste practices is a stark reminder of the need for systemic change. Promising initiatives are already underway:

The Separation at Source Program: Piloted in Johannesburg, this program encourages households to separate recyclables from general waste, increasing recycling rates and reducing landfill pressure.
GreenCape’s Waste Economy Initiative: This program fosters collaboration between public and private sectors to create a circular economy in South Africa, turning waste into a valuable resource.

These initiatives prove that change is possible, but they require widespread adoption and commitment from all sectors of society.

Stopping the Ripple Effect

The ripple effect of poor waste practices impacts everyone – but so does the power to stop it. By addressing waste at its source, improving recycling infrastructure, and investing in community education, we can break the cycle of neglect and create a system that benefits both people and the planet.

As individuals, businesses, and governments, we must embrace responsibility and action. Together, we can ensure that waste no longer defines our future but becomes a resource for innovation and growth.

Let’s transform the ripple effect of weak waste practices into waves of positive change – for South Africa and beyond.

Driving Positive Change: How Moz Environmental Supports the Metula Community in Pemba

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:15:24 +0000

Within the Interwaste Group, our commitment to serving land and life extends beyond waste management – it is about making a tangible difference in the communities where we operate. A recent initiative at our Moz-Environmental Subsidiary with our team at the Pemba Depot, and in partnership with Reef Investimentos LDA, reflects this dedication to environmental responsibility and community well-being.

Addressing a Community Need

The Metula community, located near our Pemba depot, reached out for assistance in clearing an unmanaged waste site that had become a growing concern for public health and environmental sustainability. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our Moz-Env EXCO team approved the project, working closely with the Mayor of Pemba, Mr. Satar Abdulgani, and local community leaders to ensure a coordinated and effective cleanup effort.

Executing a Large-Scale Cleanup

The cleanup took place on 10th and 11th February 2025, with resources mobilized to efficiently remove accumulated waste. This effort included:

4 x 18m³ tipper trucks and a front-end loader, provided at no rental cost by Reef Investimentos.
Moz-Env managing fuel supply, supervision, and liaising with local authorities to ensure smooth execution.
30 x 18m³ loads of waste removed and disposed of at the Pemba municipality landfill.

Beyond Waste Removal: A Sustainable Commitment

While the immediate focus was on clearing the waste, our engagement with the Metula community goes further. Poor waste management poses serious risks, including pollution, disease outbreaks, and compromised quality of life – issues that require long-term solutions.

To ensure continued environmental improvements, we have committed to:

Installing two permanent skip bins in the area for controlled waste disposal.
Scheduling bi-weekly collections to prevent further illegal dumping and maintain a cleaner environment.

Building Stronger Communities Through Action

Sustainability is not just about managing waste; it is about empowering communities to thrive in cleaner, healthier spaces. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, local governments, and communities collaborate towards a shared goal.

Following the cleanup, we met with the Mayor of Pemba, who expressed strong support for our continued involvement in waste management solutions for the Metula community. By working together, we are not only creating cleaner spaces today but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.

At Interwaste, our purpose goes beyond business – it is about driving real impact, ensuring that both people and the environment are protected. We remain committed to fostering partnerships and implementing practical waste solutions that support communities in need.

Together, we are serving land and life – one initiative at a time.

More Than Meets the ‘I’: The True Cost of Poor Waste Management

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 20:15:31 +0000

In the mid-20th century, society’s approach to waste was largely indifferent. Known as the Age of Neglect, this era was marked by a lack of awareness and accountability around waste disposal, resulting in consequences that linger to this day. By reflecting on the missteps of the past, we can uncover valuable lessons to guide our journey towards a more sustainable future.

An Historical Look at Waste Mismanagement

The Age of Neglect was defined by rapid industrialization and urbanization, which brought unprecedented levels of waste. With limited knowledge of environmental science and inadequate waste management systems, most waste was either dumped in landfills or incinerated, often near urban centres.

One infamous example is the Love Canal disaster in the United States during the 1970s. Hazardous industrial waste buried beneath a residential area led to severe health and environmental repercussions, sparking widespread awareness of the dangers of neglecting proper waste disposal. Similarly, South Africa’s growing landfill crisis and limited waste legislative framework in the late 20th century highlighted the country’s struggle to keep up with increasing waste production, leaving many communities vulnerable to the impacts of pollution.

These examples illustrate the cost of poor waste practices and the need for responsible, forward-thinking waste management policies.

Environmental and Social Consequences of Neglect

The Age of Neglect wasn’t just about waste piling up – it was about the ripple effects of that waste on ecosystems, public health, and economies. Some of the key consequences included:

Pollution of Natural Resources:

In the 1980s, widespread dumping of untreated industrial and municipal waste contaminated rivers, oceans, and groundwater systems worldwide. In South Africa, the Vaal River system faced significant pollution challenges due to untreated effluents and poor waste management practices.

Impact on Vulnerable Communities:

Communities, often economically disadvantages ones, located near illegal dumping sites or non-compliant landfills, suffered disproportionately.

Economic Costs of Cleanups:

Neglected waste often led to costly remediation efforts. Globally, cities like Tokyo and London faced billions in cleanup costs, while South African municipalities have struggled to allocate funds to rehabilitate aging landfillsites and continue to incur immense costs related to managing illegal dumping.

These issues serve as stark reminders of the far-reaching consequences of neglect.

Lessons Learned: How the Past Informs the Future

While the Age of Neglect left a significant environmental footprint, it has also been a catalyst for change. Global movements like the Basel Convention in 1989 sought to regulate hazardous waste exports, signalling a shift toward accountability. In South Africa, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act of 2008 laid the groundwork for modern waste management practices.

These efforts highlight the importance of policy, education, and innovation in addressing waste challenges. By confronting the mistakes of the past, we can shape more effective strategies for the future.

A Call to Action: Embrace Sustainability Today

As we look ahead to a future without waste, let’s keep the lessons of the past close. The Age of Neglect has taught us about the cost of indifference, but it also presents a roadmap for improvement. We can redefine our relationship with waste and embrace sustainable practices that ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Every choice we make today brings us closer to a future where waste is a valuable resource, not a burden.

This journey isn’t just about reversing the damage; it’s about reimagining what’s possible when we collectively prioritize sustainability. By learning from the past, we empower ourselves to make smarter, more responsible decisions in the present. Together, we can move from the Age of Neglect to an era of positive change, building a legacy of environmental stewardship and resilience.

The Age of Neglect: How Our Past Shapes a Sustainable Future

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:55:53 +0000

An Historical Look at Waste Mismanagement

These examples illustrate the cost of poor waste practices and the need for responsible, forward-thinking waste management policies.

Environmental and Social Consequences of Neglect

The Age of Neglect wasn’t just about waste piling up – it was about the ripple effects of that waste on ecosystems, public health, and economies. Some of the key consequences included:

Pollution of Natural Resources:

Impact on Vulnerable Communities:

Communities, often economically disadvantages ones, located near illegal dumping sites or non-compliant landfills, suffered disproportionately.

Economic Costs of Cleanups:

These issues serve as stark reminders of the far-reaching consequences of neglect.

Lessons Learned: How the Past Informs the Future

A Call to Action: Embrace Sustainability Today

A Time of Waste and a Future of Possibility

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:40:23 +0000

As the Diamond Sponsor of ISWA 2024, Interwaste had the incredible opportunity to engage with both local and international industry leaders and colleagues sharing thought-provoking insights and innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the African waste management industry. Our presence at the conference not only highlighted our commitment to pioneering sustainable practices but also reinforced our role as a key player in shaping the future of waste management in the region.

While many of the presentations throughout the event focused on the pressing issues within the waste industry, we are exceptionally proud of our team’s outstanding contributions. Each presentation brought fresh ideas, explored diverse perspectives, and provided actionable solutions for some of the most critical challenges faced today.

Thought Leadership in Action

Kate Stubbs led one of the plenary sessions with her captivating presentation, “A Time of Waste.” She took the audience on a journey through the past, present, and future of waste management, reflecting on the changes in mindset and the actions needed to reconnect with nature. Drawing on concepts like the circular economy and biomimicry, Kate’s insights inspired us to imagine a future where waste becomes a resource rather than a burden.

Sintu Mhlonyane presented an exciting breakthrough in his talk, “Overcoming Challenges in Leachable Analysis: A Novel Approach.” His innovative approach reduces costs and simplifies processes, offering a more efficient path toward regulatory compliance. Sintu’s presentation highlighted his expertise and the practical impact of his work on improving industry standards.

Bradley Thorpe shared his passion for environmental stewardship in his presentation on Biodiversity Protection and Promotion through Waste Management. Bradley discussed how waste management activities can actively protect, restore, and promote biodiversity, sharing actions Interwaste has taken to restore ecosystems and champion biodiversity at our sites. His insights demonstrated our long-term commitment to sustainability, going beyond waste to embrace the full spectrum of environmental responsibility.

Moipone Maseko delivered a forward-thinking presentation on Circular Sustainable Solutions for Liquid Waste, which examined the current state of South Africa’s wastewater treatment plants. She showcased Interwaste’s own Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), which transforms 80-90% of wastewater into clean, reusable water. Moipone’s presentation illustrated the potential of African solutions to meet global challenges head-on, especially as the world faces increasing water scarcity.

Case Studies That Lead the Way

As part of a broader team effort, Interwaste showcased two key case studies. The first focused on Effluent Treatment and the Need to Diversify Our Water Mix, emphasizing how incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles is essential for effective water management. The second case study explored the potential for Waste to Energy in South Africa, examining the drivers for adoption, local opportunities, and insights from our partners at Séché Environnement.

The Time of Waste Concept and Interwaste Stand

Throughout ISWA 2024, our stand embodied the theme, “A Time of Waste,” reflecting on the evolution of waste management and encouraging a mindset shift for the future. Visitors to our stand experienced interactive features like a VR journey through natural environments, which emphasized our connection to nature, and our bold stance on sustainability. We believe that dreaming big and imagining a world without waste is critical to creating impactful change.

As part of our commitment to reducing waste, the stand was constructed with eco-friendly materials, and sustainability was at the heart of every detail, from recyclable carpets to biodegradable paints and inks.

A Thank You

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to ISWA and IWMSA for organizing such a successful conference. The platform allowed us to engage with like-minded individuals and share our expertise, while learning from global leaders who are also committed to creating a better tomorrow.

As we move forward from ISWA 2024, Interwaste remains dedicated to innovating and leading the waste management sector, delivering impactful solutions that address the needs of today, while building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Driving Sustainable Change: Interwaste’s Innovative Initiatives

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 03:52:33 +0000

It’s Women’s Month – and Interwaste is celebrating the launch of its Give2Green initiative.

Women’s Month is a month where we not only highlight the triumphs of women but take stock of the barriers that they still face. In fact, our own Government has stated that Women’s Month allows us to gauge how far we have come in transforming the unequal power relations between men and women and creating a conducive environment to enable women to take control of their lives.

And we agree.

Every company should use this month as an opportunity to examine how they can facilitate socio-economic upliftment, to make a collective difference. This is a challenge that Interwaste has examined. We have focused on how we continue to remain true to our core, by focusing on driving recycling and waste management issues in South Africa, but also to provide a sustainable approach to some of the key issues facing women. In line with this, we are pleased to launch our Give2Green initiative this month.

The Give2Green initiative, which still focuses on the recycling element, now gives consumers, and companies the option of either donating sanitary pads or wheelchairs to those that need it the most. It is an adaption of our already well received Tops & Tags programme – where since 2011, we asked individuals, communities and corporates to bring in recyclable goods that could be used as a donation towards a wheelchair for those in need. A programme that saw us donate over 1 000 wheelchairs to worthy recipients as well as divert over 400 tons of waste from landfill disposal.Give2Green is the next evolutionary step in this journey.

We really want to focus on promoting women’s health, education, and empowerment to improve the lives of women and girls in our country and part of this journey means also addressing a very basic human right – access. Today, far too many women, and girls, lack access to sanitary pads, which, we know can lead to absenteeism in schools, and at work, and this can affect education and income generating activities. In fact, I Menstruate, an organisation that is focuses on these issues has stated that today 83% of girl learners do not have regular access to menstrual hygiene products at school and at home. We hope to make a difference here – and believe that collectively, we can provide the access that is so very much needed.

So please join us on this journey as we try to help remove this barrier for so many women and allow them to allocate their limited resources to other much needed necessities.

To learn more, please visit www.give2green.co.za and start collecting your recycling for donation.

World Water Week: Wastewater treatment

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:30:28 +0000

As the world comes together to celebrate World Oceans Day, we are reminded of the profound importance of our oceans and the urgent need to protect them. The oceans, with their mesmerizing beauty and vast expanse, provide us with invaluable resources, support vibrant ecosystems, and play a crucial role in regulating our planet’s climate. However, they are facing unprecedented challenges from plastic pollution and habitat destruction to overfishing and climate change. In this blog piece, we explore how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices can serve as a powerful tool in preserving the world’s oceans and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

ESG principles have emerged as a critical framework for measuring the ethical impact and sustainability of businesses and investments. It is not surprising that these principles align seamlessly with the conservation of our oceans. ESG emphasizes responsible environmental practices, social responsibility, and ethical governance, all of which are vital for safeguarding our marine ecosystems and ensuring a thriving ocean environment.

Environmental Stewardship: A Key Component of ESG:

The environmental pillar of ESG emphasizes sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and climate change mitigation. These elements align closely with the preservation of our oceans. By implementing robust environmental policies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and adopting sustainable waste management practices, companies and communities actively contribute to the well-being of marine ecosystems. The health of our oceans directly impacts the planet’s overall ecological balance, making environmental stewardship a fundamental aspect of ESG.

Social Responsibility: Protecting Coastal Communities:

The social pillar of ESG focuses on a company’s relationships with its employees, customers, and local communities. When it comes to oceans, coastal communities play a vital role in their preservation. By engaging with these communities, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and promoting responsible fishing practices, companies uphold their social responsibility. Additionally, investing in education and awareness programs about marine conservation can empower these communities to become active guardians of the oceans, further reinforcing the social dimension of ESG.

Governance and Ethical Practices: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability:

The governance pillar of ESG centres on corporate governance, ethics, and transparency. In the context of oceans, governance plays a critical role in ensuring responsible and ethical practices. By establishing strong governance structures, enforcing stringent compliance measures, and actively monitoring the environmental impact of their operations, companies demonstrate their commitment to ocean conservation. Transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms further reinforce the governance aspect of ESG, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.

Circular Economy and Ocean Conservation:

Effective waste management plays a pivotal role in the broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework for ocean conservation. As we strive to protect our oceans and marine ecosystems, it is imperative to understand the direct link between responsible waste management practices and the well-being of our oceans.

The circular economy approach, a key component of ESG, aligns closely with efforts to protect our oceans. The circular economy minimizes waste generation, prevents pollution, and reduces the exploitation of natural resources, all of which have a direct impact on the health of our oceans. Embracing circular economy principles not only enhances ESG performance but also safeguards our marine environments for future generations.

ESG practices offer a comprehensive framework for businesses, investors, and individuals to contribute to the preservation of our oceans. By integrating ESG principles into their strategies, companies can proactively address environmental challenges, empower coastal communities, and ensure ethical governance in their operations. Embracing sustainable practices, supporting marine conservation initiatives, and promoting responsible consumption can collectively drive positive change and foster a deeper sense of stewardship for our oceans. Engaging in sustainable practices, sharing knowledge, and supporting initiatives that protect marine biodiversity foster collaboration, enabling a more holistic approach to ESG and the preservation of our oceans.

ESG principles and the protection of our oceans are inherently interconnected. As we celebrate World Oceans Day, let us recognize the profound impact that ESG practices have on the health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, embracing social responsibility, upholding ethical governance, and adopting circular economy principles, companies can contribute to the conservation of our planet’s blue heart. Together, we can create a future where ESG initiatives and ocean preservation go hand in hand, ensuring a thriving and resilient planet for generations to come.

Happy World Oceans Day!

Avery Dennison & Interwaste Ramp up Liner Recycling Programme in SA

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 18 May 2023 08:55:08 +0000

Avery Dennison and Interwaste aim to expand AD Circular, Avery Dennison’s glassine liner (backing paper) recycling programme, which seeks to divert waste from landfill and support the growing demand for recycled materials in South Africa.

Studies have shown that glassine liner for pressure-sensitive (self-adhesive) labels is a recyclable waste with high-quality fibres. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a global policy approach that places responsibility on producers for the collection, treatment and disposal of post-consumer waste, lists glassine liners as one of the paper and packaging materials that must be diverted from landfill.

Over the last two years, AD Circular, through a partnership with Interwaste, a South African waste management solutions provider, has successfully redirected approximately 100 tons of glassine liner waste from landfill in the country. AD Circular allows both white and yellow glassine liner waste from any pressure-sensitive label manufacturer to be recycled.

With increasing demands for more responsible waste management and in line with the national government’s approach, Avery Dennison has plans to accelerate its AD Circular liner recycling programme in South Africa.

Mark Ellis, commercial director at Avery Dennison Sub-Saharan Africa, reports: ‘AD Circular is our contribution towards the establishment of a circular economy and one of the many ways we’re enabling the recycling of label waste and advancing the use of recycled materials. More importantly, we also want to provide a convenient way for businesses to recycle their glassine liner waste and simultaneously help to strengthen their sustainability goals.’

‘The ongoing collaborative efforts of brand owners and packaging providers have been integral to the success of AD Circular to date. As more of such like-minded partners look for efficient solutions to recycle packaging waste, we hope to work with them on this journey to strive towards a zero-waste nation in South Africa,’ Mark comments.

Kate Stubbs, director business development and marketing at Interwaste, adds: ‘Interwaste is excited to bring this solution to the South African market in partnership with Avery Dennison. As a company focused on providing compliant, innovative and sustainable integrated waste management solutions to customers, this is another example of how we can assist them in transitioning to the circular economy operating model and opening opportunities for economic growth, local employment and environmental best practice.’