The South African plastics industry recently launched Operation Clean Sweep on World Oceans Day (8 June 2017) at the uShaka Marine World in Durban. According to Douw Steyn, sustainability director at Plastics|SA, the primary goal of the campaign is to stop plastic pellets, flakes and powder used in the plastics industry, from reaching the sea. “We as the plastics industry produce the pellets and flakes used to manufacture plastic bags, bottles and other plastic products,” Steyn said. “When these micro-plastics are spilt during the manufacturing process, they are swept into drains from where they enter the sewerage system and eventually end up in our rivers and ultimately the sea,” he explained. “These pellets are smaller than a sunflower seed in length, but wider, and are therefore not easy to pick up during regular beach clean-ups. As a result, they are ingested by turtles, birds and marine life.”
Marine ecosystem effects Mark Liptrot, sustainability manager at packaging company Constantia Afripak, said the extended effect of plastics on the ocean is a growing problem as micro-plastics attract chemical pollutants that are ingested by marine life, which, in turn, is eaten by other marine animals and humans. Addressing the media, industry and members of the public who attended the breakfast launch, Steyn emphasised that plastics are integral to every aspect of our lives, particularly in protecting food from contamination.
Operation Clean Sweep “It is where we use it, how we use it and what we do with the plastic product once we are done with it, that is important,” Steyn said. “To address this problem and offer a workable solution, Plastics|SA has launched “Operation Clean Sweep” – a worldwide drive aimed at reducing the amount of plastic pellets that end up in rivers and ultimately in the ocean.”
He added that the plastics industry as a whole had a role to play – from the producers and importers of raw materials pellets and flakes, to the converters and manufacturers of plastic products, as well as the recycling companies.
“Our goal is to achieve zero pellet, flake, and powder loss,” he said. “Whilst it might seem to be an ambitious target, we believe it is possible through containment and the implementation of good housekeeping practices.”
Awareness and education Catherine Constantinides, head of Miss Earth South Africa endorsed Operation Clean Sweep. “To help highlight the importance of clean oceans, Miss Earth SA ambassadors took part in 100 beach clean-ups across the country,” she said. “But it’s not just cleaning up that’s important. Educating and creating awareness are equally necessary. If we don’t educate, we will be doing clean-ups for the next 20 years of World Ocean Day. “We are appealing to retailers and the public at large to realise that they too have a vital role to play in ensuring that plastic products and waste do not end up polluting the environment,” said added.
World Oceans Day Background: The Ocean Project has promoted and coordinated World Oceans Day globally since 2002. It does so through a team based in the United States, as well as advisors and volunteers in dozens of countries. It is a collaborative organisation and work in partnership with hundreds of organisations, including World Ocean Network, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and many other networks from all sectors. World Oceans Day is celebrated around the world in cities and rural villages, close to the sea and far inland. More than 600 events were hosted around the world last year.
