Pick n Pay (PnP) has signed up as a member of MetPac-SA, a producer responsibility organisation representing the metal packaging recycling industry in South Africa.

MetPac-SA CEO Kishan Singh this week applauded PnP’s decision to support the local metal packaging industry’s efforts to increase the collection and recovery rates of aluminium cold drink cans, canned food packaging made from aluminium and stainless steel, as well as aluminium foil products, aerosol cannisters, metal caps and closures.

Commenting on their motivation for joining MetPac-SA, PnP Sustainability General Manager, Andre Nel, explains that partnerships such as these play an important part in driving long-term sustainable change.

“As a leading retailer, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and encourage our suppliers and customers to join us on the journey.

“We believe it is important to support organisations such as MetPac-SA, who are focused on establishing a circular economy by treating waste as a valuable resource that can be used to address economic, social and environmental challenges.”

He adds that PnP has experienced the benefits of this approach first hand, with its reusable bags that are made from recycled plastic bottles.

“By increasing reuse and recycling, we prevent more waste from reaching our environment,” Nel SAID.

South Africa’s metals packaging collection rate is an estimated 75.8%, but the industry has set itself the task of increasing this figure to 79% by 2021 and 81% by 2023.

MetPac-SA also recently welcomed Woolworths as a member, joining other members such as Coca-Cola, Heineken, Nampak and Nestle.