The Sustainability Division of Plastics SA was honoured for the commitment it has shown over the past 18 years to rid the environment of plastic litter by being awarded the Corporate External Award at the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife / Old Mutual Excellency Awards for 2014.

“Forming partnerships is an indispensable component of Emzemvelo KZN Wildlife’s responsibility to protect the biodiversity in our province.  Since 1996, Plastics SA has partnered with us in helping deal with the problem of marine litter,” said Dr Bandile Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

“We are particularly grateful for their support, which now amounts to some 18 years of sustained assistance.

“Their generous contribution has included providing more than 400 000 clean-up bags for KZN beach clean-ups, a monetary contribution of R1.2 million; financial support for turtle research and sponsoring a boat for clean-ups in the Durban Mangroves,” he added.

Receiving the award on behalf of Plastics SA, Sustainability Director Douw Steyn emphasized that sustainability is one of the six core functions of Plastics SA, the mouthpiece of the entire plastics industry.

“The plastics sector is uniquely placed to meet the needs of a sustainable society and to deliver solutions to many challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, resource usage and energy recovery,” Steyn said.

“Looking after the environment is a key driving force for us, and influences almost every decision we take.  We have been mandated to ensure a vibrant and sustainable plastics industry in South Africa, and take this task very seriously.  We are relentless in our efforts as we educate people that “Plastics don’t litter.  People do.”

Steyn concluded that they are very proud of receiving the award and appreciated the recognition Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has shown to the association.