Thirty-two percent of plastic packaging produced annually worldwide is left to flow into the world’s oceans, according to the World Economic Forum. Mandy Naudé, CEO of Polyco, believes the solution to this problem starts with recycling.

“Taking care of our environment is simple, really. If each household or business implements and follows a recycling programme, we’re already halfway there,” explains Naudé.

Separate at source

Polyco, a non-profit industry body formed by a group of responsible polyolefin packaging producers with the aim of increasing the polyolefin packaging recycling rate, says we need to accept that we cannot live without plastic in our world.

“However, it is how packaging is designed and what consumers do with it once it has been used that makes the difference. By separating waste into recyclables and non-recyclables, you’ll play a major part in preventing plastic from ending up in the ocean, or accumulating in landfills,” the organisation notes.

Giving South Africans a start

For every tonne of plastic that is recycled, it saves the equivalent of two people’s energy consumption for a year, the amount of water used by one person over two months and more than 7 500 litres of gasoline.

Polyco is determined to show all South Africans how easy recycling can be and they have produced an educational, interactive online video alongside the queen of DIY, SuzelleDIY.

“We are passionate about driving recycling initiatives and spearheading this positive recycling revolution,” says Naudé.