The Coronavirus outbreak has left no person or industry unaffected. Whilst the rest of the country continues to be in lockdown, South Africa’s police force, healthcare professionals and other workers in the frontline fight against the COVID-19 virus are ill-equipped and face serious shortages of gloves, masks and other protective gear.
The plastics industry asserts that this has afforded them a unique opportunity to practically demonstrate the tremendous power of plastics – not only to protect food and produce from spoilage thanks to plastic packaging, but also to protect lives. “We are fully aware of the fact that this is a very difficult time for our industry and that finances and resources are stretched. However, this is an exceptional time in the history of our nation. With innovative, out-of-the-box thinking and collective efforts, we believe that the plastics industry will be able to make a valuable contribution,” said Anton Hanekom, Executive Director at Plastics|SA. Globally, plastics manufacturers have stepped up to the challenge by rapidly changing their production lines in order to provide in-demand items, ranging from disinfectants and hand sanitizers, to gloves, face shields and ventilators. Plastics|SA urges its our members to take up the challenge by coming on board to support one of the following initiatives: Manufacture and/or donate products:The South African plastics industry would love to be in the position to donate protective gear (i.e. gloves and masks, face screens) hand sanitizer and other equipment needed to our frontline forces.
If you are a raw material supplier, manufacturer or product developer, have access to 3D printers etc., please get in touch with us to let us know how and what you are able to provide or produce. Donate funds towards the Solidarity Fund: If you are unable to donate products or services in the fight against the Coronavirus, but would like to make a financial donation to the Solidarity Fund along with other players in the plastics industry, please get in touch.
