During this year, countries in Europe, Asia and the UK have been experienced very high temperatures. Recently, several parts of South Africa have also experienced a heat wave. It is very disturbing that across the globe countries are experiencing more hot days and less cold days. Intense heat waves are becoming a common phenomenon. The change in weather patterns can be observed by the increase in the number of hot days getting hotter. Throughout the United States, during the last decade daily record high temperatures have occurred twice as often as record lows (Source: Center for Climate and Energy Solutions). The world’s population and carbon emissions are major contributors to climate change.

Why must we be concerned?

Environment:

Extreme heat waves have a knock-on effect on other environmental elements. Droughts and huge wildfires are created by high temperature. On 13 July 2022, the temperature in Leiria, Portugal reached 45 degrees Celsius where 3000 hectares of land had burnt. The country was placed on red alert and firefighters were battling to control active fires countrywide.

Sea-levels will rise caused by the melting snow which will flood coastal areas and islands. Residents on islands will have limited higher ground to resettle on or seek residence in other countries. Water resources will take strain as the demand increases in the agriculture sector, energy, and human consumption.

In urban areas, the infrastructure absorbs heat which results in cities being hotter than rural areas. China experienced three heat waves this year. In July 2022, under extreme heat conditions in some urban areas the roads buckled, and the tar melted.

Human Health:

Extreme hot conditions without the necessary precautions can cause death. During 1999 to 2009 hot conditions killed an average of more than 600 people per year in the United States.

The human body is unable to cool down when there is hot weather coupled with high humidity rates which can cause heat stroke. Older adults, children and people with chronic health issues and outdoor workers are prone to heat stress. In the USA heat-related illnesses have killed more people than any other weather-related hazard. During a heat wave in 2010, 56 000 Russians died.

In a report done by Climate Impact Lab, predicts that the global annual mortality rate due to heat waves will increase. By 2100 with an expected global population of 11 billion, 8 million people will die from heat related deaths.

Agriculture:

High temperature has an impact on the growth patterns of crops, as some crops require cooler nights to grow. The global grain market is under severe pressure due to the disruptive supply from Ukraine. Grain farmers in Europe are seen as an alternative to supplement the demand, however the hot conditions in Europe have negatively influenced the crop yields. Animals also experience heat stress when unable to cool down due to continue high temperatures. Droughts and wildfires caused by heat waves have a major impact on the harvest level of crop farming and shortages of feed for livestock occurs.

Energy:

Since pre-industrial time, the average temperature of the planet has risen by 1,1 C. The main contributor to global warming is the emission of greenhouse gasses. Gasses like CO2, and methane traps the sun’s heat causing increase in temperatures. As a result, heat waves are caused by man-made climate changes.

During hot times, more electricity is used in cooling systems which creates more emissions into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. The earth’s natural carbon balance where CO2 released from dead plants into the atmosphere are again reabsorbed by new plants. However, the extra CO2 emissions created by burning fossil fuel cannot be fully absorbed and excess remains in the atmosphere. This disruption contributes to global warming.

According to safety policies, when dangerous working conditions due to high temperature are created workers are not allowed to work, productivity and factory outputs decrease. For safety reasons during hot weather, major outdoor events and concerts are cancelled which result in a loss of income.

In summary, the frequent occurrence of heat waves globally is a stark message to us that the planet is burning. It is predicted that should the world population and carbon emissions increase at the current rate, at least one third of the global population will live under extreme heat conditions within 50 years.

Scientists emphasize that we have run out of time not to react and need to change our habits to secure a sustainable life for future generations. Policy makers, governments, business leaders and individuals must make collective decisions to reduce carbon footprint as much as possible. The drive to change old methods to more environmentally safe and sustainable methods is also coming from the consumer.

They demand responsibility from companies and are prepared to pay more to purchase environmentally-friendly products. Therefore, companies need to reduce their carbon requirements to maintain a competitive edge over others. We, as a disposable food packaging company manage our waste, reduce water and electricity consumption on our premises.

We are members of the PRO’s (Producer Responsibility Organization) and pay the mandatory EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) fees which go towards improving the recycling of packaging material in South Africa. In a bid to reduce packaging pollutions, we also offer our clients a wide range of enviro-friendly food and beverage packaging. See our website for more information on our range of products.

“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children” Unknown

During the month of June, we celebrate Youth Day and June is also considered Environment Month. Therefore, in this issue it is apt to focus on the role of the youth and our environment.

The African continent is very vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather patterns are common which threaten the lives of the population. By 2030, 42 million people could be below the poverty line if climate-related development is not implemented to curb the impact of climate change.

The youth of today are aware of the climate crisis we face. If globally discussed climate action plans are not implemented and targets like the capping of global warming to 1,5℃ above pre-industrial level are not achieved then it will be the youth who will feel the full brunt of the consequences. Fortunately, through various ways (i.e.: School children march on 14 June 2019 in Cape Town) the voice of the younger generation is being heard. The youth need to be involved to secure their future. According to a UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll (Nov 2021) some 80% of young people in South Africa have been directly affected by the climate. Occurring climate conditions like droughts and floods were some of the main events that had an impact on their lives. “Children and young people are clearly already feeling the brunt of the climate crisis and environmental degradation” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative. The U-Report managed by the UNICEF South Africa is a platform where the youth can participate and voice their issues and concerns.

On the legal front, according to our Constitution (section 24) everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing. Furthermore, the environment is to be protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures to secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development. Pollution prevention and promoting conservation are other measures noted in our Constitution to protect our environment. Section 28 in the Constitution supports the above by stating that every child has the right to basic nutrition, shelter, healthcare and social services, and climate change has an impact on all these rights.

When we look at our current local situation there are serious reasons to be concerned as the future of South African children are at stake. Worldwide movements and action groups by the youth have been formed and here in South Africa the same trend has taken place.

In a bid to improve the environment UNICEF South Africa has called for three actions to happen:

– To include children and young people in all climate-related decisions, according to the SA Youth Climate Action Plan. (https://saiia.org.za/youth/south-african-youth-climate-action-plan/)

– To increase investment in climate adaptation and resilience in key services for children, including water, sanitation and hygiene systems, health, and education

– To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a just and equitable transition towards an environmentally sustainable and inclusive economy (Source: https://www.unicef.org)

Various programmes have been implemented to engage children with preserving and protecting our natural resources like the ‘Yoma Green Challenge’. This is a digital marketplace for the youth worldwide to actively engage in social and environmental matters. ‘Tippy Tap’ challenge encourages young people to build water-saving handwashing facilities.

The awareness of protecting our planet starts with a journey at grassroot level. We the parents/guardians should set the example to our children by adopting sustainable lifestyle practices. At home and at school implementing small habits like recycling waste, throwing rubbish in the dustbin, turn off a tap when not in use, are the beginnings of being eco-conscious in the way we live. According to the United Nations in 2015 close to half a million young people globally were engaged in small grants programmes in their homes, schools, and communities (UNDP, FAST Facts: Youth and Climate Change, 2015, http://goo.gl/Luyn3P). It is important that the youth are given adequate information on climate change for them to realize the urgency of the situation and that they play a vital part in making a difference.

It is estimated that the global population will increase to 9,7 billion by 2050. A holistic approach, including all ages of society is required in the search for solutions to prevent further strain on our current natural resources. Sustainable consumption and production patterns need to be promoted.

What does the future hold for us? Sustainable development is a key element to reduce the impact of climate change. (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/) We need to create opportunities for the youth to partake, engage and collaborate in seeking eco-friendly alternatives. We need to equip the youth with environmental education, training in critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop innovative ideas and methods. We need to empower the youth with supportive programmes and organizations. From an early age a sense of environmental stewardship must be encouraged to protect their future.

“We are the first generation that can end poverty. We are also the last generation that can slow global warming before it is too late” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, 2015

We, as a disposable food and beverage packaging company are aware of the contribution of food packaging has to the current environmental dilemma. Therefore, we have taken the responsible decision to expand our range of enviro-friendly packaging, keeping up with innovative trends within the global packaging industry, and being compliant with paying the mandatory EPR fees, an important portion of which is to be used in the education of our communities in eco-senstive solutions and enviro-friendly practices in terms of food packaging.

In 1996 The Rome Declaration on World Food Security defined 3 components to food security being: availability, accessibility, and utilization. Later the importance of sustainability to preserve and protect the environment and natural resources was added as a dimension to food security. A definition of sustainability is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (source: Brundtland Commission). Sustainability can be considered as a pre-condition to long term food security.

Environmental resources, economic and social development are important factors to the sustainability of a region which contributes to the level of poverty, malnutrition, and hunger in a region. On the other hand, high levels of poverty, malnutrition and hunger hinders economic and social growth which has a direct impact on the food security of a particular region.

The definition of food security is “all people, at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (source: Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN). The negative consequences of food insecurity are poor child development, poor mental development, stunting, obesity, and chronic diseases. When food is either unavailable or scarce social unrests and riots can occur due to people desperate for food.

In a situation where there are food shortages, environmental destruction and degradation of natural resources take place. When there is no protection or management of natural resources the situation only gets worse. Limited natural resources are a major threat to crop diversity and the effects of climate change are seen. Therefore, the proper management and

maintenance of the environmental sustainability of a region plays a vital role to food security. As part of good governance, the implementation of sustainability policies by governments and stakeholders are crucial to secure access to food and food availability. During the last few years, the number of undernourished people has increased due to conflict, climate change and COVID pandemic. According to the World Bank in 2021 an estimated additional 150 million are living in extreme poverty (www.worldvision.org). Although a tough problem to solve, there are solutions to improve food security. By promoting sustainable agriculture practices to reduce the massive emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, minimizing food waste by consumers planning their grocery lists and restaurants managing their menus and not overstocking food items play a critical role in the reduction of waste.

The packaging of food has an influence on the level of food waste. Packaging’s primary function is to protect and preserve the contents. Annually one third of food produced is wasted or lost. During production time food gets lost to the market by being discarded, not packed, or disruptive supply chain and never reaches the consumer. Food waste occurs mostly at the consumer stage where products have a short shelf life or unsustainable consumption practices are implemented.

During the COVID pandemic the issue between food safety with packaging versus environmental impact was highlighted. Tetra Pak in partnership with Ipsos did some global research on consumer perceptions. 53% of the respondents considered food safety as the most important factor while 52% made sustainable packaging the top priority. This indicated that both food safety and sustainability are not in conflict with each other but rather intertwined. “The packaging of the future will play a central role in preserving both food and the environment” says Stefan Fagerang (MD Tetra Pak South Africa)

Food safety is very important to both the consumer and retailer. The consumer looks at the freshness of the food and how long it will last while the retailer wants the food to sell while fresh so not to have the cost of wasted products. Packaging and the efficiency of the supply chain have an impact on the freshness of food.

McKinsey (www.mckinsey.com) have done research on sustainable packaging and report that many consumers support sustainable packaging and are even willing to pay more. To the consumer, sustainable packaging means little or no unnecessary packaging, more recycled content in the packaging material and communicating sustainable facts.

When looking at packaging types or designs, the market in which the packaging is used is important. While food safety is a global concern certain local factors influence the packaging requirements. The affluent consumer looks for undamaged packaging with clearly marked expiry dates. In a Tetra Pak Index’s market research, it was found that 58% of the respondents considered the outer packaging as an indicator of food safety. For many South Africans food security is important to ensure that they have enough food with the money available. In this scenario the main concern is does the packaging keep the food stored as long as possible.

As a result, many consumers look for long-life packaging which is easy to carry and store. “Tetra Pak has identified the South African market as one in which it has simultaneously addressed food safety and food security,” states Francesco Francione” (market insights manager for Tetra Pak for Central Europe based in Italy).

The recyclability of packaging is a top priority to reduce the environmental impact of pollution and to divert more waste going to landfills. In November 2020 the World Wildlife Fund South Africa’s plastic report (Plastics: Facts and Futures) reported that out of the major South African municipalities only two namely, eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal and Ekurhuleni in Gauteng had significant landfill space left. Hopefully with the mandatory EPR regulations implemented from November 2021 the situation will improve with more recycling schemes available countrywide. The EPR regulations is a two-way stream. The upstream factors are design, production processes, material choice that influence the type of packaging on the market. Downstream is what happens to the packaging on the market. Waste management, recyclability, and recovery rates of products post-consumer use determines the rate of pollution. Encouraging and implementing circular economies on a cost-effective scale are solutions to reduce the pollution problem.

Going forward to improve future food security, practices with sustainable principles need to be put in place. With the world’s population expanding and consumer demands overruling natural resources, good management, and governance with mandorary regulations can provide food security with less waste and minimal impact on the environment. Improvements and innovative designs of food packaging can meet the demands and concerns of the consumer without major impacts on the environment.

At Multicup, we have kept sustainable packaging front of mind to meet the demands of the eco-sensitive consumer with our enviro-friendly packaging offerings.

Living with the COVID pandemic these past few years has had a ripple effect on our personal lives, our economies and government policies. The prolonged presence of the virus by mutating variants had a profound impact on the global manufacturing industries. Lock-down restrictions like travel ban, import slowdowns resulted in the reduction of production, limited availability of raw material and logistic setbacks. The conditions changed from the supply and demand recession in China to a global supply shortage. China, USA, and Germany’s manufacturing industries were affected by the pandemic.

What happened?

In the beginning production in China was forced to pause resulting in the short supply of raw materials and other necessary product components. Wuhan where the virus originated is a major manufacturing centre in China. The knock-on effect was a delay and decrease of export orders to the rest of the world. The worldwide spread of the virus caused manufacturing plants in the major industrial countries to shut down. This rolled over into huge negative financial impacts for businesses with staff lay-offs, smaller orders, longer delivery times while still having to pay the basic expenses. Unfortunately, businesses were declared bankrupt and had to close. Consumer behaviour patterns also changed during the pandemic where the focus was on daily necessities and protective products against the virus. Panic buying patterns evolved in fear of running out of crucial items.

A RE-LOOK AT GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS

Obviously over time global supply chains have developed between regions/countries and have worked well. Major manufacturing countries have become the hub for certain regions. The following countries, China, USA, and Germany are considered the manufacturing hubs for North Asia, North America, and West Europe, respectively. Countries like Japan, South Korea and Singapore are important links in the supply chain due to their industry or geographic advantages.

China’s role as a key player in the supply chain for industries is twofold. China imports components from a lot of countries, and with the recent COVID restrictions production at full scale was not possible. Secondly China is a major source site and with the decline in exports has led to the short supply of raw materials and other vital components within the manufacturing industries. In the event of orders being delivered, the delivery was done at an increased freight cost, more stringent commodity checks and extended delivery time.

During the pandemic logistic issues have also weakened the supply chain. Delays and extended delivery times became the norm, a shortage of truck drivers due to people being sick, isolation periods, social distancing measures are factors that have influenced the production line and efficiency of the supply chain.

GOING FORWARD THE RECOVERY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

During the pandemic, social and economic life changed and will likely be the norm in future. The immediate challenges businesses face are to continue with operations by ensuring the safety of the employees, supporting other members of the supply chain and the availability of financial assistance.

The resilience of global supply chains under crisis situations is questionable. The lack of transparency in some supply chains created panic buying as consumers were not aware of inventory levels. Improved digital technology implemented in the supply chain can improve information sharing and transparency within the supply chain.

Better planning by investigating existing data and analysis is critical when re-evaluating strategies, sourcing sites and production programmes. Current supply chains are mostly developed on a global scale with clear identified lead times at lower operational costs. However, during the pandemic with the globalization model, delivery times were delayed due to the dependency of remote resources and complicated logistic networks. According to the forecasts by the World Trade Organization international flow of people, trade and funding will decrease. Regionalized supply chain where companies seek to develop the manufacturing plant and supply network close to the marketplace is an attractive alternative.

THE IMPACT ON FOOD PACKAGING:

Before the start of the pandemic a major focus point was to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging and to look at environmentally friendly alternatives. With the outbreak of COVID

the consumer became more aware of the overall hygiene of a product and the way it was packaged. Before the pandemic, in an aim to reduce packaging, a growing trend of having open/unpacked food in the stores became popular and consumers were encouraged to bring their own reusable containers. However, with the pandemic consumers became uncomfortable with purchasing unpacked food. Globally the demand for protective packaging increased as online shopping and home deliveries became the norm. Keeping the consumer demands in mind, crucial factors like, are the environmental alternatives robust enough to endure home deliveries, availability of sufficient raw materials to avoid a break in supply need to be considered.

Despite the COVID pandemic a lot of research has been done and policies are in place to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Many options and innovations are available to drive the trend of moving towards sustainable packaging and supporting circular economies. Policies and legislations have been implemented to enforce enviro-friendly alternatives.

In the quest to move away from single-use plastic items to more sustainable options by having government policies in place that enforce the banning of high-volume single-use plastic products like plastic straws and cutlery. These policies have set targets to include higher recycled content in products. These measures involve some practical implementations which make it sometimes difficult to reach the prescribed targets. In certain industries there is a shortage of recycled material, and the higher demand has led to huge price hikes in recycled material. “The packaging industry has been hard hit, with the cost of recycled PET (rPet) rising 103% in the past year, according to data group ICIS” (Source: Packaging Insights Jan 2022). There is a quality variant with recycled material and is not always re-useable. In certain countries recycling facilities/schemes need to be increased or improved to cope with the potential amount of recycled material collected. There are technical challenges in collecting and sorting types of plastic for reuse. In South Africa with the recently gazetted legislation on mandatory EPR fees, recycling schemes etc have been submitted to the department of FFE for approval. We as a company are compliant with the legislation.

It is important that we learn lessons from the unprecedented pandemic by improving our planning strategies and strengthening the weak links in the supply chain. Complete recovery will take time and success will depend on resilience and flexibility of the supply chain.

The implementation of circular economies on all levels is becoming more important as the strain on natural resources for raw material increases.  More than 100 billion tons of resources are used in global economies and only 8,6% get recycled (World Resources Institute, Feb 2021). In the past, linear economies were dominant, where products get manufactured from natural resources and thereafter disposed of.  Should this trend of supporting linear economies continue, we would need 1,5 Earths to provide the required raw materials.  As a result, we find ourselves in a precarious position on earth where limited natural resources are used and wasted.  Institutions have realized the implications of the linear model and have recently introduced sustainable economy policies to reduce the impact on the environment.  The alternative is the circular economy model.

What is the definition of a circular economy?

“A circular economy is an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design.  It replaces the end-of-life concept with restoration, shifts towards the use of renewable energy, eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, which impair reuse and return to the biosphere, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, systems, and business models.” (Source: World Economic Forum)

The circular economy model is based on three principles

– Design out waste and pollution

– Keep products and materials in use

– Regenerate natural systems

What are the benefits of a circular economy? The main aim with a circular economy is to be regenerative and to improve resources’ performance. As a result, the following occurs:

– Reduction in the use of resources

– Reduction in waste production

– Limitations of energy consumption

– Enables the prospect of sustainable growth

– Creation of new services and job opportunities

The circular economy model covers the complete production cycle.  Starting with the usage of sustainable raw materials, the redesign of efficient production processes, and lastly the redesign of products for repair, reuse, and recycling. Therefore, waste will enter the production cycle again as secondary raw material. The contribution of recycled material as secondary raw material into the economy decreases the demand for natural resources, reduces the environmental footprint of production and consumption, and secures the future supply of raw materials.

In summary in alignment with the demands of eco-sensitive consumers and companies wanting to improve their “green image” changing towards more sustainable models like the circular economy cannot be delayed or ignored.

National Environment Month is celebrated in June, with World Environment Day on the 5th June. During the month of June the South African government and stakeholders in  environmental affairs will focus on ways to stimulate awareness on environmental issues and challenges. The aim is to improve and encourage change from industries to household  habits in order to preserve and protect our planet.

We frequently hear the terms “sustainability, recyclable, closed loop economy, EPR fees” spoken, but what does it mean to the man on the street?

The actual definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commission).  In simple terms for example only cutting enough trees per year that can be regrown.  Sustainable practices assume that resources are limited and have the long-term view to use the available resources wisely to prevent negative consequences for generations to come.  The three main components of sustainability are the economy, the society, and the environment, informally referred to as profit, people and planet.  All three components need to be considered to achieve a sustainable result. “As the global population of approximately 7.8 billion grows, more packaging will be required.  And if we continue the current trajectory of natural resource use, then by 2050 we’ll require at least three planet earths.  If the packaging value chain starts doing its part and using the correct materials that are recyclable and fit-for-purpose, then a different one-earth path is possible.” (Pierre Pienaar WPO president)

In our previous newsletter we touched on the choice of packaging available on the market. The recycling of packaging and reuse of recycled material for packaging plays an important part in the sustainability status of a manufacturer/producer/supplier to the market.  During 2019 the recycling of polystyrene increased by 19%.  According to Adri Spangenberg (CEO of the Polystyrene Association of SA) despite negative factors like increase in electricity, labour, and fuel costs the tonnage of reprocessing polystyrene was increased.

More than 450 tons of polystyrene is recycled every month in South Africa, one of highest recycling rates of polystyrene in the world. The décor market uses 42% of the recycled EPS (expanded polystyrene) packaging material to make picture frames, skirtings etc. Another trend that was noted was the increasing demand from the building and construction industries to use PCR (post-consumer recycled) polystyrene mixed with cement to make light weight bricks.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa rolled out in the Eastern Cape a 2-litre returnable PET bottle.  The bottles were made with higher density and therefore could be reused 14 times.  The trials proved to be successful, and the project will be expanded to other parts of the country. “This launch is one way in which CCBSA is investing in innovative and more sustainable packaging” says Velaphi Ratshefola (MD of CCBSA).  In 2019, 95879 tons of post-consumer PET beverage bottles were collected for recycling and provided 65 900 job opportunities among informal reclaimers and SMME’s.

In the past, a large portion of rPET material was used to manufacture beverage bottles.  Recently Mpact Versapack has expanded the use of rPET to thermoformed products like punnets. “Mpact Versapack is contributing to sustainable solutions and paving the way for leading brand owners to follow” says Wessel Oelofse (MD).

Most of the recovered paper in South Africa comes from corrugated and carton board boxes. In 2019 only 10% of the recovery rate came from beverage cartons.  In 2019 the amount of recovered paper diverted from landfills saved 3.6 million cubic metres of landfill space.

To reduce the impact of packaging on the environment, it is advisable to look at the life-cycle assessment of the product and to create a closed-loop or circular economy. A local example is Woolworths. The paper bags are locally manufactured from FSC-certified recycled content source and Woolworths sends its recyclable cardboard and paper back to the same paper mill.

To tackle the global plastic pollution problem is not only the responsibility of the consumer but we need to look at all the links in the supply chain to rectify the current situation by adapting or changing the choice of packaging.  Pressure and changes have been legislated by governments globally to curb this pollution problem by banning certain single-use plastic items. In January 2018, the EU published a plastic strategy which outlined a need for a legislative proposal on single-use plastic.  On 3 July 2021, the ban on plastic cutlery, plates and straws will be enforced in the EU countries.

Last year in November, legislation regarding the mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility fees was gazetted.  The mandatory EPR provides incentives to prevent waste at source, promote and improve product design and choice of materials impact on the environment, support recycling programmes and waste management targets.  Section 18 refers to the EPR aspect of the National Environmental Management Waste Act (NEMWA) and replaces Section 28(Industry Waste Management Plans) from 2017 (Cheri Scholtz PETCO’s CEO).

In the legislation there is reference to the “producer”.  Who is the producer?   Globally the producer is seen as the brand owner, the retailer, the importer, or agent. It is the producer who is responsible for placing the packaging onto the local market and therefore by the regulations in terms of Section 18 responsible for EPR fees.  “In line with global practice, the producer is the organisation that has the greatest control in terms of selecting materials and designs, or that chooses to make or sell an item in a given format” (David Drew PETCO Director).

Changes or improvements to existing products or packaging can result in increased recyclability of product, reduction of undesirable materials and less payable EPR fees.

The responsibilities of the producer under the new legislation are to either form or join a PRO (Producer Responsibility Organization), calculate, and declare products sold locally to the PRO and pay the required EPR fees to the PRO. The responsibilities of the PRO on the other hand are to support and focus on the recycling value chain, developing guidelines to improve product designs to its members, reporting on market information, educating consumers and being accountable for the efficient usage of funds received from members.

Currently there are a few “grey areas” that need clarification from the government (DEFF) and PRO’s are attending workshops with the minister and her team to resolve outstanding issues.  Since the 5 November 2020 further notices dated 15 January 2021 and 19 March 2021 have been gazetted. (www.environment.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices)

At Multi-cup Solutions we are well aware of our responsibility concerning our environment.  We as a company have joined PRO’s and are voluntary paying EPR fees as our contribution to improve the way packaging material is dealt with on the South African market.

In addition, at Multi-cup Solutions we have noted and aligned ourselves with the global trends of offering sustainable alternatives to the packaging requirements of the eco-conscious consumer. As a well-established disposable packaging supplier, we offer a wide range of disposable, eco-sensitive, compostable, and biodegradable food and beverage packaging options to our customers, meeting the requirements of the eco-conscious market.  Contact your representative or browse our website for more details on our products.

During the past few years with the spotlight on plastic pollution and the effect packaging has on the environment, it has had a positive effect on the industry, by creating a larger selection of packaging options. With both the supplier and consumer becoming more aware of landfills filling up, brand image and being responsible towards protecting our planet,  a variety of innovative eco-friendly packaging choices have been developed.

Companies have pledged to become zero waste or only to use enviro-friendly packaging  to reach their sustainable packaging targets within a certain time period. Nestle is to switch 90% of the Smarties range to new sustainably sourced packaging, currently 10% of the products are packed in recyclable paper packaging. “It is a further step in realising Nestle’s ambition to make all of our packaging recyclable or reusable  by 2025 and to reduce our use of virgin plastics by one third in the same period” (Alexander von Maillot, global head of confectionery at Nestle)

In order to achieve the right mix where the correct function of the packaging is maintained by protecting the contents plus being enviro-friendly choices are based on informative decisions.

The life-cycle assessment is used to determine the sustainability of the material.  This cycle starts when the raw material is extracted, followed by the manufacturing process, distribution of the finished product, used by the consumer and finally where recycling, disposal or decomposure completes the cycle.

Sustainable Packaging:

Sustainable packaging is safe for people and the environment, and is based on the three ‘Rs” being Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It gives businesses and consumers the opportunity to rethink and strive for more sustainable options in the market.  According to Coca Cola sustainability goals, in 2025 they want to use 100% recyclable or reused packaging and at least 50% of the material for the bottles will be from recycled plastic.

Corrugated cardboard is commonly used for packaging as it is affordable and reusable.  Cardboard is used to ship over 90% of all products in the USA. A lot of cardboard is produced from recycled paper  and can be recycled up to 25 times before it is composted.

Compostable Packaging:

Material made for compostable packaging is either home or commercially compostable.  Commercially compostable material needs to be sent to a facility where decomposure takes place within a waste system. Compostable packaging is defined as biodegradable and takes less than 3 months to fully decompose under the correct conditions.  See our Precious Planet range of  certified compostable packaging.

Biodegradable Packaging:

The term “biodegradable” is broadly used to describe an item which is capable of natural decomposition without causing harm to the environment. Biodegradable packaging is made from natural materials like corn and sugar cane.  Examples of biodegradable food packaging on the market are cups, plates and food containers.

Recyclable Packaging:

Cardboard boxes, molded pulp forms and paper are identified as recyclable packaging which is commonly used in all industries.  At post-consumer stage the paper packaging goes into a recycling bin and taken to a facility where it is soaked, chopped, cooked, pulped, strained, cleaned, bleached and reformed. It is important that the paper is not contaminated by any residue as the recycling process is sensitive to grease and food particles which can cause an entire batch to be sent to the landfills.  At the end of its life cycle paper easily decomposes and is diverted from landfills.

Reusable Packaging:

Reusable packaging is one of the best eco-friendly options available, but not always ideal.  Common examples are glass bottles, gas cylinders and pallets.  The feasibility of reusable packaging is determined by the consumer’s willingness to return the containers to the original supplier.  In situations where it works well the ultimate usage of the packaging is achieved

A collective effort is required to reduce plastic pollution, starting with grassroot levels.  The selection of eco-friendly packaging alternatives contributes towards a plastic-free lifestyle. In conjunction with using eco-friendly choices, proper management and infrastructure for the recycling and reuse of existing plastic must be in place.  The launching of “clean-up” campaigns, education programmes on recycling and the “zero-waste” philosophy of companies to be supported by governments and consumers in an effort to saving our planet.

As the consumer becomes more aware of the impact modern lifestyles have on the planet, the pro-environment movement to protect our planet increases and also becomes a trend.  Businesses and companies have also benefited from this movement.  In a survey done by Unilever, 21% of the consumers stated they would actively support brands with sustainability credentials.

At Multi-cup Solutions we offer a wide range of disposable and enviro-friendly food and beverage packaging options, meeting the requirements of the eco-conscious consumer.  We, as a company are very aware of the impact packaging has on the environment and are constantly pursuing new innovative alternatives to save our precious planet.

Contact your representative or browse our website for more details on our products.

We are getting towards the end of the year and looking ahead towards 2021. The year 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic presented the food packaging industry with opportunities and challenges.

The impact of COVID-19 has influenced packaging trends and consumer behaviour.  The following trends have been highlighted:  focus on sustainability, hygiene is important with the design of packaging keeping in mind the safety the packaging provides for the contents, increase in e-commerce sales, ship-ready and direct-to-consumer options are popular.

During the lockdown period the buying habits of the consumer changed and online orders were booming.  It is expected that this consumer buying habit will continue after the pandemic. The retailer’s main aim is to get the product to the consumer first time in a good condition without damage or loss.  For example the packaging  of a “take-out” pizza box is crucial as the consumer expects the pizza to be intact and appealing.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many businesses in the food sector have had to change their business models to more deliveries and curb-side pickups. Simultaneously the demand for ready cooked and frozen meals also grew.  While there was panic buying during the lockdown period, the demand for shelf-stable foods, frozen and ready meals increased and it is suggested that this will still remain a popular trend going forward.

As consumers become more aware of their health and have a better understanding of product information, companies are under pressure to provide clear and transparent product information on the packaging, for example clear labelling of the calorie contents on beverage packaging.

During the last few years the growing demand for food or coffee on the go, conveniently packed for the busy life style of the consumer has lead to the development of different food containers made from different materials that protect the food and are often tamperproof.

A trend that will continue in 2021 is the focus on eco-friendly packaging and using less single-use plastic items.  However the impact of COVID-19 and transmission risks has made the food sector to reconsider its approach to reusable items, but rather to move towards disposable beverage and food packaging. The safety and protection of food inside the packaging will remain a concern post COVID-19.

Keeping the above trends in mind the following important guidelines need to be considered for post-COVID-19 packaging designs.  Affordability, hygiene/health, sustainability and safety.  According to Anne Ravalet (Daymon International) digitalisation has come to the forefront, especially in Europe, to avoid physical contact.

Another trend is to look for packaging that is recyclable, this is happening globally and on local level. In China to encourage recycling, retailers have to report their plastic consumption to authorities and submit recycling plans. In 2019 China produced 63 million tonnes of plastic and only an estimated 30% was recycled. Recently the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries published in the Government Gazette regulations regarding extended producer responsibility schemes. Producers, convertors and importers of plastic and paper will be paying  EPR fees levied  on the tonnage  they bring into the South African market. The fees are payable to producer responsibility organisation (PRO) who facilitates programmes like recycling awareness campaigns. The goal is to capture post-consumed paper and plastic within the South African market, prevent waste going into the waste stream and developing end-use solutions

 As we look ahead to life after COVID-19 it is clear that some habits have changed during the pandemic and will remain in place for the long term.  Packaging is continuously changing and adapting to meet the requirements of the consumer.  The value of packaging for protecting food have been recognised during the pandemic by the consumer and businesses.

At Multi-cup Solutions we constantly research and investigate new packaging trends that can be applied to the South African market.  We support the new legislation by the Government to reduce the impact of packaging on the environment by diverting waste to the landfills by offering alternative and innovative solutions to the consumer.