Every July, people across the globe take part in “Plastics Free July” – an international movement that aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste in our environment by encouraging fellow citizens to make the shift towards long-term, environmentally friendly habits. Although sceptics might find it hard to believe, the plastics industry in South Africa and our partners around the world support these objectives. Whilst we don’t endorse the call for people to go “plastic free”, we do agree with the urgent appeal to reduce the global waste crisis.

It is important to highlight, however, that the waste clogging our rivers, streams and oceans is not solely caused by plastics. Because plastics is a lightweight material, it floats and is therefore often the most visible pollutant. This has caused the plastics industry to have a big target on its back. To imagine that the solution is as easy as simply banning the use of plastics, is an uninformed, irrational argument that can be perilous to the environment that we are trying to protect.

It is a fact that our modern lives would be virtually impossible without the use of plastics. Almost every sector or industry relies on plastics to make life easier, safer and more convenient. Plastics give us reliable performance at an affordable price. Think about the many applications of plastics in the healthcare environment, automotive industry, technology, building and construction and mining. More and more of the plastics used in these sectors are either recyclable, or are being manufactured with a percentage of recycled plastic contents as product designers and developers are grasping the tremendous benefits and savings afforded to them by supporting the circular economy.