Plastics|SA would like to ensure there is no lack of wisdom relating to the plastics industry as well as safe and healthy handling of materials and makes it a priority to ensure everyone stays informed. Please see some of our frequently asked questions answered below.
MembershipRecyclingAre Water Bottles Safe? IS POLYSTYRENE SAFE? IDENTIFYING PLASTICS IS BIO - DEGRADABLE BETTER? MICROWAVING IN PLASTIC ARE PLASTIC TOYS SAFE? PLASTICS IN HEALTHCARE
MEMBERSHIP
Why should you join one of Plastics|SA’s member associations?
Plastics |SA offers the following benefits to our members:
Let your voice be heard
Plastics|SA offers members the unique opportunity to share experience and resolve industryissues through unified action and to influence the South African plastics industry’s strategic direction at all levels from overall policy to standards. The scope also includes liaison with municipalities, government on a provincial and local level, the DTI and the SABS to name a few.
Networking opportunities
Members can participate in exclusive member only networking events including seminars, meetings, conferences and the Annual Awards Ceremony.
A Global Network
Plastics|SA is at the centre of the global plastics community, developing links with plastic industries around the globe, giving members access to global markets.
Plastics Market Information
Members will have access to detailed plastics information, including information on Research and Development, statistics affecting the plastic industry, recycling information and more.
Legislative Guidance
Members will receive up to date information on new legislation, the government gazette, and other regulatory issues.
Receive up to date industry information on your desktop Via the Plastics|SA Communicator you can receive all the industry information you need on a daily basis. Personalise the information you would like to receive, ensuring that you only receive what you need.
Position Papers
Access official plastics industry position papers on critical and relevant issues regarding plastics as a material and the plastics industry.
Plastics |SA Newsletter
Members have the opportunity to submit industry news to online platforms.
Special discounted rates for Training
Plastics |SA is the leading provider of education and training services in the plastic industry and related sectors. We provide quality, accredited training courses throughout Sub – Saharan Africa, especially designed to meet the needs of the plastic industry. All courses are NQF aligned. Members will receive discounted rates for training.
How can we join?
Plastics|SA offers you and your organisation the opportunity to play an active role in the growth and development of the plastics industry. Together with our associations we can address plastics related issues, influence role players, and make plastics the material of choice.
Join one of our Member Associations below
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
 PETCO |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
RECYCLING
ARE WATER BOTTLES SAFE?
IS POLYSTYRENE SAFE?
IDENTIFYING PLASTICS
IS BIODEGRADABLE BETTER?
MICROWAVING IN PLASTIC
There are three things to look for when purchasing containers for microwaving purposes: Some products use the term “Microwave Safe;” others carry an imprinted microwave symbol; and other products simply provide instructions for proper microwave use on the packaging label. Any of these is an indication from the manufacturer that a product has been designed for safe use in the microwave in accordance with the directions provided.
Of course, using a plastic item in the microwave that was not labeled for microwave suitability isn’t necessarily unsafe. But unless a product is labeled for microwave suitability, you won’t have the assurance of knowing that an item was tested and evaluated for this purpose.
To play it safe, look for plastics that are labeled for microwave use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If your container isn’t labeled for microwave use, it’s best to choose something that is.
Top Tips for microwave heating:
- Choose plastic containers and wraps that are specifically labeled for use in the microwave oven.
- Always read the label and follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Cover food loosely with plastic wrap when microwaving to help food heat evenly, retain moisture and prevent splatter. Most manufacturers recommend leaving about an inch of space between the wrap and the dish and folding back a corner to allow ventilation.
- If food items are different sizes, place thicker pieces toward the perimeter of the dish, so they will cook faster, and smaller pieces toward the center.
- Open container lids and wraps carefully and facing away from you when removing foods from the microwave, so that hot steam is released safely.
- Dispose of plastic trays provided with microwaveable meals after use. Most packaging trays are intended for one-time use with specific kinds of foods.
ARE PLASTIC TOYS SAFE?
From bicycle helmets and flotation devices to kneecaps and other protective sporting gear, plastics help keep children safe every day. Plastic devices can help reduce the risks of accidental injuries.
For close to 50 years, the world’s toymakers have been using plastics to make some of the best known and most popular toys and children’s products. That’s because plastics are one of the most thoroughly tested, well-researched materials on the market today. A good safety record isn’t the only reason the toy industry uses plastics. Its exceptional durability makes it a smart choice for products that must withstand extremely demanding use conditions. Its ability to be formulated in almost infinite ways means that it can be used for both flexible and rigid applications. But the most important reason lies with the ultimate consumers: parents and their children. Plastics give them safe, affordable, durable toys and allow manufacturers to bring them exciting new products quickly and economically.
PLASTICS IN HEALTHCARE
Are plastics really necessary in modern healthcare?
Modern healthcare would be impossible without plastics medical products we tend to take for granted: disposable syringes, intravenous blood bags and heart valves, etc. Plastics are particularly suitable for medical applications, thanks to their exceptional barrier and lightweight properties, low cost, durability, transparency and compatibility with other materials. Plastics in healthcare has revolutionized the field of medicine making patients safer and procedures simpler.
Reduction in medical costs, infectious disease and pain management
High tech polymers are used to create new and improved artificial limbs and plastic disposable delivery devices have succeeded in reducing the risk of infection to patients.
Thanks to sterile plastics packaging, the US leads the world in keeping the rate of cross-staph infection down. Plastic medical disposables in particular have contributed to keeping the rates low.
Child safety
The introduction of child-resistant caps keeps potentially harmful medicine out of the hands of children.
Improved quality of Life
Plastics in medicine have improved the quality of life for seniors and for those injured in accidents. Today’s artificial knees and hips rely on plastics to provide people with pain free movement and trouble-free joints. The gloves that surgeons wear are made from soft and pliable plastics that help maintain the sterile atmosphere of hospitals’ operating rooms.
It is highly unlikely that anything can replace plastic in the field of medicine, or that its use will be reduced in the very near future. The medical industry has been greatly improved due to the incorporation of plastics across a whole range of uses in all fields of medicine.