Recycling Responsibly

M-Tech Plastics is committed to managing its businesses in an environmentally responsible manner at all times. This extends beyond its manufacturing facilities to also include its products and services. Two of the key aspects of this commitment include prevention of pollution and continuous improvement. This commitment is supported by an environmental policy, objectives and targets.

In order for M-Tech Plastics to meet its environmental goals there is a commitment to setting objectives and targets, education and communication and management responsibility and review. Through continuing research into our products and production systems, the company aims to achieve best practice environmental management across all its operations around the world. The company's environmental performance is monitored by, and reported to, management and the Board of Directors and is a component of performance appraisal and management remuneration.

The Plastic bag regulations that came into effect on 9 May 2003 as a result of a Memorandum of Agreement on the management of plastic bags signed between government and its social partners led to a situation where for the first time in South Africa environmental issues and waste management in particular became high on the public as well as media agenda. The main objective of the regulations is to rid the environment of the current uncontrolled plastic pollution in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by government, representatives of labour and business under the auspices of NEDLAC. The main elements of the agreement included amongst others the following:

• Minimum thickness of plastic bags,
• Type of ink,
• Surface coverage of ink,
• Development of market for recycled material,
• Promotion of job creation, through Buyisa-I-Bag a Section 21 company,
• Prevention of illegal imports.

If plastic bags are re-used and disposed of responsibly, especially through recycling, they are generally not damaging to the environment. Thicker plastic bags cost more to produce, but are also worth more to consumers. Retailers will permit consumers to re-use bags and promote recycling.

To date much progress has been done with regards the implementation of this agreement and government has promulgated the plastic bag regulations under the Environment Conservation Act.

The plastic bag regulations specify:

• Minimum thickness of plastic bags,
• Type of ink
• Surface coverage of ink.

The compulsory plastic bag specifications under the Standard Act and the tariff lines under the Customs and Excise Act support these regulations. Cost recovery through separate charging is however not covered in the current plastic bag regulations.

The regulations are being enforced in conjunction with the South African Bureau of Standards and The South African Revenue Services. In terms of plastic bag pollution control these regulations have been successful in keeping South Africa clean. It is illegal to use imported bags that do not comply with the compulsory specifications of SABS.