How on-site waste management in the packaging industry can lead to a greener environment

Do you want your packaging company to contribute to a greener environment? Here’s how on-site waste management in South Africa can help you get started.

Packaging companies may feel that it’s difficult to become a sustainable company that doesn’t harm the environment when they produce packaging, as it’s seen by many consumers as contributing to the world’s waste problems.

However, your packaging company can (and must) take all the steps it can to provide sustainable solutions even if you have no experience in recycling and sustainability. Here are 4 simple steps your business can take to begin the journey towards a greener environment.

4 Steps to a Greener Environment

1. Reduce the volume of waste being produced

   Your company can become more sustainable and reduce its impact on the environment by decreasing the amount of waste being produced that would just go to landfill or that is unrecyclable. Your company can get advice on ways to recycle in your production line, design for circularity, and how to help you shape a holistic approach to creating products that meet industry regulations.

2. Increase the volume of waste being recycled

   Each month packaging manufacturing companies produce tonnes of recyclable waste, along with general and hazardous waste products. When a professional on-site audit is conducted, it often highlights a need to increase the volume of waste materials being recycled.

   This waste can go into the recycling stream earlier instead of going to landfills. It can often improve your carbon footprint, save costs on waste disposal, and can even help improve your bottom line! You don’t have to take on the recycling on your own. Mpact Waste Management can streamline the process and help you begin your recycling journey.

3. Minimise waste to landfill

   The waste materials your packaging company produces must be disposed of somehow. You can contribute to a greener environment by minimising the amount of waste that goes to a landfill.

   In the process of reducing waste-to-landfill, your packaging company can develop the potential for additional revenue streams. Our responsible waste management system can put money back into your account with our cost-effective processes.

4. Start by partnering with an on-site waste management company

   Leading manufacturers in the South African packaging industry are finding beneficial solutions by partnering with reputable on-site waste management companies. By partnering with a professional on-site waste management company like Mpact Waste Management – which has the trust, infrastructure and support under the Mpact name – packaging manufacturers can reach their zero-waste-to-landfill goal conveniently and cost-effectively.

What is on-site waste management and how does it benefit packaging businesses?

Here’s how our on-site waste management works:

• Our trained consultants will assess the waste your packaging company generates. We do this regularly and will optimise waste solutions to increase efficiency and decrease costs.
• We can place sorters on site but your account manager will always be your single point of contact.
• We supply the equipment necessary for the extraction of recyclables. The result is the minimisation of waste products ending up as municipal waste.
• Once the waste has been sorted, we transport the recycled materials using the Mpact Recycling fleet of over 150 vehicles for added efficiency and reliability.
• Non-recyclable waste and hazardous waste will be disposed of responsibly.
• We offer you a professional, accurate report to help your packaging company comply legally.

Insights and benefits of on-site waste management

1. Recycle waste volumes

   Waste is not trash. It is a valuable commodity that is bought and sold.

   The value of recyclables can be determined by several factors:

   • Various products have different values depending on supply and demand.
   • The economic climate will determine the value of waste products.
   • We trade waste products with leading companies, for example, white paper with tissue manufacturers.
   • Values are determined by the global supply and demand of recyclable materials; currently there is an oversupply.
   • The packaging industry is no exception and is often vulnerable to economic global fluctuations.

2. Meet environmental regulations

   The South African government has gazetted strict new rules to increase recycling. The rules aim to reduce the amount of waste entering our near-full-capacity landfills. South Africa’s landfill crisis is being addressed through these and other environmental regulations.

   Environmental regulations have affected businesses across the board, and the packaging industry is no exception. The extended producer regulations or EPR rules and regulations include new targets for recyclables involving everything from plastic packaging to glass bottles. Manufacturers and importers need to ensure that products are recycled after use, a process that can form part of closed-loop recycling.

   The strict new regulations require manufacturers of plastic packaging, glass bottles, electronics, paper and cardboard packaging, and other goods to also include an increased amount of recyclable materials in their products. This process can form part of a circular economy approach. According to the Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, manufacturers are responsible for their products and where they end up. So why not partner with a company that fulfils a number of existing closed loop solutions and get your packaging into the recycling stream sooner rather than later?

How to start implementing better waste management at your packaging company

1. Use separation at source programmes

   Separation at source programmes separate hazardous, general and recyclable waste at the source of the waste instead of at landfills. This is most effectively and safely done through an on-site waste management plan. This saves resources and increases the efficiency of the process. It can also lower the costs of processing packaging waste. It also ensures that the waste doesn’t get contaminated by being mixed with other items that cause this.

   More and more waste is being treated through our innovative recycling and recovery processes. Enhanced developments enable us to use waste as a resource – we don’t think of waste as junk. We offer the packaging industry specialised reclamation and recycling processes. This has enabled us at Mpact Waste Management to help clients cut their carbon emissions and broaden their disposal options.

2. Let us assist with your waste management plan

   Packaging uses plenty of resources including chemicals, petroleum, minerals, wood, fibres, electricity and water. It also generates air emissions such as greenhouse gases, heavy metals, metal particles and wastewater. In addition to that, we know taking on waste reduction can seem like a daunting task, but we are here to help make it easier for your company, no matter how large your enterprise is.

   Get Your Free Waste Audit Today!

   Get an obligation-free audit for your on-site waste management so you can see the value and necessity of a professional solution to manage and reduce all your waste.

   The experts at Mpact Waste Management not only create waste management plans for packaging companies, but we work with many other businesses (whether big or small) in South Africa. We offer you an integrated approach, giving you support and tailored solutions to your needs. Let us introduce various waste management solutions at your site and you’ll realise the huge benefit and how it results in a greener environment.

   Mpact Recycling’s MD John Hunt and National Manager of Mpact Waste Management, Marinus van Vollenhoven chat about how Mpact Waste Management benefits its clients and drives a true circular economy in South Africa. Watch here.