Clariant is committed to creating value for all of its stakeholders by manufacturing sustainable products without compromising on innovation and performance. Clariant’s EcoTain® products are economically attractive, offering high cost efficiency through less waste generation and greater recycling opportunities and more efficient processes. Johannesburg, June 27, 2017 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals aims to be a front runner when it comes to raising the bar on environmental and social performance, and moving its business forward while capitalizing on new sustainable opportunities. As the cost of raw materials has increased, the industry is under increasing pressure to find ways of using fewer raw materials and less energy. With this, the chemical giant places the EcoTain® label only on products that have been certified with these four sustainable attributes: Sustainable Design, Responsible Process, Safe & Efficient Use and Eco-Integration. “Clariant views sustainability as an opportunity to create value as well as reduce impacts. This approach to sustainable innovation is driven by the company's commitment to protect human, environmental and ecological health without compromising on performance and efficiency. The EcoTain® label assures customers of sustainability at the product level,” states Ravi Chetty, Clariant Southern Africa Head of Country ESHA & Systems Management. Currently, there are more than 140 of Clariant's products across the companies four business areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis, Natural Resources and Plastics & Coatings that have been awarded the EcoTain® label. As one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies, Clariant not only contributes to value creation with innovative and sustainable solutions for customers from many industries. Through its production facilities, Clariant present solutions that address societal challenges, prioritize occupational safety, employs a comprehensive set of . . .
Project Sunshine: creating bright futures
Greenpeace Africa is on a mission to bring a little sunshine to the community of Diepsloot, Johannesburg. They noticed that in parts of this area access to electricity and to public lighting is a daily struggle. They would like to remedy this by installing 8 solar streetlights around the Diepsloot Early Childhood Development Centre. By doing this they aim to create a safe haven for children when the streets get dark. In this mainly unlit area, they will be a glowing example of how solar energy can positively transform South Africa,and help create safer streets. Greenpeace Africa has turned to crowdfunding in order to raise the R100 000.00 they need to make this project a reality. Crowdfunding is an online method of fundraising that works by reaching out to people across the globe. For this campaign Greenpeace Africa have chosen to run their campaign through Thundafund.com, a rewards-based crowdfunding platform. Rewards-based crowdfunding one of three main crowdfunding methods, and works on the principle that the backers (people who give the money) recieve some incentive (a reward) for their money. This rewards is provided by the project creator (Greenpeace Africa). How will the donations help? The Philile Foundation, Greenpeace Africa, Enerlogy and Schneider Electric partnered to design the project. They will provide technical expertise, trainings and community information around the project. But that is not enough. They have estimated that the total cost of the project will amount to R100,000, including: buying six solar streetlights (two are donated by Schneider Electric), installing them around the Diepsloot ECD centre, and the maintenance cost for 20 years. Your donation will cover those costs. Be a part by supporting today. The journey to a bright future starts with renewable energy. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. . . .
Polyflor SA wins Innovation in Recycling Award
Polyflor SA was honoured for their contribution to increasing the recycling of PVC in South Africa by being awarded the “Innovation in Recycling” award at the Southern African Vinyls Association’s (SAVA) Vinyls SA 2017 conference held in Johannesburg recently. Polyflor was the first company in South Africa to launch an official recycling programme specifically aimed at the local vinyl flooring industry at the end of last year. To date, the company has managed to divert more than 6 tonnes of vinyl floor off-cuts generated during the installation process from landfill. This material is sent to recyclers who use it for manufacturing traffic cones, rubber boots and sheeting. “Innovation involves the deliberate application of information, imagination and initiative in deriving greater or different values from resources, and includes all processes by which new ideas are generated and converted into useful products,” said Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of SAVA during the awards ceremony. “The main criteria for this award was that the recipient had to present a recycling initiative that has not been introduced to the South African market before, but will in the long run also contribute greatly to an increase in the recycling of post-consumer PVC waste. For this reason, we felt it fitting to honour Polyflor for their Vinyl Floor recycling initiative, as well as Adcock Ingram Critical Care for their efforts to encourage PVC Recycling in the Healthcare Environment,” Delanie explained. All of SAVA’s members are signatories to the PSC - a long-term, voluntary and self-administered initiative by the PVC industry that includes the setting of realistic timeframes for the delivery of key undertakings in production, the responsible use of additives and a sustainable recycling programme to ensure a vibrant and sustainable vinyls industry. These commitments bind signatories to deliver on specific outcomes. The result of the PSC is a networking relationship between government, . . .
Paarl landscapers shine at SALI awards
Paarl landscapers DDS Projects have walked off with an unprecedented six awards at the prestigious annual South African Landscaping Institute (SALI) Awards of Excellence, including the trophy award for the Best Environmental Landscape Work. The awards continue to encourage emerging trends in landscaping, including sustainability and ecological aesthetics. According to owner Danie Steenkamp, the awards are definitely a feather in their cap. “It is especially important for us to be recognised for ecologically friendly work that also carries a strong indigenous and water-wise component. The SALI Awards are considered to be the pinnacle in our industry and we are delighted to have so many projects acknowledged by an industry body.” The trophy was awarded for a veld garden established by DDS Projects in Robertson in 2015. The almost 1-hectare project involved blending the landscaping into the natural environment surrounding the private residence utilising species naturally found in the endemic renosterveld. Large plantings of indigenous grasses create a seamless transition between the natural setting and man-made structures. The grasses also then form the biome for the veld to further seed and reinstate the original natural renosterveld over time. In addition, local stone and compacted earth was laid for permeable walkways flowing through the landscape. According to the SALI judging panel DDS Projects managed to effortlessly achieve the brief of the client, which was to rehabilitate the surrounding veld into the garden. “In an area of the Little Karoo that is renowned for its poor soil and huge variations in climatic conditions these obstacles have been overcome by the correct use of plants and their suitability for the site.” Three other projects received double gold, gold and merit awards for category wins and in the Water Wise rankings. The Robertson Veld Garden project took the honours in the Environmental Landscape Work category, while the Vrede & . . .
Children! Help save our environment by recycling juice and milk cartons
Ronnie Recycler (Mpact Recycling celebrity mascot) says that by recycling our milk and juice cartons, we prevent them from becoming waste and give them a new life. This is a big deal because by doing so we also get to protect our natural resources, and reduce the dangers of litter on our environment, as well as health problems linked to air and land pollution. What exactly is ‘waste’? Waste is anything that we throw away or get rid of, and it doesn’t get re-used. That waste can lie around as litter on the ground, or it eventually gets collected and dumped in what is called a ‘landfill’, where it could remain forever. Companies like Mpact Recycling collect and separate that waste material, so that it can then be sent to the appropriate Mpact mill where it is made into new reels of paper and eventually new packaging products. That is a lot better than letting it remain as litter. How can you help? If your school runs a recycling programme, look out for our green Ronnie bank and deposit as much as possible of your recyclables - including paper packaging, and your milk and juice cartons. Just make sure the carton is empty of all its contents and flattened before you dispose it for recycling. When these banks are filled up, Mpact Recycling collects the recyclables and often you can even get to meet Ronnie Recycler himself on one of his many school visits around the country, where he encourages recycling among the youth. Get your school signed up onto the Ronnie Recycler programme – if they are not recycling already. This way you can play your part in saving the environment, by disposing of these, and all other recyclable paper products, in your nearest Ronnie bank at a church or community centre plus they will raise much needed funds through your donation. Alternatively, you can participate through Mpact Recycling’s kerbside collection service which is provided at no cost to households and has been running for over twenty years. Instead of . . .
SA Vinyls Association hosts successful Vinyls SA 2017 Conference
The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) hosted a successful Vinyls SA Conference at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton last week. Delegates representing the leaders of the local PVC industry, the media and other interested parties attended the presentations by international and local experts that centred around issues relating to the manufacture, use and recycling of PVC. “Like any other industry, the vinyls is facing various challenges that it needs to address from an environmental, health and business point of view in an ever-evolving arena. We are taking our responsibility towards sustainability seriously and are constantly reviewing our Product Stewardship Commitment to ensure that we stay abreast of developments and are proud of the progress our industry has made! The timing of this year’s event was therefore critical and we are grateful that it was so well attended,” says Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of SAVA. Local and international experts share the stage The Vinyl SA 2017 conference was the second international conference hosted by SAVA and built on the success of its first event that took place in 2014. Global speakers who presented papers and answered questions raised by delegates included Peter Willis, owner of “Conversations that Count”, who delivered the key-note address, Ian Lilja of the Vinyl Council of Australia (VCA), who delivered an update on the VCA Product Stewardship Programme and Dr Brigitte Dero, General Manager of the European Council for Vinyl Manufacturers and VinylsPlus, who provided an expert overview of the European Regulatory and Policy Context. Local experts such as Gerhard Kuhn, Senior Economist at the IDC, Renier Snyman of DPI Plastics, Tandy Coleman of Polyflor SA and Mike Smart of Genesis Consulting provided insights into local challenges, opportunities and developments impacting the PVC industry. Industry Awards recognise contributions to PVC growth, development Another highlight of the conference, was the SAVA . . .
Celebrate the 6th Paddle Out For Sharks ocean support initiative this Saturday
For too long sharks have been unfairly portrayed as aquatic villains, with unnecessary fearmongering and human greed leading to the decimation of several shark species to the point of near extinction. In an effort to turn the tide and save this 450-million-year-old underwater inhabitant, all ocean-user groups are encouraged to participate in the sixth annual Paddle Out For Sharks (POFS) event taking place on Saturday, 17 June at 8am. In support of World Ocean Day’s ‘Our Oceans, Our Future’ celebrated on 8 June, ocean lovers – including surfers, divers, swimmers, anglers, spearfishermen, scuba divers, lifesavers, SUP paddlers, bodyboards, conservation groups and more – will take to the water, leaving all differences ashore, in the hopes of uniting to raise awareness about sharks and the importance of their natural habitat. “All ocean lovers, conservation and ocean-user groups are invited to join the Paddle Out for Sharks event this Saturday at Scottburgh backline at 8am when we gather as a community to celebrate our local population of sharks on Aliwal Shoal,” commented Shannon Dean on behalf of Shark Angels South Africa. “We need to spread the word that live sharks are worth more than dead sharks as they contribute hugely to sustainable ecotourism. The Sharks of Aliwal Shoal are also instrumental in educating the public through positive outreach programmes and, more importantly, these marine animals are vital for a healthy and thriving ecosystem.” Drawing on the surfing tradition of ‘paddling out’ in memory of a fallen surfer, POFS acknowledges the millions of sharks that are cruelly decimated every year for sport, as a delicacy or captured in nets across the coastline annually. Their role within the marine ecosystem and, by extension, significance on all terrestrial life, cannot be overlooked any longer. “The Paddle Out for Sharks platform is excited that beach users and scuba divers will be coming together for the sixth consecutive year to celebrate . . .
SA Plastics Industry Launches Operation Clean Sweep
The South African plastics industry recently launched Operation Clean Sweep on World Oceans Day (8 June 2017) at the uShaka Marine World, Durban. According to Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics|SA, the primary goal of the campaign is to stop plastic pellets, flakes and powder used in the plastics industry, from reaching the sea. “We as the plastics industry produce the pellets and flakes used to manufacture plastic bags, bottles and other plastic products. When these micro-plastics are spilt during the manufacturing process, they are swept into drains from where they enter the sewerage system and eventually end up in our rivers and ultimately the sea. These pellets are smaller than a sunflower seed, therefore not easy to pick up during regular beach clean-ups. As a result, they are ingested by turtles, birds and marine life," Steyn explains. Mark Liptrot, Sustainability Manager at the packaging company, Constantia Afripak, said the extended effect of plastics on the ocean is a growing problem as micro-plastics attract chemical pollutants that are ingested by marine life, which, in turn, is eaten by other marine animals. Addressing the media, industry and members of the public who attended the breakfast launch, Steyn emphasised that plastics are integral to every aspect of our lives, particularly in protecting food from contamination. “It is where we use it, how we use it and what we do with the plastic product once we are done with it,that is important. To address this problem and offer a workable solution, Plastics|SA launched “Operation Clean Sweep” - a worldwide drive aimed at reducing the amount of plastic pellets that end up in rivers and ultimately in the ocean”, Steyn said. He added that the plastics industry as a whole had a role to play –from the producers and importers of raw materials pellets and flakes, to the converters and manufacturers of plastic products, as well as the recycling companies. "Our goal is to achieve zero . . .
Last Male Standing
What:The Last Male Standing Rhino Cup When: June 17 and 18, 2017 Where: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy (Home of the last male Northern White Rhino) Contacts: Kenya - Rob Stevenson - rob.stevenson@lmsrhinocup.com or +254 (0) 707 407 221, Australia - Nathan Dale - Nathan.dale@lmsrhinocup.com or +61 (0) 400 101 020 Cricketers from across the globe will join the Maasai Cricket Warriors and Nairobi’s Obuya Academy for a two day LMS Cricket tournament in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife conservation areas to raise awareness of the plight of the near extinct Northern White Rhino. The event organisers are hoping to raise more than $1million Kenyan Shillings from this year’s tournament to support Ol Pejeta and The East Africa Cricket & Education Foundation, which helps transforms the lives of thousands of disadvantaged young Africans through sport and education. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. More Info on Last Male Standing here: http://www.lastmanstands.com/last-male-standing-rhino-cup-media-alert Twitter: https://twitter.com/lastmanstands Facebook: https://facebook.com/LastManStands . . .
Pretoria by the Sea
Crystal Lagoons is the multinational that’s on everyone’s tongue at the moment, with a product that has become the world’s top amenity. It’s an innovation that’s taking the world by storm, making real-estate’s axiom of location, location, location obsolete. And it’s about to change the way you see the Pretoria lifestyle. Hot on the heels of the announcement of Crystal Lagoons’ involvement in the new Blyde Riverwalk development in Pretoria East, Balwin Properties announced an increase in profits for the year ended February 2017, citing differentiation as the key to gaining a competitive edge. Crystal Lagoons’ patented technology allows for the construction of crystal-clear man-made lagoons of unlimited size at very low construction and maintenance costs. This particular development will feature a turquoise lagoon the size of just over two rugby fields, surrounded by a stretch of beachfront. Crystal Lagoons represents an innovative initiative that has the potential to offer a one-of-a-kind lifestyle for users, regardless of where they live. The crystal-clear lagoon can be filled with fresh, brackish, or even salt water and uses 2% of the energy of standard swimming pool filtration technologies, and 100 times less additives. A typical lagoon uses 30 times less water than a standard golf course of the same size. Crystal Lagoons has developed a new film-based technology that further reduces the already very low water consumption of crystal-clear lagoons. When applied, this technology can reduce water consumption by 75%, in comparison to a park or farmland. Alastair Sinclair, Crystal Lagoons’ Regional Director for Africa, says the partnership represents exciting opportunities for areas such as Pretoria. “This project serves to further extend our footprint on the African continent. From 2015 to 2016, average rental prices for a 1-bedroom flat in the Western Cape have jumped by 23% compared to Gauteng’s modest increase of 10%. This is driving more people to . . .
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