Nampak Liquid Cartons is once again joining forces with Fibre Circle and Infinite Industries to showcase the power of innovative recycling. Building on the success of last year’s project, which saw recycled cartons turned into school desks, the partners have now installed eco-friendly roof sheets at the SPCA Roodepoort Krugersdorp as part of the Eco-Paws initiative. This donation will replace the old asbestos roof sheets on the kennels, providing safer and more comfortable shelter for the animals.

The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that households in South Africa produce about 12.7 million tonnes of domestic waste each year, with around 3.67 million tonnes failing to be formally collected and managed. Consequently, a significant portion of this unmanaged waste ends up being deposited in landfills or incinerated unlawfully. Considering the country’s growing waste crisis, it is imperative to find inventive solutions that can reduce the environmental impact of waste and create value from discarded materials.

“We are thrilled to partner with Fibre Circle and Infinite Industries for the second year in a row,” comments Raymond Dube, Managing Director of Nampak Liquid Cartons. “This latest initiative in support of the SPCA reflects our ongoing commitment to community welfare and sustainability and highlights the far-reaching potential of smart recycling. By providing eco-friendly roof sheets, we are not only ensuring the safety of animals in need, but also helping contribute solutions to the country’s growing waste challenges.”

For over six years, Infinite Industries has been working with waste materials and converting them into a variety of recycled products. The roofing sheets donated to the SPCA were created from almost 2,000 kilograms of post-consumer waste – specifically through the recycling of Poly Alu—a combination of polyethylene and aluminium found in beverage cartons. The durable, weather-resistant roofing sheets can be used for a variety of construction needs, reducing the waste going to landfills while also creating a practical, environmentally friendly building solution.

One of the advantages of liquid cartons is that they are made from a renewable resource: trees. In fact, the vast majority of cartons are made from paper fibre, which is then recycled into corrugated boxes. As such, the more cartons needed; the more trees are planted. And trees are good for the environment. As the lungs of the planet, they filter the air that people breathe. Taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, trees are one of the most effective ways of combatting climate change. Ultimately, liquid cartons are not only recyclable, but also renewable, making them an ideal choice for sustainable building solutions.

“It’s initiatives like these, that help to drive home the message that materials traditionally thought of as non-recyclable, can be upcycled into new materials, and that we can prevent this waste from entering our landfills while at the same time benefitting our communities,” says Maggie Bozic Infante, co-founder of Infinite Industries. “We love that this collaboration has both huge environmental and socio-economic impact. At Infinite Industries, we believe the way we treat animals reflects our humanity.”

Because the roofing sheets are waterproof and have excellent thermal insulation qualities, they will help to make the kennels cooler in summer and warmer in winter, at the same time offering better shelter from elements such as rain. They’re also non-toxic and durable, making for a safer environment that will not require any further maintenance.

“Our cattery has been transformed into a safer, warmer, and brighter space for the cats and kittens in our care. It is heartwarming and greatly appreciated when generous and compassionate organisations take an interest and invest in the welfare of our animals, especially during these challenging times when everyone is battling to make a living. This project is a wonderful example of how like-minded groups of people can work together to make a big difference for animals that have only seen the negative side of life,” says Mandi Cattanach, General Manager of SPCA Roodepoort Krugersdorp.

“Projects that support organisations like the SPCA highlight the social and environmental impact that businesses can have when they collaborate for the greater good. By raising awareness around the potential of recycled materials, we hope to inspire widespread adoption of sustainable practices across industries,” comments Edith Leeuta, CEO of Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the paper and paper packaging sector.

Fibre Circle promotes accountability among producers like Nampak Liquid Cartons to manage their packaging waste and minimise landfill contributions. Efforts such as these are essential in meeting this obligation and contribute towards maintaining a pristine and sustainable environment for everyone.

“The SPCA does incredible work every day, and we are glad that our recycled cartons can contribute to their efforts. As a responsible producer of sustainable packaging, we’re committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate. We hope that more businesses will join us in supporting the SPCA and other organisations that make a positive difference in our society,” concludes Dube.

About Nampak Liquid Cartons

Nampak Liquid Cartons, a division of Nampak Limited, manufactures the unique Conipak carton as well as a wide range of Pure-Pak® cartons, under licence from Elopak of Norway. The cartons are 100% recyclable, renewable and offer a sustainable alternative to other packaging, such as plastic. Nampak Liquid Cartons picked up two Gold Medals at the 2020 Institute of Packaging South Africa’s Gold Pack Awards for its development of the SPAR two-litre Pure-Pak® milk carton in the Best in Beverages: Non-Alcoholic Packaging category, as well as in the Best in Paper Packaging category. The division also won a Silver Medal at the 2022 Awards for its development of the SEAM Pure-Pak® Coffee Carton. Clients are largely beverage producers, particularly in the dairy, fruit juice and sorghum beer market. The cartons are now also being used to package water, as well as coffee beans.

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