Like packaging, which preserves and protects products, Nampak preserves and protects the environment against the impact of packaging manufacture and waste.
“As Africa’s largest and most diversified packaging company, we participate in extensive recycling initiatives and continue to invest significant resources into the development of more sustainable products so that consumers can make responsible purchasing decisions,” says André de Ruyter, Chief Executive of Nampak.
To demonstrate their eco logical thinking, Nampak has likened the volumes saved and recycled to a number of recognisable everyday city living objects. The manufacturer managed to save the equivalent amount of electricity it takes to power 13 725 households for a month and recycled enough glass, paper and board, metal and plastic to make 1 700 glass skyscrapers (similar to the iconic building on Diagonal Street in Johannesburg); 428 million newspapers; 126 Nelson Mandela bridges and 1,7 billion credit cards.
To amplify their commitment to waste reduction, Nampak also launched the #60DaysResponsible Challenge on 1 May 2014 in a bid to make consumers more aware of the impact that their actions have on the environment. The two-month campaign is intended to encourage members of the public to rethink their old habits and to consider whether their post-use packaging can be reused or recycled.
Participants are required to like the Nampak Facebook page, click on the #60DaysResponsible tab and submit a picture of packaging in any of the Reduce, Reuse or Recycle categories and demonstrate how they use sustainable principles in their everyday lives. Not only will entrants be helping the planet but they also stand in line to win their share of R20 000.
“Every year we throw away packaging which could be recovered, recycled or re-used. We are cognisant of the National Environmental Waste Management bill and see it as our responsibility to drive positive behaviour change both internally and amongst consumers.” adds Lynne Kidd, Nampak’s Group Sustainability Manager.
