As such, as of 1 July 2019, Mpact Versapak elected to participate in Petco's recycling initiatives for PET packaging and will contribute by paying a voluntary PET fee to Petco, based on domestic PET product sales.
Mpact Versapak’s decision to join Petco is a necessary and exciting step towards creating new local end-use markets for PET thermoform recycling and supporting greater return of this resource into the South African economy, thereby creating new job opportunities, and ultimately, reducing the leakage of these products into the environment.
By signing with Petco, Mpact Versapak has also ensured that it is compliant with the government’s call to companies in the paper and packaging industry to have an Industry Waste Management Plan (IndWMP) in place. Petco, on behalf of its members, submitted its IndWMP ahead of 6 September 2018, deadline.
Mpact Versapak offers a wide range of branded packaging, including PET trays for both the local and international FMCG, fast food, fresh food, beverage and agricultural sectors. Operating from the Western Cape and Gauteng, they distribute products through an extensive countrywide network. Their in-house design function allows them to rapidly respond to customer needs, market trends and new product developments.
“Recycling is our commitment to South Africa”, states Neelin Naidoo, MD for Mpact Plastics. “Responsible production and recycling remains a top priority for us and through our long-standing relationship with Petco, we believe we are making a valuable contribution. We are pleased to now have all our plastics plants as Petco-contributing plants.”
“Petco has been engaging the PET thermoform sector since our incorporation in 2004,” says Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz. “This is a welcome move by Mpact Versapak, so that together, we can find sustainable solutions for these thermoform products.”
About Mpact
Mpact is a leading producer of rigid plastic packaging and cling film, producing a range of packaging and serving a multitude of blue-chip customers within various industries, including products for the food, beverage, personal care, homecare, pharmaceutical, agricultural, industrial and retail markets.
About Petco
Petco, the PET plastic recycling company, fulfils the PET industry’s role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), being a voluntary industry driven and financed environmental solution for post-consumer PET plastic. By imposing accountability over the entire life cycle of PET products and packaging, companies that manufacture, import and/or sell PET products and packaging are financially and physically responsible for such products after their useful life.
Mpact Plastics is a leading producer of rigid plastic packaging and cling film in southern Africa. We operate out of nine production centres across the country, providing packaging from plants with relevant certifications. We service the food, beverage, personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, agricultural and retail markets. In upholding company values, and as a supporter of the circular economy, we positively contribute to industry associations, enabling various communities to participate in recycling solutions.
