Pick n Pay becomes member of metal packaging recycling group

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South African supermarket giant and Averda partner, Pick n Pay, has officially become a member of MetPac-SA, a producer responsibility organisation for metal packaging and recycling. The group comprises other major brands such as Coca-Cola, AB InBev, Nampak, Nestlé and Distell. These brands are all producers on metal packaging, ranging from cans and tins to foils and wrappers. Pick n Pay’s decision to join the group will mean that more of the supermarket’s products will be collected and recovered from the waste stream. Waste items such as Pick n Pay-branded aluminium cans, aerosol canisters, metal caps and foil food packaging will be kept out of South Africa’s landfills. The decision to join the organisation has been lauded by MetPac-SA chief executive officer Kishan Singh.

Pick n Pay sees metal packaging as a valuable resource

“As a leading retailer, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and encourage our suppliers and customers to join us on the journey,” says Pick n Pay sustainability general manager Andre Nel.We believe it is important to support organisations such as MetPac-SA, who are focused on establishing a circular economy by treating waste as a valuable resource that can be used to address economic, social and environmental challenges,” he explains.South Africa currently recycles around 76% of its metal packaging waste, but the more large companies and producers that actively try to tackle their waste, the better these rates will be. The industry is aiming to reach 79% by 2021 and 81% by 2023.

MetPac-SA promotes sustainability

MetPac-SA was formed in 2016 and aims to give the metal packaging industry a unified voice when it comes to managing their products. The organisation also hopes to establish the industry as a contributor to sustainability across the entire supply chain of metal products.The group creates unified commitments on industry waste management plans to which member companies can adhere. MetPac-SA unites manufacturers with suppliers and retailers to promote the benefits of metal packaging while minimising the volume of metal waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.___Averda is a leading waste management provider with over 50 years of experience across three continents. Through growth, transformation and engagement, we strive to find new ways of managing waste while protecting the community and environment. ___By pairing international expertise with local insights, we have secured our position as one of South Africa’s most respected providers of waste management and industrial cleaning services. We also operate in the recycling, pipe inspection, CCTV, infrastructure inspection, hydro-demolition, high-pressure water jetting and catalyst handling industries. ___Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for the best tips on recycling and the latest industry news. See our Instagram and YouTube channels for more insights into environmental affairs and our work with local communities.