Commitment to sustainable recycling - Cheri Scholtz, CEO of PETCO

South Africa has one of the highest recycling rates in the world at 60% The plastics industry is one of the most active endorser of recycling in its high-growth industrial sector. International Plastics News – Middle East and Africa (IRNEA) talks to Cheri Scholtz, CEO of PETCO on the company's operations and how it supports the drive towards sustainable production. 

IRNEA: What are PETCO's thrusts and activities as a PET recycling company in the African region that made it coorganise the waste management colloqium?

Ms. Scholtz: PETCO aims to promote and improve waste management and recycling of post-consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) products on behalf of all stakeholders in the PET industry in South Africa. PETCO is the plastic industry's first joint effort to self-regulate post -consumer PET recycling. PETCO is an Associate Member of European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisation (EPRO) and the only African country represented in the organisation. EPRO is an association of the national organisations charged with organising and promoting recycling and recovery of plastics throughout Europe.

PETCO is also a member of the Global Alliance for Recycling and Sustainable Development (GARSD) - an alliance of countries that include Mexico, Thailand, Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia. GARSD promotes sustainable waste management in developing countries. Both platforms are important portals for the exchange of ideas, innovation and learning for South Africa.

We are fortunate to join EPRO in their first General Meeting to take place on African soil in Cape Town on 20 November this year. In order to maximise the opportunity to learn from each other's best practices with regards to waste management, recycling, the green economy and packaging initiatives, it was decided to organise a global colloquium with leaders in the recycling and waste management industries, which will take place on 21 November 2013.

IRNEA: Who will participate in this colloquium and what are its benefits?

Ms. Scholtz: The colloquium titled "Global Partnerships for a Sustainable Recycling Sector" will see 15 international speakers paired with 15 local industry leaders sharing their views on the waste management and recycling economy, trends, legislative tools, technical innovation and more.

Our association with these international bodies affords us the opportunity to learn from international best practices, as well as have a say on decisions that could ultimately impact global markets, legislation and trends, decisions that have a direct influence on the future of recycling and waste management here at the southern tip of Africa, where we have our own unique set of challenges.

Ms. Scholtz: PETCO is the trading name of the PET Recycling Company (Pty) Ltd and represents the South African plastic industry’s proven joint effort to selfregulate post-consumer PET recycling. PETCO is financed by a voluntary recycling levy paid by converters on PET resin purchased. PETCO also receives grants from brand owners and resin producers. This sustains collection interest and reduces the volume of post-consumer PET in the waste stream. Thus, PETCO serves as an industry driven and financed environmental solution for PET.

IRNEA: What are the main activities that PETCO has undertaken in raising the awareness on recycling?

Ms. Scholtz: On-going consumer and public education and awarenesShop Women's Sneakers by Brand