BLOG: All the greenies out there might find it interesting to know that Polystyrene recycling programs have been established in Gauteng, Durban and Western Cape, and now the first high volume recycling programme in Pretoria has been established by the Polystyrene Packaging Council. Drop off sites is being established, as I write this, for consumers to drop their Polystyrene off. The Polystyrene is then taken to the premises of Allied Recycling in Pretoria North where the Polystyrene will be compressed by the first locally-made Ingot machine.

The advantages of recycling your polystyrene by using an Ingot machine include:

The making of Ingots out of the Polystyrene creates an improved carbon footprint when transporting the Polystyrene, as the Ingot condenses the Polystyrene up to 200 times its original density.
Life cycle studies have shown that the recycling of Polystyrene has the best environmental impact compared to land filling.
Polystyrene already has a very low carbon footprint due to the lightness of the product, recycling the material makes it a better option than paper based products.
 
Two types of Ingot machines are available in South Africa. The first option, PIM 200 INGOT, has the capacity to produce at least four (4) tons of ingots per month. The second, PIM 970 INGOT, runs on higher kW motors and can produce at least ten (10) tons of ingots per month. The market for polystyrene in SA is large and collectors can be assured that there exists a market for the ingots, making the recycling of Polystyrene a feasible and profitable business opportunity.

The Polystyrene in South Africa is currently being recycled into, picture frames, cornices and curtain rods to mention but a few. Polystyrene is the number six plastic and can be identified with the following symbol:

For more information, log onto www.polystyrenepackaging.co.za or contact Adri Spangenberg on

012 259 0554 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Till next time!

Louise