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With innovative, out-of-the-box thinking and collective efforts, we believe that the plastics industry will be able to make a valuable contribution.”

Fighting COVID-19 in SA: A challenge to the SA plastics industry to get onboard

THE Coronavirus outbreak has left no person or industry unaffected. Whilst the rest of the country is in lockdown at their homes, South Africa’s police force, healthcare professionals and other workers in the frontline fight against the Covid-19 virus are ill-equipped and face serious shortages of gloves, masks and other protective gear.

“As the plastics industry, we are afforded a unique opportunity to practically demonstrate to the rest of the nation the tremendous power of plastics – not only to protect food and produce from spoilage thanks to plastic packaging, but also protect lives!” said Anton Hanekom, executive director of Plastics|SA.

“We are fully aware of the fact that this is a very difficult time for our industry and country and that finances and resources are stretched. However, this is an exceptional time in the history of our nation. With innovative, out-of-the-box thinking and collective efforts, we believe that the plastics industry will be able to make a  valuable contribution.”

Globally, plastics manufacturers have stepped up to the challenge by rapidly changing their production lines to provide in-demand items, ranging from disinfectants and hand sanitizers, to gloves, face shields and ventilators.

Hanekom said that Plastics/SA would like to encourage its members to take up this challenge by coming onboard with one of the following initiatives:

  1. Manufacture and/or donate products: The SA plastics industry could be in a position to donate protective gear (i.e. gloves and masks, face screens) hand sanitizer and other equipment needed to frontline forces. Raw material suppliers, manufacturers and product developers have been asked to contact Plastics/SA to inform them how and what they are able to provide or produce.
  2. Donate funds towards the Solidarity Fund: If members of the SA plastics industry are unable to donate products or services in the fight against the Coronavirus, but would like to make a financial donation to the Solidarity Fund along with other players in the plastics industry, please get in touch with Plastics/SA.