Whilst everyone is under pressure to make products
more recyclable, reusable or compostable, the lack of
suitable economical green alternatives locally make plastic
a necessary evil, at least for the foreseeable future. Plastic
packaging preserves and protects its contents and provides
tamper evidence, all of which are crucial to consumers. It
is much more economical than other packaging options,
has high recycling rates in South Africa, and is a source of
recoverable fuel and energy.
As far as possible, Clomark works directly with customers’
designers, raw materials manufacturers and brand owners
to create product designs that are not only innovative but
also kind to the environment. “We work with customers to
understand their specific intent and design their packaging
to achieve the desired result,” Chirkoot explains.
Key factors are often a reduction in packaging
volume, cost benefit and the use of recyclable materials.
Reusability and local recyclability must be considered
alongside functionality.
The challenge is compounded by the proliferation of
laminates combining normally recyclable plastic types with
other plastics and metallised layers that are not recyclable.
“We have produced a two-layer laminate that has
replaced more complex, unrecyclable and non-compostable
laminates and has been used to manufacture sachets
destined for European markets,” he says, adding that