As a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of recyclable and renewable packaging products, we believe that we need to do our utmost to ensure that we contribute to a circular economy and keep our products in the loop – and out of landfills – for as long as possible.
New regulations, under Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, make it mandatory for companies like ours to have a hand in the post-consumer cycle of our products. To make this possible, we are members of a producer responsibility organization (PRO) called Fiber Circle.
Fibre Circle is a government-recognised PRO that manages extended producer responsibility programmes to help keep renewable and recyclable products, like paper and packaging, out of South African landfills.
Ultimately, this contributes to the living and working environment of all South Africans, and helps us do our part as a nation.
WHY ARE OUR BIOCUPS BOTH?
BIODEGRADABLE:
A biodegradable substance or object is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms like fungi or algae. It does not contribute to pollution and leaves no harmful chemicals behind. The time it takes for any product to biodegrade remains undefined, but is roughly pegged at less than a year - a fraction of the lifespan of most plastics.
COMPOSTABLE:
In a controlled environment, compostable products are capable of disintegrating or breaking down into nutrient rich, natural materials. This is as a result of the controlled exposure to micro-organisms, humidity and differing temperatures. Composting occurs within a specific time frame, if conditions remain optimal.
Both the soy inks - and the paper they're printed on - are biodegradable, as they break down through the elements they're exposed to.
The cup is lined with PLA, a plant-based substance made using fermented or crystalised corn. To break down efficiently, substances lined with PLA need to be disposed of in a composter as it needs controlled conditions and the micro-organisms found in a compost heap to decay.
PRINTING:
Why do we use soy inks for all printing?
Renewable
Cost-effective to produce
Biodegradable
Uses less material in comparison to other ink bases
Easier to remove from products.
Food safe.