Engen SAPRO Recycled Product Awards

L to R: Ruben Brandt, Janine Charters, Loutjie de Jongh and Lance Kallis of Mpact Containers with the SAPRO Trophy for the Recycled Product of the Year Award.

As a company that strives to conduct its business in ways that are compatible with the economic, social and environmental needs of the communities in which it operates, Senzo Makhathini, Engen's Sustainability Manager says "sponsoring the Recycled Product of the Year awards is a contribution to the fight against waste."

The gala prize giving dinner acknowledged products made from recycled materials across four categories - products containing a percentage recyclate, products containing 100% recyclate, products featuring a mix with recycled materials, and pieces made from discarded plastics products.

But perhaps more importantly, the event was aimed at encouraging brand owners and industrial designers to consider recycled plastics as a material of choice, the organisers say.

"The event and organisers seek to develop a culture of caring - and care begins with being aware," says Colleen Jacobs, Engen Business Manager: Chemicals and Special Products. "As Engen, we are humbled to have been a part of it."

Makhathini says in line with the national commitment to waste management outlined in South Africa's National Environmental Management: Waste Act, waste management practices are being entrenched at the company.

"An integrated waste management programme ensures that Engen is able to track, document and manage waste from all waste streams, from generation to disposal, recycling or re-use," says Makhathini.

He says this information is helping Engen move away from waste generation to avoidance, re-use and recycling, rather than disposal of waste.

"Every ton of waste dumped is a job opportunity squandered, revenue lost and a piece of land contaminated for years. This is why recycling makes social, economic and environmental sense," adds Makhathini.