Recycling awareness drives industry growth in PE
An increased awareness among businesses around the importance of recycling, paired with a growth in consumer demand for recycled products, has driven the expansion of the Port Elizabeth branch of Rainbow Paper Management - a group company of JSE-listed Metrofile Holdings Limited.
According to Dorota Boltman, divisional director of Rainbow Paper Management, since the branch opened in 2008 the company has experienced an exponential increase in the amount of tonnes of paper received each month for recycling. "This has resulted in the need to purchase more equipment as well as increase our offering to include new recycling services."
This sentiment is mirrored by the findings of a United States study conducted by IBISWorld which found that the US recycling facilities industry has grown at an annual rate of 3.3% in the past five years, with the growth largely attributed to the demand from consumers for products manufactured from recycled goods.
"The local market has become more aware of the environmental advantages of recycling as well as the business benefits, which include enhanced social responsibility requirements, increased customer loyalty as a preferred business partner, space-saving advantages as well as improved employee morale," says Boltman.
Increase in business recycling
In addition to this, a boost in local development within the province has also contributed to the increase in business recycling, she says. "The growth in local small businesses has increased the amount of paper in the province and thus the requirement to recycle it."
"The PE branch has also expanded its services to include the collection and preparatory work for the recycling of plastic, cans, glass and metal due to increased enquiries to provide these services."
Rainbow Paper Management PE has also assisted in providing increased employment opportunities in the province through its support of the hawker trade from the New Brighton Township, says Boltman. "We encourage members of the township to supply us with recyclable goods for which they are paid. This in turn enables the upliftment of individuals and communities in the area.
"We also provide flexible employment to local people through the rental of trucks from Rainbow Paper Management which can be used to collect recyclable goods."
Boltman notes that while businesses are waking up to the benefits of recycling, consumers need to do more. "Every little bit helps. It is important that consumers also practice recycling in their homes, it is a simple process that goes a long way to saving the environment."
