Pro-Plas Africa Conference to focus on impact of plastic on planet

© Chakkapong Benjasuwan – 123RF.com

The Pro-Plas Africa Conference will be taking place from 15 to 18 March 2016 at NASREC in Johannesburg.

"Following on the success of our first conference that took place three years ago at the last Propak Africa Expo, we look forward to continuing the dialogue and discussions. We expect that the 2016 event will once again draw close to 300 key role players and decision makers of the plastics industry as we get together to discuss and learn more about issues that have a direct impact on our businesses, day-to-day operations and future prospects," says Anton Hanekom, executive director of Plastics|SA.

Lineup of speakers

Plastics|SA has also released the line-up of speakers who will be presenting at the second industry-specific conference on Wednesday, 16 March 2016:

• Lesley Anne Glover is a Scottish biologist and academic. She was professor of molecular biology and cell biology at the University of Aberdeen before being named vice-principal for external affairs and dean for Europe. Glover will be the first opening keynote speaker and will share her views on how the global plastics industry is rising to the challenge to improve its triple bottom line.
  
• Alec Erwin was Minister of Public Enterprises in South Africa from 2004 to 2008. Prior to this he was Minister of Trade and Industry. Erwin will be the second keynote speaker of the day, and will focus his talk on what the local plastics industry should do to ensure that it not only survives, but thrives in a challenging economic climate.
  
• Jason J. Drew has been described as one of 'Africa's most inspiring green leaders' by Leadership Magazine. In his talk Drew will give a unique business leader's insight into the future of business, the environment - and the challenges for us as business leaders. He will also provide an insight into some of the remarkable and profitable green businesses he has started and invested in both in Africa and Europe.
  
• Mefane Makhutla is the HR director for Astrapak. Drawing on his substantial experience managing the human element in the workplace, he will be sharing his expertise on how the plastics industry's leaders can maximise, motivate and maintain their most valuable resources - people.
  
• Meluleki Nzimande has been involved in various investigations into customs duty amendments, including anti-dumping and other trade remedy investigations. He will be unpacking the profit aspect of the day's theme, addressing matters relating to mergers and acquisitions, anti-corruption law and general commercial law.
  
• Dion Chang needs very little introduction as South Africa's leading corporate trend analyst and design consultant, as well as freelance journalist, columnist and social commentator, who currently runs his own company called Flux Trends. Chang works both locally and internationally.