For 50 years, Plastic Bubbles has been a proud South African leader in rigid plastic packaging, serving diverse industries such as Pharmaceutical & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Food and Beverage, and Non-Food Chemicals. Over the years we have been making headway towards sustainable practices. Step by step, we move towards creating sustainable Packaging with Purpose. Below, we answer key questions about how we are addressing sustainability challenges and leading the way in sustainable plastic manufacturing.
Q&A: Plastic Bubbles and Sustainability
Q1: What has Plastic Bubbles always prioritized?
A: Plastic Bubbles has always prioritized safety and quality in our plastic manufacturing processes. Our commitment ensures that our packaging solutions meet the highest safety and performance standards for industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and nutrition.
Q2: What are the new trends in sustainable plastic manufacturing?
A: The major trends include:
• Sourcing more sustainable materials to replace traditional virgin plastics.
• Moving away from supporting single-use plastics
• Incorporating Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR) into production, which repurposes waste materials into new products, to reduce environmental impact.
Q3: Does Plastic Bubbles support the use of plant-based materials?
A: No, Plastic Bubbles does not use plant-based materials in its production processes. Instead, we focus on materials like PCR and recyclable plastics that provide durable and sustainable alternatives without compromising quality.
Q4: How is Plastic Bubbles tracking and reducing its environmental impact?
A: We have implemented cutting-edge technology, including:
• SCADA Systems: These monitor real-time production data, including energy, water, and material usage, providing insights to optimize efficiency.
• Energy Master Software: Tracks and monitors energy consumption during each stage of manufacturing, allowing us to reduce our base and variable energy loads.
• Closed-Loop Chiller Systems: Recycle and reuse water efficiently, reducing water wastage and electricity consumption.
Q5: What steps is Plastic Bubbles taking to reduce waste?
A: Minimizing waste is a priority for us. Our key strategies include:
• Generating less than 1% scrap during production, and recycling our defective, non-contaminated products back into production.
• Recycling all our other materials as well: cartons, metals and glass.
• Encouraging a Zero Waste culture among employees by providing dedicated recycling bins throughout our plant.
• Partnering with specialized waste collectors.
Q6: How is Plastic Bubbles addressing electricity and water conservation?
A: Our initiatives include:
• A grid-tied solar and battery system with 738 solar panels, reducing electricity consumption by 25-30% annually.
• A closed-loop water system that allows us to run the plant for over a week on a 5,000-liter backup water supply.
• Regular audits to identify further opportunities for reducing electricity and water usage.
Q7: What is Plastic Bubbles’ stance on single-use plastics?
A: Plastic Bubbles does not support single-use plastics. We are continuously committed to offering durable, reusable, and recyclable packaging solutions that align with global sustainability goals.
Q8: What is the future focus for Plastic Bubbles?
A: Our focus is on:
• Increasing the use of PCR and recyclable materials in our products and production.
• Reducing waste and resource consumption continuously.
• Maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Improving our plant efficiencies and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques routinely.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
At Plastic Bubbles we live sustainability. We are committed to building a sustainable future and embrace innovation and collaboration while continuing to deliver high-quality packaging solutions.
Join Us on Our Journey- Let’s work together to make a lasting positive impact.
