We are delighted to announce that Safripol in partnership with PETCO have been chosen as the WINNER of the prestigious 2020 CAIA Responsible Care Initiative of the year award – Corporate Social Responsibility category.
At CAIA’s first ever virtual awards ceremony, the Bophelo recycling project, was recognised for its grass-roots impact in improving the lives and livehood of community members in Ermelo, while making a positive improvement to the environment. Through the joint sponsorship between Safripol and PETCO which comprised infrastructure worth R500 000, Bophelo Recycling (Pty) Ltd is today a fully fledged buy-back centre for all types of recyclables which is collected from informal settlements, house-holds, and schools, in and around Ermelo. Since the joint investment, the centre has more than doubled its output PET recycling volumes from 4 tons in 2018 to 9.5 tons in 2019. Bophelo Recycling has also made a significant contribution to job creation in Ermelo, whereby it now employs 11 permanent employees and 20 part-time waste collectors, who assist with sorting and buying of recyclable material.
This project demonstrates that value-chain partnerships are key in the sustainable management of plastic waste. However the real hero in the success of the Bophelo recycling project is Johanna Leshabane. It is through her determination, perseverance and her desire to make a positive impact in her community, that the Bophelo recycling project is what it is today. On behalf of Safripol and PETCO we thank Johanna and her team for this outstanding achievement and we wish them continued success for the future.
At Safripol, we are committed to our sustainable development goals, which amongst others includes advancing the circular economy, and socio-economic development of our people and communities. We look forward to further partnerships to achieve real change in people’s lives, especially in the lives of the most vulnerable. Together we can achieve more.
Finally, we thank CAIA for this prestigious award and in ensuring that real impact at grass-roots level is encouraged, recognised and rewarded.