The plastic industry has come a long way in South Africa over the years, with the plastic manufacturing sector contributing nearly 2% of the country’s GDP in 2023. Overall, plastic manufacturing accounts for about 16.6% of the entire manufacturing sector in South Africa, with the government defining it as a crucial sector.
One of the most important players in the plastics manufacturing sector is the supplier of plastic raw materials. Plastic raw materials manufacturers ensure that the rest of the plastic manufacturing industry can function to deliver plastic products to the market. As one of the leading raw plastic manufacturers in South Africa, IPC is proud to do its part in representing this industry and championing a more sustainable plastic sector.
Let’s look at what plastic raw materials manufacturers do and why they’re considered the backbone of the South African plastic manufacturing industry.
What Plastic Raw Materials Manufacturers Do
Plastic raw materials manufacturers are responsible for producing the building blocks of plastic products. These essential materials are delivered by manufacturers who produce raw materials for the manufacture of myriad kinds of plastic products, be they polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC, among others.
This involves an intricate and highly scientific process involving the formulation of specialised compounds and the refining and moulding of materials. The process requires a high degree of technical knowledge and skill and the application of cutting-edge technology.
Plastic raw materials manufacturers play a crucial role in taking various chemicals and petrochemicals and transforming them into specific plastic compounds that manufacturers can then use for various processes.
Without plastic raw materials manufacturers operating in SA, the plastics manufacturing sector would have to import plastic raw materials from abroad, significantly raising the cost of all plastics. Doing so would inadvertently raise the cost of just about any product on the market, since a huge number of goods contain some kind of plastic – either in the product itself or in the packaging.
What Role Do They Play in Ensuring a More Sustainable Plastics Industry?
The global outcry against plastic pollution and its impact on environmental degradation means that the plastic industry around the world is under pressure to become more sustainable. While there are many useful plastic alternatives for various products, the fact remains that a large majority of vital products can only be made from plastic, and so plastic is here to stay.
However, thanks to the efforts of various players across the plastics value chain, active steps are being taken to ensure greater responsibility and sustainability, thereby promoting a safer and more eco-friendly industry.
Many plastic manufacturers in South Africa play an active role in recycling or using recycled plastics, while responsible companies such as IPC have committed to producing plastics that are mercury-free, bisphenol A-free, cadmium-free, hexavalent chromium-free, lead-free, and restrict the use of low-molecular weight phthalate plasticisers.
The best plastics raw materials manufacturers in SA champion sustainability by being part of industry associations, such as the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) or PlasticsSA, both of which strive to transform the industry into a more sustainable one.
How Do Plastics Manufacturers Support the South African Economy?
As mentioned earlier, the plastics industry plays a significant role in contributing to South Africa’s GDP. It also provides many employment opportunities for many skilled and unskilled workers, which contributes to a reduction in the country’s employment rates.
The plastic raw materials manufacturing sector allows downstream manufacturers to make useful products, thereby stimulating the economy through domestic and international trade. Moreover, the raw materials plastics manufacturing sector has become a centre for innovation, attracting high-level skills and investment while fostering a culture that values technological advancement.
Raw plastic materials suppliers support the development of diverse businesses and encourage the growth of various downstream industries. At IPC, we pride ourselves on being one of South Africa’s leading plastic raw materials manufacturers.
An Innovation-Driven Sector
One of the things that many people don’t know is that plastic manufacturers in South Africa are not just significant drivers of the economy but also drivers of scientific and technological innovation.
In order to meet the growing demand for more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly plastic products, South Africa’s plastic raw materials manufacturers are always working at creating new compounds.
Here at IPC, for example, we are always striving to develop more advanced compounds for our customers, many of whom want custom formulations for complex applications.
Plastic manufacturers in South Africa are hard at work in their efforts to introduce innovations like biodegradable plastics, more advanced recycling technologies, and more energy-efficient production methods.
These innovations are becoming increasingly prevalent among domestic plastic products manufacturers. Not only are they helping the industry keep pace with global trends, but they are, in some cases, leading the pack, exporting technological advancements abroad.
What’s more, many of these advancements also contribute significantly to a reduced environmental impact.
By supporting and fostering these kinds of technological advancements, plastic raw material manufacturers like IPC contribute to ensuring that the country remains competitive on the global stage.
Growing Demand for Specialised Materials
The South African plastics manufacturing industry has a solid base in producing general-purpose plastics. However, there is an increased demand for specialised materials that can cater to specific industries or applications.
These include the medical industry, the automotive industry, and even electronics.
South Africa’s robust automotive manufacturing industry is particularly interested in advanced plastic materials that require a higher level of expertise to manufacture and involve advanced chemical engineering.
The local medical industry is also interested in advancements in plastic compounds that can reduce costs, improve environmental sustainability, and deliver better, reliable performance capable of meeting the high standards of the medical industry.
Many plastic manufacturers in South Africa are increasingly focused on serving these sectors, offering medical-grade plastics, high-performance polymers, flame-retardant materials, and more, helping to ensure the localisation of critical supply chains.
With the growing demand for specialised plastics, there is ample opportunity for expansion and growth within the sector while still supporting those industries that rely heavily on general-purpose plastic materials.
IPC is a leading plastic products manufacturer. Contact us today to learn more about the wide range of PVC compounds we manufacture and to place an order.
