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 materials suppliers 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 plastics manufacturers 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. Contact us today to learn more about the wide range of PVC compounds we manufacture and to place an order.
