With recent advancements in masterbatch technology and a unique team culture that emphasises growth, innovation and collaboration, SAPY continues to strengthen its position as an industry leader. Central to this success is the company’s managing director, Dr Majid Zarrebini, whose vision has guided SAPY’s remarkable journey.
SAPY’s mastery of innovation is evident in its ongoing development of new masterbatch solutions. According to colour manager Dayalan Moodley,
SAPY has recently introduced additional pigments to its raw material range, with high heat stability properties to cater to the increasing demands of injection moulders. ‘We’ve introduced pigments with enhanced resistance to high processing temperatures, which ensures that our masterbatches maintain their vibrancy and durability under extreme conditions,’ he shares.
Furthermore, SAPY carefully monitors global regulatory changes, particularly where food safety in plastic packaging materials is concerned. ‘We are in the process of qualifying a new PFAS-free processing aid additive,’ Dayalan explains. ‘This is to ensure our products meet pending global regulations regarding PFAS, which reflects our proactive approach in staying ahead of compliance challenges.’
According to him, SAPY only purchase raw materials from reputable suppliers who meet global regulatory requirements, particularly for use in plastic food packaging. SAPY’s certified ISO 22:000:2018 Food Safety Management System provides customers with added assurance, guaranteeing that their packaging solutions are not only visually appealing but also meet the highest standards of consumer safety, Dayalan stresses.
In terms of sustainability, SAPY is leading the charge by creating masterbatches that enhance the performance of packaging made from recycled resins. ‘SAPY has over eight years of experience working with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content,’ notes marketing manager Tracy Campbell. ‘We are exceptionally proud of our high success rate in colour matching specifically for products containing PCR, which meet stringent brand colour requirements.’
SAPY’s masterbatches are designed to address the complexities of recycled applications, ensuring that customers don’t have to sacrifice quality or aesthetics for sustainability. Tracy emphasises that SAPY’s fibre-grade pigments and masterbatch processing methods play a significant role in improving colour stability when using variable raw material inputs. ‘Our masterbatches provide excellent dispersion, ensuring that colours remain consistent and reliable from batch to batch.’
A culture of collaboration and loyalty
What truly sets SAPY apart is its remarkable team culture, characterised by long-term employee retention, personal growth and an unwavering commitment to collaboration. Tracy attributes the company’s success to its people-first approach. ‘Majid has always believed in investing in people. Over the years, he has personally mentored individuals at all levels, from top management to technicians and even our canteen staff,’ she explains.
This personalised mentorship fosters a deep sense of belonging and responsibility among team members, creating a shared culture of learning and excellence. Tracy highlights how this approach has influenced the company’s success: ‘Once we’re established in our roles, we pass on our knowledge in the same hands-on manner, ensuring continuity and a strong succession plan.’
One example of SAPY’s dedication to nurturing talent is the story of yarn technical manager Andy Gopaul, who started as a forklift driver over 26 years ago. ‘Andy showed a flair for mechanics and was eager to learn,’ Tracy shares. ‘As a result, he was trained and eventually promoted to the leadership role he holds today. His journey reflects the values of growth and opportunity that SAPY embodies.’
Celebrating long-service employees
SAPY’s long-service employees are a testament to the company’s strong team culture. For instance, Dayalan has been with the company for 23 years. ‘When I started in 2001, I was given the opportunity to build up SAPY’s then small in-house masterbatch facility. What we’ve achieved today is phenomenal.’ He adds: ‘In 2018, our annual masterbatch sales overtook the yarn division’s, marking a personal and professional milestone.’
Raveena Govender, a dedicated team member at SAPY for 25 years, has played a vital role in managing customer care across all systems and divisions. ‘I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the company,’ she shares. ‘From sales to logistics, the skills I’ve developed have been critical to my success and SAPY’s progression.’ Raveena also credits SAPY’s commitment to staying competitive in the global market by sourcing raw materials from reputable suppliers and offering premium products at competitive prices.
For quality control leader, Thembelihle Hlophe, who joined SAPY straight out of school 19 years ago, the opportunities provided by SAPY have been life-changing. ‘When I started, it was rare for women to operate machines in this industry,’ she says. ‘But Dr Zarrebini believes in equal opportunity, and I was trained up from machine operations to work in the colour lab. Over the years, I’ve implemented QC record-keeping systems that are still in use today.’
The road ahead
As SAPY continues to innovate in the masterbatch space, its people-driven culture remains at the heart of its success. For Tracy and her colleagues, what excites them most about SAPY’s future is the potential of the young, dynamic team currently being nurtured. ‘We’re not just keeping up with current trends, we’re leading them,’ she remarks. ‘Our commitment to innovation, sustainability and excellence will continue to drive us forward.’
Reflecting on SAPY’s journey, Tracy and her team sees a future filled with opportunities: ‘Our masterbatches are evolving to meet the complex demands of the global market, and with the incredible team we have, there is no limit to what we can achieve.’ As SAPY celebrates 29 years in business during October, it remains a shining example of what can be accomplished when innovation and team collaboration come together.
Visit SAPY’s new website: www.sapy.com
