Pressure on the plastics value chain continues to grow, and in 2026 sustainability is increasingly judged by measurable outcomes rather than public commitments. For Gauteng-based converter PSA Plastics, this work starts on the factory floor, where waste is monitored, energy use is rethought and material life is extended well beyond first use.
Founded in 2009, PSA Plastics has grown into an established South African manufacturer of refuse bags and flexible plastic packaging products. Operating in a market often criticised for its environmental impact, the company treats sustainability as a structural priority rather than a marketing afterthought.
‘We’ve always believed that if manufacturing creates impact, then manufacturing must also take responsibility,’ says Susan van Coller, sales and marketing manager. ‘Our focus is on reducing preventable pollution, tightening material control and limiting what goes to waste.’
Scrap management is a core part of this approach. Excess material generated during production is strictly controlled, while a full-time, in-house recycling unit reprocesses waste into secondary products. Materials that cannot be reintroduced into specific applications, such as certain formulations for black refuse bags, are sent to larger recycling facilities for further processing.
‘Every kilogram of raw material has value. We extend its lifespan wherever possible, either within our own processes or through responsible recycling partnerships,’ Susan explains.
Energy efficiency is another part of the strategy. As a high-energy user, PSA Plastics has invested in upgrading its machinery, replacing older equipment with more energy-efficient, technologically advanced systems. These upgrades have reduced waste percentages during production and lowered overall energy consumption.
This is aided by a solar installation of nearly 2 000 panels that supports the company’s electricity requirements. This lowers operational risk and reduces reliance on grid electricity and fossil fuel-generated power.
‘Sustainability comes at a cost,’ Susan notes. ‘But standing still costs more in the long term, environmentally and commercially.’
Beyond its own operations, PSA Plastics works with brand owners to integrate recycled content and improve product longevity. Technical advisors and sales teams guide customers with formulations that incorporate recycled material where feasible, without compromising performance.
Susan says that education is as important as engineering. ‘There’s still a perception that recycled content means lower quality. We help customers understand what’s possible and design products that balance durability, cost and environmental responsibility.’
In 2026, PSA Plastics expects regulatory pressure, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks and consumer expectations to continue influencing the market. The company sees collaboration across the plastics supply chain, from resin suppliers to converters and recyclers, as a determining factor.
‘We all share responsibility for the future of plastics,’ says Susan. ‘If we work together to improve efficiency, increase recycled content and reduce waste, plastics can remain a valuable, functional material with a far smaller footprint.’
