During the 2022/23 reporting period, a 31% recycling rate for polystyrene was achieved, registered producer responsibility organisation the Extended producer responsibility (EPR) Waste Association.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Hansen as our new Director from 1st of March. 2024.

JSE-listed retailer Spar Group is undertaking several initiatives to curb the environmental impact of plastic packaging materials. This commitment aligns with the group’s dedication to phasing out https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/spar-group-advancing-sustainability-initiatives-to-reduce-plastic-waste-2024-02-28

Germiston-based rubber recycling company Dawhi Rubber Recycling, which has been in the rubber crumb business for 14 years, is conducting research into new innovations such as tyre-derived fuel https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/firm-looks-to-diversify-recycled-product-range-seeks-new-markets-2024-02-23

Four fires within four days have City officials concerned with the environmental impact on Princess Vlei Wetland Park, a provincial heritage site.

Last week, Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate called an urgent meeting with officials to try and find solutions.https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/peoples-post/city-of-cape-town-concerned-about-the-environmental-impact-on-princess-vlei-wetland-park-20240220

The departments of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) are reviewing complaints and concerns in the public domain over the use of chemicals as part of a programme to eliminate water lettuce in the Vaal river. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/dws-dffe-to-probe-clearing-methods-at-vaal-are-aligned-with-regulatory-environment-2024-02-19

In April 2007, the cruise ship MS Sea Diamond ran aground near the Greek island of Santorini and sank the next day. https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2024/02/19/tragic-santorini-shipwreck-now-a-ticking-environmental-time-bomb/

South Africa produced its inaugural official gauge of the carbon intensity of its electricity production, confirming its status as one of the world’s top producers per capita of greenhouse gases.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment this month said that the country’s domestic generation grid emission factor (DGGEF), a measure of the carbon intensity of electricity produced in the country, is 1.013 tons of carbon dioxide or its equivalent per megawatt hour. The department used 2021 data. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africas-inaugural-grid-emission-measure-highlights-coal-dependence-2024-02-14

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a mission to research the presence and impact of microplastics in Antarctica. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm. These were first detected in Antarctica in 2009, in sea ice samples collected in East Antarctica by University of Tasmania (Australia) researchers. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/iaea-launches-microplastic-pollution-research-project-in-antarctica-2024-01-08

Five leaders of environmental organisations have, in an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, called on government to immediately withdraw the National Petroleum Company Bill in addition to stopping all oil and gas exploration off South Africa’s coastline. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/environmental-leaders-call-for-withdrawal-of-national-petroleum-company-bill-2023-12-05