RS South Africa joins global Plastic Out Drive, cutting 15 tons of plastic with paper infill, bio-based carriers

SOUTH AFRICA – RS South Africa is aligning with the RS Group’s global Plastic Out programme, a key pillar of the company’s 2030 ESG action plan that has already deployed more than 100,000 bio-based polymer carriers at its UK Corby site, replacing approximately 80 percent of conventional polypropylene packaging.

The initiative aims to reduce emissions, minimise waste, and transform packaging across international operations.

For South African customers, the programme provides access to proven, scalable approaches to sustainable packaging that support their own ESG ambitions.

Best Practices Informing Local Strategy

At the UK Corby site, bio-based polymer carriers developed with Chestnut Biopolymers are produced by fermenting sugars using patented technology to deliver strength without generating microplastic waste.

Since mid-2025, more than 100,000 biopolymer units have been deployed—the first time a bio-based carrier has been implemented at scale within RS Group.

Paper Sealing Tape and Infill

At RS Group’s European distribution centres, FSC-certified paper sealing tape developed with Tesa allows cartons to be recycled without removing plastic sealing.

The solution is being rolled out across the EMEA network. RS Group has also replaced plastic infill with paper-based alternatives, removing an estimated 15 tons of plastic.

The paper infill contains 50 percent recycled content and is FSC certified.

What This Means for South Africa

De Wet Joubert, operations and strategic projects director at RS South Africa, explained that the company is accelerating this transition by implementing solutions that have already demonstrated success globally, ensuring customers can rely on packaging that is both responsible and efficient.

By drawing on global experience, RS South Africa can assess how similar principles can be applied locally, considering market needs and national sustainability priorities.

The Road Ahead

The Plastic Out programme highlights the impact of collaboration across teams, regions, and supply-chain partners in driving meaningful progress on sustainability.

For RS South Africa, alignment with this global strategy ensures local customers benefit from innovation and continuous improvement as packaging solutions evolve.

By prioritising alternative materials, reducing unnecessary plastic, and embedding sustainability into operational decision-making, RS continues moving toward a more circular, responsible packaging model.

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