SOUTH AFRICA – FORTIS X has launched Africa’s first biodegradable and recyclable plant-based packaging.
This innovation addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution, which kills more than 100,000 sea mammals, turtles, and 1 million birds annually worldwide. It also tackles substantial health risks linked to plastic-polluted water bodies.
The Cape Town-based company’s plant-based bottles are crafted from sugarcane-derived biopolymers, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.
These biodegradable bottles are designed for a wide range of products, including water, juices, smoothies, health shots, and items in the hospitality, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Director of Fortis X, Nicholas De Beer emphasized the environmental benefits, stating, “By providing sustainable plant-based bottles as an alternative to single-use plastics, we offer businesses and individuals a chance to make a positive impact on the environment.”
Several brands have already embraced this innovative packaging. SOGA Organic®, a pioneering brand in South Africa’s organic citrus industry, has adopted Fortis X’s biodegradable solutions. BOS Ice Tea is currently trialling the packaging, while Omnia Natura, Bonnie Bio, and Mother E have begun using these eco-friendly containers to supply bottled water across South Africa.
Lize Garrod, Marketing Manager at SOGA Organic, shared that after rigorous testing, they recognized the value of Fortis X’s 100% biodegradable and certified compostable packaging.
They proudly launched their Certified Organic frozen orange juice in these bottles, underscoring their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Unlike conventional plastic bottles, which can take centuries to decompose, Fortis X’s plant-based bottles naturally biodegrade within 1 to 3 months under composting conditions.
This groundbreaking innovation aligns with global efforts to combat plastic pollution and supports initiatives like Plastic Free July, a movement dedicated to reducing single-use plastics.
The timing of this innovation is crucial, as plastic pollution remains a global crisis. In South Africa alone, an estimated 122 million tons of waste is generated annually, with only 10% being recycled and the remaining 90% ending up in landfills. Shockingly, only 12.9% of metropolitan households in South Africa actively recycle their waste.
As Africa’s population grows and urbanization accelerates, the use of single-use plastics continues to rise, and the end of this trend seems distant.
Plastic litter harms wildlife and contributes to serious health issues due to polluted rivers, oceans, and food chains.
For the first time, microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood, with nearly 80% of those tested showing traces.
These tiny particles can cause significant cellular damage, leading to cancers, lung disease, birth defects, and disruptions in hormone activity that affect reproduction, growth, and cognitive function.
While recycling and clean-up efforts play a role, the most significant impact will be reducing our reliance on single-use plastics.
Fortis X is at the forefront of this critical movement by offering Africa’s first biodegradable and recyclable packaging made entirely from plants.
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