The pulp, paper, packaging, recycling and tissue sector provides wood and recycled paper fibre for the production of essential goods such as tissue, toilet paper, paper packaging, hospital gowns and masks, and personal hygiene products.
The value chains will continue to operate as a ‘critical business continuity service’ supporting the manufacturing, processing and distribution of essential goods and services during the lockdown, according to the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA).
Most packaging plants in South Africa are working at full capacity in order to ensure paper-based packaging gets to their customers in essential sectors. ‘Packaging is a vital element in the supply chain, especially for the uninterrupted distribution of food, medical and health supplies,’ said Molony, who added that the 1.4 million tonnes of packaging papers made in South Africa comprise 56.4% recycled content.
‘Our sector is falling in line with Government’s regulations, while also adapting its operations according to the local and global recommendations to minimise risk for suppliers, employees and customers,’ noted Molony.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a global phenomenon in recent weeks: the stockpiling and ‘panic buying’ of items such as toilet paper. ‘Never before has toilet paper enjoyed such publicity,’ said Jane Molony, PAMSA executive director. ‘Any perceived shortage of toilet paper in the shops is more a consumer behavioural issue than it is a production issue.’
Molony explained that South African tissue mills produce toilet paper continuously and the risk of shortage is minimal. ‘There is availability of product further up the supply chain ‒ the challenge is getting it to the consumer amid tissue manufacturers also trying to limit COVID-19 exposure for their own workers. Buying more than you need only fuels the panic buying cycle and disrupts supply chains.’
South African tissue manufacturers make almost all of the toilet tissue consumed in the country and they have ramped up production to meet increased demand with many operating at full capacity.
PAMSA will continue working remotely and supporting the sector. ‘We would like to thank the people in our industry for their dedication and commitment during these extraordinary times.’
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PAPER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
+27 (0) 11 803 5063
info@thepaperstory.co.za
www.thepaperstory.co.za
