What really is “single use” packaging?

What really is “single use” packaging

The phrase “single use packaging” has become part of everyday conversation, but what does it mean? Many people assume that if packaging was designed to carry a product home from the shop, it should be thrown away once it’s empty. That assumption overlooks how many packaging formats can continue to add value long after their original purpose … Read more

There will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050.

There will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050

The claim that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 has become one of the most repeated statements in environmental campaigns. It is often presented as an undisputed fact, encouraging people to believe our oceans are on an inevitable path towards catastrophe.   The reality is more nuanced. The Claim  The statement originated … Read more

Decoding Packaging Symbols to Make Responsible Packaging Choices

Decoding Packaging Symbols - Responsible Packaging Choices

Packaging does far more than contain a product. It protects food, preserves quality, enables safe transport and helps reduce waste throughout the supply chain. Even at its end of life, it can continue to deliver value to collectors and recyclers, if there is proper communication about how it should be handled once its other jobs are done.  From recycling symbols to disposal instructions, the information printed on … Read more

What if packaging is part of the environmental solution?

What if packaging is part of the environmental solution

Every World Environment Day, the spotlight falls on the actions needed to protect our planet. Conversations often focus on reducing waste, conserving resources and rethinking the products we use every day. Packaging frequently finds itself at the centre of these discussions, often cast as the environmental villain.  Yet what if the story is more nuanced than that?  The truth … Read more

Water, water everywhere but nothing to drink

safe water storage solutions

South Africa is a water-scarce country, yet millions of litres of water move through our dams, pipelines and municipalities every single day. The real challenge is not always whether water exists but whether people can access clean, safe drinking water when they need it most. Across the country, aging infrastructure, prolonged droughts, climate change, service delivery failures and intermittent water interruptions continue … Read more

AI Can’t Replace Experience: The Critical Role of Setters in Plastics Manufacturing

Skilled setters in plastics manufacturing

In an era where artificial intelligence promises speed, efficiency, and automation, one question continues to surface across the manufacturing sector: can AI truly replace skilled artisans? In plastics manufacturing, the answer is clear – it cannot. Behind every high-performing production line is a skilled machine setter who understands not just the machine, but the material, … Read more

The Hanger that Keeps Giving – 5 to 8 Year Lifespan

The hanger that keeps giving – 5 to 8 year lifespan

In a fast-moving retail environment, every detail influences how a product performs on the floor, including the hanger. At Visconti Hangers, we design durable garment hangers that go beyond basic functionality. We engineer durable, reusable plastic hangers that perform consistently, enhance visual merchandising, and maximise return on investment. For retailers, wholesalers and brands searching for … Read more

South Africa’s first eco-flat wine bottle: a new era for sustainable wine packaging

new flat eco wine bottle

The South African wine industry has reached a significant new milestone, as Polyoak Packaging has become a strategic industry partner and brought to life, in collaboration with Stellenbosch Vineyards, the first Eco-Flat Wine Bottle, a lightweight, recyclable alternative to traditional glass that could reshape how South African wines are packaged, shipped, and sold. The 750ml … Read more

Celebrating Global Recycling Day!

polyoak recycling day

Every year on Global Recycling Day, people, organisations and industries around the world pause to recognise the critical role recycling plays in protecting our planet. The day shines a spotlight on how recycled materials should be treated as valuable resources rather than waste. By rethinking how we use, reuse and recycle materials, we move closer to a circular economy that reduces environmental … Read more

Blowpack’s 210ℓ Tight Head Drum Wins Recycling Award

Blowpack’s 210ℓ Tight Head Drum Wins Recycle Product Award

Polyoak Packaging is proud to be recognised at the SAPRO Best Recycled Plastic Product’ awards, winning bronze in the rigid plastics category. Our 210ℓ Tight Head Drum with recycled content is manufactured in South Africa, in line with international standards. The 210ℓ drum, employs specialist multilayer extrusion technology, enabling the inclusion of Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR) … Read more