IT’S TIME TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE GLOBAL PLASTIC ADDICTION TO SUSTAINABLE STAINLESS
Given that the theme of Sassda’s 60th Anniversary is celebrating sustainability this article looks at the excellent work our global associate World Stainless is doing to champion the message that stainless steel is a viable alternative to plastic and should be used to ensure an environmentally
eco-friendly product.
Choosing stainless steel for an application ensures that it will be produced responsibly, with an extremely low life-cycle inventory (also known as the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions profile). Furthermore, stainless steel products have low, or close to zero, maintenance costs during their long life, and stainless steel can be reused indefinitely because they are easy to recycle without any loss of quality or material integrity.
In line with this, worldstainless.org has reiterated its support for the Zero Waste initiative (www.zwia.org) which focuses on; “The conservation of all resources using responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning, and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health”.
In line with this, worldstainless.org has reiterated its support for the Zero Waste initiative (www.zwia.org) which focuses on; “The conservation of all resources using responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning, and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health”.
This initiative underscores the urgent need to reevaluate material selection practices, highlighting the superior environmental credentials of stainless steel over traditional options like plastic.
This comes as a response to escalating environmental concerns and the pressing need for industry-wide action. With mounting evidence of the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems worldwide, advocating for the adoption of stainless steel as the preferred choice for various applications, it’s clear that this is the most responsible and sustainable to make.
A plastic addiction
Sassda Executive Director Michel Basson comments; “We cannot afford to continue down the path of plastic dependency. The environmental consequences are dire, and it’s time for industries to take responsibility for their choices. Stainless steel offers a viable solution - one that prioritises sustainability without compromising on performance.”
Indeed, the superior life-cycle strengths of stainless steel make it an ideal candidate for a wide range of applications.
Unlike plastic, which contributes significantly to environmental pollution and resource depletion, stainless steel boasts low to zero maintenance costs throughout its long operational life.
This durability not only translates to cost savings for consumers but also reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimising waste generation and conserving resources.
Stainless steel’s inherent recyclability further solidifies its position as a sustainable material choice. Unlike plastic, which often ends up in landfills or oceans, stainless steel can be recycled indefinitely without any loss of quality or material integrity.
This closed-loop approach to material utilisation, not only reduces the environmental burden associated with disposal but also presents economic opportunities by minimising the demand for virgin materials. Basson emphasises; “Plastic cannot be the default choice anymore. We need to shift towards materials that prioritise sustainability and longevity. Stainless steel offers a viable alternative - one that is not only environmentally responsible but also economically sound.”
Currency weaknesses and debt burdens are other factors to consider. These issues can lead to defaults, project cancellations, and payment difficulties for imports.
Therefore, businesses must be aware of these factors and utilise Exim facilities wherever possible.
Earlier this year The United Nations established Zero Waste Day to draw public attention to the need to address the global waste problem and promote sustainable practices aimed at achieving zero waste.
In line with this, stainless steel microwave-safe food containers can help by reducing food waste and the waste streams of single-use food containers.
Traditionally, metal food containers have been prohibited from being used in microwave ovens due to electrical arcing inside the ovens. Today it is easy to find microwave-safe stainless steel food containers in a variety of selling outlets, including popular online selling platforms.
Most stainless steel food containers are made of so they do not cause problems when used in a microwave oven.
The main advantages of stainless steel microwave-safe food containers are:
- Eco-friendly: A resilient, reusable and recyclable product that does not harm our environment or humans.
- Food safe: A completely safe material that meets all global food hygiene standards.
- Versatile: Innovative product that can be used in every appliance in your kitchen including microwave ovens!!
- Convenient: Lightweight, portable and easy to use -just clean and reuse ... over and over again.
- Economical: Damage resistant and extremely longlasting, meaning no need to re-purchase.
Learn more here or contact info@worldstainless.org for more information.