RS South Africa is aligning with a global drive to reduce plastic waste as part of the Plastic Out programme led by the RS Group. The initiative forms a key pillar of the Group’s 2030 ESG action plan, which aims to reduce emissions, minimise waste, and transform packaging across its international operations and value chain.
As customer expectations around sustainability continue to rise, RS is rethinking how packaging is designed, sourced and used, ensuring that environmental responsibility goes hand in hand with operational efficiency and product protection. For South African customers, this global programme provides access to proven, scalable approaches to more sustainable packaging that support their own ESG ambitions.
Global Plastic Out initiatives setting the benchmark
Across RS Group’s international distribution network, several major packaging innovations have already been implemented. These initiatives serve as global best-practice examples that inform packaging strategy across all regions, including South Africa. Below are some examples of global best practice:
Bio-based polymer carriers for electronics
One of the most significant milestones in the Plastic Out programme has been the introduction of bio-based polymer carriers for electronics distribution from RS Group’s Corby site in the UK. Developed in partnership with Chestnut Biopolymers Ltd., the material is produced by fermenting sugars and blending them using patented technology to deliver strength and durability without generating microplastic waste.
Since mid-2025, more than 100 000 biopolymer units have been deployed, replacing approximately 80% of conventional polypropylene packaging at the site. This marked the first time a bio-based carrier had been implemented at scale within RS Group. It demonstrates that sustainable alternatives can meet the performance demands of electronics distribution while significantly reducing single-use plastic.
Paper sealing tape for transit cartons
Another major step forward has been the introduction of paper-based sealing tape at RS Group’s Bad Hersfeld and Beauvais distribution centres in Europe. Developed in partnership with Tesa, the FSC-certified tape allows cartons to be recycled without the need to remove plastic sealing, improving recyclability while maintaining operational efficiency and a high-quality unboxing experience.
Following successful adoption, the paper tape solution is being rolled out more widely across the Group’s EMEA distribution network, supporting the long-term ambition to eliminate unnecessary plastic from packaging operations.
Plastic infill removal from packaging
RS Group has also replaced traditional plastic infill materials with paper-based alternatives across applicable packing areas in the UK. The initiative has removed an estimated 15 tonnes of plastic, while maintaining packaging integrity and ensuring products arrive safely and securely.
The paper infill contains 50% recycled content, is FSC certified and has been designed to integrate seamlessly into existing packing processes, reinforcing the principle that sustainability improvements should not compromise reliability or service quality.
What this means for South Africa
While these initiatives have been implemented in other regions, they play a critical role in shaping RS South Africa’s approach to sustainable packaging. By drawing on global experience and proven solutions, RS South Africa can assess how similar principles can be applied locally, considering market needs, operational requirements and national sustainability priorities.
“Sustainable packaging is no longer optional, it’s essential. At RS South Africa, we are accelerating this transition by implementing solutions that have already demonstrated success globally, ensuring our customers can rely on packaging that is both responsible and efficient,” says De Wet Joubert, Operations & Strategic Projects Director at RS South Africa.
Looking 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, expertise and continuous improvement as packaging solutions evolve.
By prioritising alternative materials, reducing unnecessary plastic and embedding sustainability into operational decision-making, RS continues to move towards a more circular, responsible packaging model that supports both business performance and environmental stewardship.
RS South Africa is a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1) and a leading provider of industrial product and service solutions.
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Author: Thobile Ndlovu from NGAGE on behalf of RS South Africa.
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