| August is women’s month and in this edition, PACKAGING REVIEW celebrates two ladies who persevered to pursue their dreams. The duo started a successful business despite the industry being dominated by men. By Aarifah NosarkaPreviously a small business, Envirocore outgrew its former premises, relocated to a larger property and tripled its production capacity. Mother and daughter team, Caron Green and Margaret Krishnasamy are co-owners of Envirocore. Together they started with the purpose of recycling, refurbishing and supplying postal tubes and cores to brand owners and manufacturers. “We have the capacity to offer existing and potential clients a unique South African experience”They soon realised there was a gap in the South African packaging market for reusable upmarket composite packs. This led to the establishment of the company’s composite division. ‘As a female owned company our primary aim is to empower as many women as possible in the workplace. Our workforce is made up of 80 per cent females,’ says Green. Krishnasamy says these employees show an extraordinary passion and pride in their work. She says empowering women in this industry has been a great success.‘Our employees have a wonderful understanding of attention to detail and commitment, which is evident in the quality of work produced.’A NEW STARTThe move to new premises in Boksburg East took place earlier this year. Envirocore purchased a larger property adjacent to its former premises for the construction of offices, a staff kitchen and canteen, ablution facilities and two factories. One factory is dedicated to recycling while the other focused on composite manufacturing. Construction took a year to complete and new machines were installed.‘We now have the speed and flexibility needed to process orders quickly and efficiently,’ notes Krishnasamy.Green is thrilled with the custom designed facility. ‘We have capacity to offer existing and potential clients a unique South African experience in finding the perfect, locally produced, well priced composite pack.’WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?Envirocore offers a variety of composites suitable for the food and beverage industries. Its tissue composite is perfect for consumers as an advertising medium for all markets. A newer addition is a stimulating puzzle on composite cans, which serves the dual purpose of housing sweets and as a toy used to stimulate children’s minds.Composites have grown in popularity over the years owing to their visual impact and on shelf appeal, as well as their recyclable and reusable properties. ‘Sustainable packaging has become more significant over the years. ‘We have always maintained the importance of producing packs that assist in reaching the goals of a circular economy and reducing waste to landfill,’ Green concludes. |