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Gyproc South Africa, a division of Saint-Gobain Africa, proudly announces new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for their RhinoBoard® FireStop® plasterboards. This achievement highlights their strong commitment to sustainability and compliance with both local and international building standards.   Saint-Gobain’s dedication to environmental stewardship is evident in its extensive portfolio of verified EPDs. An EPD is a third-party verified document that outlines the environmental impact of products, ensuring credibility and making them highly suitable for procurement purposes. To date, Saint-Gobain has published over 2000 verified EPDs globally, reflecting their global efforts towards sustainable development.   This rigorous process aligns with international standards ISO14025 and ISO21931/EN15804, ensuring that Saint-Gobain products meet the highest environmental and performance benchmarks. Gyproc, a key player within the company, boasts an impressive 474 EPDs globally for its products, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to environmental excellence.   “The newly acquired EPD for the 12.5mm Gyproc RhinoBoard® FireStop® details the environmental impacts of 1m² of installed gypsum board. This plasterboard, weighing 7.51 kg/m², is designed for a useful life of 50 years. It features an aerated gypsum core with glass fibre and other additives, encased in robust paper liners. This product is ideal for drylining internal surfaces, providing superior fire protection in Gyproc wall and partition systems. Notably, the product contains no "Substance of Very High Concern" (SVHC) in concentrations above 0.1% by weight, in compliance with the European REACH regulation,” explains Estie Van Zyl, Sustainability Manager for Saint-Gobain Africa. “Similarly, the 15mm Gyproc RhinoBoard® FireStop® has its EPD renewed, detailing the environmental impacts of 1m² of installed gypsum board. With a weight of 11.71 kg/m² and a useful life of 50 years, this product also features an aerated gypsum core with glass fibre and other additives, encased in strong paper liners. Designed for use in Gyproc wall and partition systems requiring enhanced fire protection, the 15mm RhinoBoard® FireStop® is an exemplary product for ensuring safety and compliance in building projects.”   “The new EPDs for Gyproc’s RhinoBoard® FireStop® plasterboards not only reaffirms the brand’s commitment to sustainability but also enhances its credibility in the market,” says van Zyl. “By aligning with international standards and undergoing rigorous third-party verification, Gyproc and Saint-Gobain continue to lead the way in sustainable building solutions.”    For more information about Gyproc's products and their environmental impacts, please visit https://www.environdec.com/library/epd13512 and https://www.environdec.com/library/epd13513

From lash extensions and lifts to volumizing treatments and mascaras, women have taken eyelashes to entirely new dimensions in recent years. High-volume, luxurious, fluttering eyelashes are all the rage, and most wouldn’t be caught dead displaying their natural lashes in public. But what’s driving this phenomenon and why have eyelashes become so important in our beauty routines? Our eyelashes have long been associated with femininity and attractiveness. If you’ve ever had to look at someone twice simply because of how alluring their facial features were, their eyelashes would have probably been a factor. This is because our lashes do more than just protect the eyes from dust and debris – they accentuate the eye and add definition to the shape, drawing attention to a feature that is considered one of our most alluring and appealing. As far as beauty aesthetics go, social media plays a central role in encouraging and maintaining most beauty standards, and the pursuit of luscious lashes is no exception. With influencers and celebrities showcasing their flawless lashes online, often achieved through extensions or high-end mascaras, ‘ordinary’ women naturally feel compelled to follow these beauty standards. Beauty brands and businesses, too, continue to monopolise on these trends and standards, by constantly introducing yet another range of new products and treatments that promise even thicker, fuller, longer lashes than the last. As a result, many women don’t mind spending an hour or more on their lash technician’s chair for a dreamy and expensive lash look each month. That being said, having stunning, luscious-looking lashes can also be empowering. Why shouldn’t women have the tools and capabilities at their disposal to enhance their natural beauty and express themselves? This may be especially true for mature women who struggle with eyelash thinning, brittle lashes and slow regrowth as they age. The lengths many go to enhance their lashes can also cause a degree of damage to eyelashes over time, impacting the strength and health of the follicle and contribute to thinning and other issues later on. Enhancing eyelashes the natural way, as such, maybe a woman’s best bet. Applying a lash-strengthening product that contains peptides, for instance, will yield far more positive results in the long term, as peptides stimulate growth from the root while strengthening and hydrating lashes s, making them healthier, fuller and more resilient. In fact, during trials of the Pelo Baum Lash Lash eyelash enhancer serum containing peptides, the eyelash thickness was found to improve by as much as 71% after just eight weeks, and eyelash density improved by a significant 104% after eight weeks. Eyelash-enhancing products that are designed to give lashes a natural boost can help strengthen the follicle by activating its stem cells and increase blood circulation to promote lash and eyebrow hair growth. Suffice it to say, the lush lash revolution is here to stay, and there are healthier ways to approach this beauty trend that will yield the eye-catching results women are after without the pain of long-term lash damage, ensuring that our beauty routines are serving us and not the other way around. Lamelle Pharmaceuticals Pelo Baum Lash Lash is available online via https://www.lphealth.co.za/products/lash-lash-5ml and retails from R650

Orlando Pirates and leading global sportswear brand adidas present the official Home and Away jersey for the 24/25 season as an ode to the “Father of Soweto”.  It is often said that the team jersey is a symbol of the supporters it represents - their history, image, and culture. Evolved into a potent medium for conveying narratives and expressing identity, football jersey design demonstrates the intricate interplay between aesthetics, symbolism, and functionality. While the world continues to stream forward, never before has there been more value in honouring the past. This season we see Orlando Pirates pay tribute to one of its forefathers, championing the club’s rich history.  James Sofasonke  Mpanza, born in 1889, was instrumental in forming Orlando Pirates in 1937. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for what has become one of the most successful and beloved football clubs in South Africa. “adidas has long championed the belief that through sport, we have the power to change lives,” shared Kate Woods, Senior Brand Director of adidas.  “This ethos resonates deeply with the legacy of James Mpanza, a revered figure in South African football. Mpanza, often hailed as the "Father of Soweto," understood the transformative potential of sport, particularly football, in uniting communities, fostering youth development, and instilling hope in the face of adversity.”  “One of the most enduring images of James Mpanza is his ride through Soweto on horseback,” said Bob Maphosa, adidas Football Sports Marketing. “This powerful symbol of leadership and defiance became an emblem of his commitment to the people. On horseback, Mpanza would rally the community, and advocate for their rights, cementing his iconic image, dedication, and courage.”  Thandi Merafe, Media & PR Manager of Orlando Pirates, expressed their  admiration for Mpanza, stating, “James Mpanza’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our club. His dedication to improving the lives of those around him and his pioneering spirit in founding Orlando Pirates are a testament to his character and vision. We are honoured to celebrate his life and continue his mission of fostering unity and striving for excellence.” The trailblazers who established Orlando Pirates envisioned a football club that would excel on the field and serve as a beacon of hope and pride for its supporters. The club of today, marked by significant achievements and continual progression, showcases a remarkable journey of growth from its humble beginnings. This progression is a tribute to the founders' pioneering spirits and the unwavering commitment of the fans who have been part of the Pirates family over the decades. The Orlando Pirates 24/25 offering consists of two new performance-driven jersey designs. Rooted in the club’s DNA, the Home jersey features the legendary Orlando Pirates logo and a black, white, and red colour palette, presenting a sleek and forward-facing aesthetic. In celebration of culture and community, the Away jersey symbolises diversity through colour and introduces a seasonal green tone.  Crafted from 100% recycled materials, the new jersey merges sustainability with cutting-edge innovation developed by adidas, including moisture-wicking AEROREADY and Climalite’s apparel technology. Designed to keep athletes cool and dry, the features effectively manage perspiration distribution and enhance airflow. The jersey is finished off with the James Sofasonke  Mpanza back-neck sign-off. Orlando Pirates 24/25 jerseys will be available on 22 July at 09:00 online at adidas.co.za/orlando_pirates  and Orlando Pirates Shop and available on 25 July in-store at selected adidas and retail outlets. Available in men’s, women’s, and kids sizes. Players will debut the 24/25 jersey 03 August 2024. “As we celebrate our achievements and look towards the future, we remain deeply grateful to the founders for their invaluable contributions. Their legacy inspires us to strive for excellence, both on and off the pitch, ensuring that the Orlando Pirates' tradition of greatness endures for generations to come,” added Thandi Merafe. For further information please visit a didas.com/football   or follow @adidasza on Instagram or Twitter to join.

A charming and charismatic member of the National Zoo community who has entertained, enthralled and educated thousands Charley, the adult African elephant bull who has been a cherished resident at the National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria for over two decades, is retiring. This is the announcement today of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the organisation responsible for managing the Zoo. “The decision was made more than a year ago to retire Charley. Among a number of factors that were considered was his advanced age,” says Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director of Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation at SANBI. “Potential host facilities responded to a call for expressions of interest about providing a retirement home for Charley. Having interrogated the responses, the proposal from the EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Game Reserve to accommodate Charley in his retirement was approved.” Shambala Private Game Reserve, situated in the Waterberg region of Limpopo province, will be Charley’s new home. The reserve has committed to a comprehensive relocation plan, outlining the capture, transport, and integration of Charley into its facility. Shambala will also provide regular health reports to SANBI for at least a year following his arrival, ensuring continued oversight and care. Charley will initially be kept by himself at a holding facility while he adjusts to his new living conditions. It is hoped that he will eventually be integrated into Shambala’s resident elephant herd. Charley’s relocation has started. “Charley is a well-loved resident of the National Zoological Garden. He arrived at the NZG from years in a circus environment in July 2001 and has been with the zoo for 23 years,” explains Ms Mpulo. “He has never had to fend for himself in the wild. During his tenure at NZG, Charley has not only entertained and educated thousands of visitors but also contributed to various research initiatives that are invaluable to the conservation and management of elephants. Charley also contributed to the preservation of biological materials for future research. He deserves to continue enjoying the excellent care in retirement that he received at NZG for decades. “Management, staff and visitors to the National Zoo will miss Charley. He is a charismatic and charming member of the larger zoo community nationally and internationally. We all knew that the time would come when this majestic animal would have to retire. We extend our heartfelt wishes for his well-being and happiness in his new home.” The National Zoological Gardens continue providing research and educational, tourism and recreational experiences for visitors, including thousands of students, while maintaining high animal welfare standards.