I’m excited to share that South Africa is taking a huge step forward in its commitment to sustainability with the launch of a groundbreaking PET (polyethylene terephthalate) recycling facility, the first of its kind in Africa. Set to open in 2025, this state-of-the-art project will massively boost the country’s capacity to recycle plastic waste and move us closer to a truly circular economy.
Announced during the International Solid Waste Association’s (ISWA) annual conference, this R300 million facility, located in the Western Cape, will be able to process an additional 15,000 tonnes of food-grade recycled PET annually. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to reduce plastic waste, with PETCO and recycling partner Extrupet leading the charge.
South Africa is already recycling 64% of its PET plastic bottles, according to Extrupet’s Joint Managing Director Chandru Wadhwani. With this new facility, we’re not only increasing capacity but positioning ourselves as a leader in the circular economy, both in Africa and globally.
Creating Jobs, Supporting Waste Pickers
The impact goes beyond recycling – this project will also stimulate demand for PET materials and create more opportunities for waste pickers and small businesses. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, emphasised that the facility will support the vital work of waste pickers and SMMEs, while helping to improve collection systems to meet its growing demand. With the introduction of the waste picker service fee, those on the frontline of recycling will be able to work more efficiently and effectively.
Building a Circular Economy
PETCO’s CEO, Cheri Scholtz, shared her enthusiasm for the new facility, highlighting its role in closing the recycling loop for PET. PET is the most widely recycled plastic, and the increased capacity will ensure that bottles can be turned back into food-grade products, keeping the material in circulation at its highest value. This is another big step towards achieving a circular economy, where we keep materials in use for as long as possible.
The theme of this year’s ISWA conference, “Waste to Wealth: Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” couldn’t be more fitting. South Africa is proving its dedication to sustainable development with initiatives like this, supported by the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations that require producers to take responsibility for the waste their products generate.
Partnering for a Greener Future
PETCO and Extrupet have been working together for over 20 years to build a solid foundation for the country’s recycling efforts. Their partnership has not only increased recycling capacity but also stimulated demand for recycled materials by increasing the gate price recyclers offer for packaging. This means waste pickers can earn more from their collections, driving up local market growth for recycled materials.
This facility also aligns with South Africa’s broader climate goals, as outlined in the newly signed Climate Change Bill. The bill sets the framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a climate-resilient economy – a goal that projects like this one will help us achieve.
South Africa’s journey towards a circular economy has been long but rewarding, and with the opening of this facility, we’re poised to make even greater strides in reducing waste, creating jobs, and protecting the planet for future generations.