Statistics from South Africa’s longest-standing plastics producer responsibility organisation indicate that the country’s PET plastic recycling rates are recovering after the lockdown regulations resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. According to figures released at the PET Recycling Company’s (PETCO) annual general meeting in June, 2.1 billion PET bottles were diverted from … [Read more...]
Island nations get new lifeline to beat pollution
Thirty-three Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took significant steps towards a cleaner environment earlier this week, with the global launch of a half-billion-dollar initiative to avoid marine litter and sustainably manage hazardous chemicals and waste. Because of many islands’ small size, limited disposal capacity, and prohibitive export costs, over 80 per cent of … [Read more...]
Employment opportunities in organic waste management
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is making the management and processing of organic waste much easier by removing the requirements for expensive and drawn-out waste management permits. New norms and standards for composting and the treatment of organic waste, signed into law in 2022, will make establishing processing facilities much cheaper and the … [Read more...]
Renewing South Africa’s commitment to recycling
A viable world for us to live in today, and one that will sustain our children tomorrow, is a universal responsibility. Government has recognised that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the preferred vehicle to reduce waste generation and increase diversion from landfill. Tetra Pak is fully aligned with this view as they believe that EPR is central to South Africa’s … [Read more...]
Celebrating circular economy talent in Joburg
On 26 April 2022, international NGO WasteAid hosted a celebratory event, bringing together entrepreneurs and industry leaders from the across the city at an event branded “Making the Circular Economy a Reality in Johannesburg.” The event was the culmination of a two-year programme to support innovators and business start-ups that help keep “wasted” resources in the loop, … [Read more...]
Recycling pilot project provides insights into informal sector
An innovative pilot project is streamlining the buying and selling of recyclable materials. In doing so, it is providing important, previously unavailable, insights into South Africa’s informal recycling sector. The project is being trialled at recycling buy-back centres across South Africa is yielding positive results just over a year in, helping grassroots businesses … [Read more...]
Could Cape Town be underwater by 2032?
Imagine Travel in 2032: A world transformed where some of the most fascinating tourism bucket list spots are newly formed desert regions in the Vaal and mysterious attractions in the forgotten undersea cities of Venice and Cape Town, which is now partly in the Atlantic Ocean near Table Mountain Island. And for the most intrepid, adventure-seeking world traveller, extreme … [Read more...]
How new EPR law benefits recycling in SA
As companies navigate the new mandatory extended producer responsibility (EPR) landscape, a leading recycler in the plastics value chain has revealed the unexpected ease in managing its new reporting and compliance requirements as a producer. One of the biggest recyclers of PET plastic bottles on the African continent, Extrupet, has been guided in its journey by … [Read more...]
Sanitising trolley wipes repurposed into furniture
Sani-touch’s used pre-saturated sanitising trolley wipes have been recycled and repurposed into jungle gyms, benches and other outdoor furniture that can be used again and again to support a circular economy. The first retailer to recycle Sani-touch’s sanitising wipes, Shoprite is now closing the loop and creating a circular economy. The first eco-friendly jungle gym made … [Read more...]
Slumbering with a clear conscience
As a sustainability pioneer with decades in the field, it is so exciting to experience well-known brands moving into the world of sustainable business. Of course this is what educated and conscientious shoppers are demanding. No longer is just the ‘green fringe’ reading labels and asking for production details, but the mainstream of our population also want to shop products … [Read more...]
SANDF takes a green leap forward with biogas
On Friday 18 March the world will mark Global Recycling Day to bring to light the benefits of recycling waste for the environment, businesses and people. The day was first recognised by the United Nations in 2018 and has since birthed countless initiatives by governments, civil society groups and the private sector that have impacted environmental action and awareness in … [Read more...]
PVC recycling in SA increased during 2020
The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) has welcomed the plastics recycling report for 2020 released by Plastics SA, indicating that the recycling of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or vinyl products in South Africa recorded a year-on-year increase of 9.5 %. Despite very difficult trading conditions owing to global raw material shortages and supply chain issues, high … [Read more...]
Uniting initiatives towards a circular plastics economy
Plastic waste is a massive problem in South Africa. In cities, towns and even the rural areas, plastic rubbish litters our streets, our beaches, our veld and our waterways. But who’s problem is it? “The problem with plastic waste is so big that the government cannot handle it alone,” says Devin Galtrey, Group Packaging Manager for the SPAR Group. “It’s my problem. It’s … [Read more...]
