The European Union (EU) recently introduced the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is poised to significantly impact South Africa’s plastics and packaging sectors. This landmark legislation, with its stringent regulations on recyclability and recycled content, necessitates a swift and decisive response from local manufacturers to remain competitive in the global market.
One of the core mandates of the PPWR is that all packaging must be recyclable by design and practice by 2030. While this may seem daunting, South Africa has made significant strides.
“South Africa has made great strides in designing for recyclability,” says Anton Hanekom, executive director at Plastics SA. “Our local packaging designers, brand owners, and retailers are increasingly conscious of end-of-life considerations when developing new products.”
The incorporation of recycled content is another key pillar of the PPWR. South Africa has achieved notable success in recycling PET bottles, and successfully converting them back into new bottles, trays, and food containers. However, challenges remain in scaling up the production of food-grade recycled content across other packaging formats.
“While we are making strides in recycling PET bottles, scaling up food-grade PCR production and enhancing recycling capabilities remain areas that require further investment,” acknowledges Hanekom.
The PPWR also introduces eco-modulated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, which incentivize sustainable design and penalize non-compliance. South Africa has already implemented its own EPR system, with positive results in increasing collection and recycling rates.
However, Hanekom emphasizes the need for a robust waste management system. “We can (and do) have packaging products that are 100% designed for recycling. However, it is of little use if it is not picked up by waste pickers or collected by waste management companies,” he explains.
Non-compliance with the PPWR carries significant risks for South African exporters, potentially leading to market restrictions in the EU. To mitigate these risks, the local plastics industry is proactively adapting, focusing on innovative solutions such as advanced recycling technologies, mono-material packaging, and 100% recyclable designs.
“The PPWR is a catalyst for innovation,” says Hanekom. “It is driving the development of circular economy solutions and pushing the industry towards more sustainable practices.”
As the global demand for sustainable packaging grows, South Africa’s plastics industry is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. By embracing innovation, investing in research and development, and strengthening its waste management infrastructure, South Africa can not only comply with international regulations but also emerge as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions for the global market.
