Fibre Circle colloquium calls for stronger partnerships to boost South Africa’s circular paper economy

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s paper and paper packaging stakeholders have called for deeper collaboration across the waste value chain to improve recycling rates, strengthen collection systems and create sustainable jobs.

The appeal came during Fibre Circle’s Speaking Together Colloquium held in Johannesburg, where government, municipalities, manufacturers, brand owners, recyclers, reclaimers, SMEs and academics gathered under the theme “From Waste to Work.”

Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organization (PRO) for the sector, said the country’s circular paper economy will only advance if every player, from households to policymakers, aligns efforts to tackle waste, improve data and support inclusive growth.

“Our role as an institution is to be a national convener,” said Fibre Circle CEO Edith Leeuta.

“Government, industry, municipalities, recyclers, investors, innovators and waste planners must come together to shape South Africa’s present and future in the circular paper economy. You can’t deal with the problem if you don’t know the size of the problem.”

The organization emphasized that understanding the contribution of every “cog in the value chain”, especially reclaimers, is essential for relevant, sustainable solutions.

Government representatives reaffirmed the strategic importance of the circular economy. Pamela Nxumalo, director of waste management at the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said transitioning to circularity is becoming a key driver of South Africa’s economic competitiveness.

“Extended producer responsibility is one of our latest policy responses,” she noted. “We are exploring further instruments and incentives to enhance the contribution of the waste sector.”

From a municipal standpoint, Johannesburg’s waste utility Pikitup highlighted the scale of the challenge.

GM Aluoneswi Elvis Mafunzwaini said the city collects about 1.9 million tonnes of waste annually but diverts only 70,000 t from landfill, well below its 40% diversion target for 2025.

“We need to ramp up diversion, strengthen separation at source and galvanise all stakeholders, including PROs, reclaimers and waste pickers, if we are to protect our landfill airspace and support a real circular economy,” he said.

The African Reclaimers Organization (ARO) presented figures underscoring reclaimers’ vital role. Tracking 945 reclaimers over 18 months, the group recorded 46,000 tonnes of material recovered.

“Supporting a reclaimer pulling a bag through the suburbs is one of the most affordable and effective collection solutions,” said ARO programme manager Noluthando Tutani.

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