Fibre Circle ink deal with City of Mbombela to advance recycling, green growth

SOUTH AFRICA – Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organization (PRO) for paper and paper packaging, has joined forces with the City of Mbombela to promote recycling, sustainable waste management, and the growth of South Africa’s green economy.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 14 October 2025, marking a significant milestone in advancing circular economy goals at the municipal level. 

The signing ceremony, held in Mbombela, brought together representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), DARDLEA, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and Sappi.

The event highlighted a spirit of collaboration, with musical performances and addresses from local leaders underscoring the importance of community-driven sustainability initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Cllr. Phindile Mbowane, member of the mayoral committee for community services, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to improving waste management and unlocking opportunities in the recycling sector.

“This is a milestone for the City of Mbombela. Let us turn this agreement into action and ensure that our city becomes a model of sustainability and green innovation,” she said.

Edith Leeuta, CEO of Fibre Circle, stressed the value of partnerships in solving environmental challenges. “Nowhere in the world can the waste problem be resolved by one entity.

The government needs the private sector, and the private sector needs the government. We believe that the solutions are with us, and with our hands, we can do something,” she noted.

The MoU focuses on diverting paper and paper packaging waste from landfills, supporting municipal Separation at Source initiatives, and promoting environmental awareness among schools, communities, youth, and small businesses.

The collaboration also aligns with South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, ensuring producers take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products.

According to Richard Sengani from Fibre Circle, the partnership forms part of the organization’s flagship Zithande Mzansi initiative, which promotes recycling and sustainability nationwide.

“Recycling is not just a necessity but a driver of economic growth and social cohesion,” he said, adding that the collaboration will unlock opportunities in the informal waste sector and empower local entrepreneurs.

Mvuselelo Mathebula from the DFFE praised the initiative, saying it embodies the intent of South Africa’s EPR regulations by fostering accountability and collaboration between municipalities and producers.

Following the MoU signing, the partners hosted a “Green at Work and Green at Home” workshop, providing practical tools and insights to help municipal employees and residents embrace sustainable habits. 

The partnership underscores a shared vision between Fibre Circle and the City of Mbombela — to build a cleaner, more circular economy that creates jobs, conserves resources, and inspires environmental responsibility across communities.

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