SOUTH AFRICA – Mpact Group has announced the opening of its new erecting center and warehouse in the Limpopo Province.
According to the company, these were built to support the local farming community around Groblersdal and Marblehall.
Limpopo is the heart of avocado production in South Africa, contributing a significant 54% of the total output. It also plays a crucial role in the country’s navel orange production, accounting for more than half of it.
“Our innovative packaging solutions are tailored to preserve the freshness and quality of produce, ensuring the best possible outcomes for farmers and consumers,” the company said in a LinkedIn post.
Meanwhile, in a groundbreaking collaboration with Stellenbosch University (SU), Sappi Southern Africa, and the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), Mpact Group has spearheaded a pioneering solution.
This initiative aims to convert paper sludge, food, and textile waste into bioethanol, offering multifaceted environmental and economic benefits.
According to research by Stellenbosch University, this innovative solution reduces waste destined for landfills and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
It enhances water reclamation for reuse, thereby advancing circular economic principles and industrial decarbonization.
Jane Molony, Executive Director of PAMSA, elaborated, “This technology, born from the research project and thesis of one of our Masters in Engineering students, marks a significant milestone in South Africa. Bioethanol, with its myriad environmental benefits, further bolsters the circularity of the pulp and paper sector.”
The potential economic impact is substantial, as bioethanol derived from waste commands premium prices in global markets.
Moreover, the project promises to generate sustainable employment opportunities, foster skills development, and stimulate regional economic growth.
The newly established plant serves as a tangible demonstration of the commercial viability of fermentation technology under industrial conditions.
Prof. Eugene van Rensburg, project lead at SU, emphasized, “This achievement is the culmination of a decade of research by our Bioresource Engineering group, exploring various pathways for beneficiation from pulp, paper making, and recycling processes.”
Prof. Johann Görgens, also from SU’s Chemical Engineering department, underscored the importance of validating this technology under real-world industrial settings to drive innovation and progress.
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
