Polyco, Itheku expand Packa-Ching network in KwaMashu with 63rd mobile recycling unit

SOUTH AFRICA – Polyco has launched a new mobile recycling unit in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with community enterprise Itheku Recycling Group, marking the 63rd addition to the Packa-Ching network that has paid over R57 million (US$3.0 million) to waste reclaimers and diverted 45 million kilograms of recyclable material.

The unit, launched on 2 September 2026 with additional fuel sponsorship from Sasol, will increase paid recycling access across KwaMashu and KwaDukuza. 

Through the Packa-Ching model, community members and reclaimers are paid directly for plastic, paper and cardboard they collect, with every transaction recorded through Polyco’s WeighPay platform. 

The Packa-Ching project has supported over 200 jobs and registered over 8,650 reclaimers in 2025. 

The launch was attended by Polyco CEO Patricia Pillay, site owner Reuben Govender, Ward Councillor Mandla Biyela, and representatives from Polyoak Packaging and MAK Plastics.

Itheku Recycling Group’s Community Impact and Expansion

Founded in 2018 by Reuben Govender, Itheku Recycling Group has become an established recycling enterprise with operations spanning KwaMashu/Mount Moriah, Pinetown, Durban and KwaDukuza. 

The company provides employment to close to 100 people and processes an estimated 2,000 tonnes of recyclable material annually, including PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, cardboard and paper. 

The launch of the Packa-Ching trailer will increase Itheku’s collection capacity, operational efficiency and geographic reach. 

Polyco’s Packa-Ching network now serves over 649 communities across South Africa, demonstrating the scalability of the community-based recycling model. 

The programme has been supported by key sponsors including Shoprite, which funded the first 25 mobile units, and Sasol, which continues to provide fuel sponsorship.

Partnership Model and Formalising the Recycling Value Chain

Lisl Doherty, Enterprise Development Manager at Polyco, stated that the partnership demonstrates what meaningful collaboration can achieve when investing not only in recycling infrastructure but in people, with Itheku creating a trusted and accessible space for reclaimers to sell materials, earn sustainable incomes and strengthen their role within the recycling value chain. 

The partnership forms part of Polyco’s ongoing efforts to support community-based enterprises working to provide recycling services, helping to formalise their operations, expand their reach and create sustainable income for the people who collect, sort and recover recyclable material every day. 

In 2025, Polyco invested R22 million (US$1.16 million) through its enterprise development programme to support 23 small and medium-sized recycling businesses, including 14 women-owned enterprises. Of the 63 Packa-Ching trailers funded nationwide, 21 are owned by women entrepreneurs.

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