South Africa sees dramatic growth in carton and PET collection – Petco

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s recycling landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with the latest data revealing a significant rise in the collection and recycling of liquid board packaging (LBP) and PET plastic, report Petco.

Petco has reported robust results for 2024, meeting legislated targets for 99% of the post-consumer packaging tonnage placed on the market by its 29 member companies, including major brands such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Tiger Brands, and Tetra Pak.

One of the most notable achievements is the more than 200% increase in the collection and recycling of LBP, a composite packaging material commonly used for items like juice and milk cartons.

In only the second year of Petco’s dedicated EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) scheme for LBP, collection rates have surged from 8% in 2023 to 24%, while recycling rates have jumped from 8% to 26%.

“We’re particularly delighted with the success of our new EPR scheme for liquid board packaging,” said Petco CEO Telly Chauke.

“It validates our value-chain-based model, which is built on 20 years of industry experience.”

Petco also maintained strong performance in PET recycling, growing collection rates from just 16% in 2005 to nearly 76% in 2024 for PET bottles and jars.

The organization’s approach combines on-the-ground support with strategic infrastructure investment.

In 2024 alone, Petco spent R70 million (US$3.96m) to enable its recycling partners to purchase  R470 million (US$26.59m)  worth of post-consumer packaging from small businesses, much of which was collected by waste pickers.

Petco’s field team of buy-back centre liaison and regional recycling officers, supported by member Tetra Pak, conducted over 200 activations across South Africa, engaging directly with waste pickers and SMMEs.

In addition, the PRO trained more than 4,700 individuals in recycling awareness and entrepreneurship, while supplying equipment to 47 SMMEs and partnering with 59 municipalities.

LBP’s recycled material consists of 75% paperboard and 25% poly-aluminium, the latter used in products such as school desks and low-cost building materials.

Chauke emphasized that Petco’s mission extends beyond compliance. “We aim to grow South Africa’s circular economy by unlocking the socio-economic potential of recycling. It’s about creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and building a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

With growing infrastructure and increasing community engagement, South Africa is clearly charting a bold course in responsible packaging and recycling innovation.

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