South Africa sees strong gains in PET, Liquid Board Carton recycling under EPR laws – Telly Chauke

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s recycling sector is showing significant progress under the country’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework, with PETCO, the producer responsibility organization (PRO) for PET and liquid board packaging (LBP), reporting record achievements in its 2024 annual review.

PETCO, which represents 29 leading brands including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Tiger Brands, and Tetra Pak, announced that it met legislated EPR targets for 99% of the tonnage of identified products placed on the market by its members.

The efforts saved an estimated 76,000 cubic metres of landfill space, the equivalent of filling more than 2,300 six-metre shipping containers.

A standout success was PETCO’s liquid board packaging program, now in its second year. According to CEO Telly Chauke, the scheme recorded a 200% year-on-year increase in collection and recycling, rising from just 8% in 2023 to 24% collection and 26% recycling in 2024.

“We’ve collected and recycled three times the volume compared to last year,” Chauke said. “This demonstrates the potential of new models when underpinned by investment, partnerships, and community buy-in.”

The progress mirrors the trajectory of PET bottle recycling, which has grown from 16% in 2005 to nearly 76% today, making it one of the most established recycling streams in South Africa.

To scale LBP recovery, PETCO partnered with Tetra Pak to deploy buy-back centre liaison officers and regional recycling officers, strengthening links between waste pickers, municipalities, and recyclers.

In 2024, the organization’s field team conducted more than 200 activations at buy-back centres across all provinces, while training 4,700 people through awareness workshops and accredited business courses.

LBP, made of 75% paperboard and 25% poly-aluminium, is increasingly being repurposed into school desks, roofing, and low-cost building materials, creating both environmental and social value.

PETCO’s model also focuses on stimulating end-use demand, supporting recyclers with feedstock, and expanding processing capacity.

In 2024, the organization invested R70 million (US$4.06m) into the recycling value chain, enabling recyclers to purchase R470 million (US$27.25m) worth of packaging from small businesses.

Support included equipment, mentorship, and training for 47 SMMEs, with PETCO highlighting that small enterprises are key to unlocking greater recycling volumes.

Partnerships with 59 municipalities have also been central to PETCO’s approach.

“Working with government is vital for scaling and sustaining initiatives,” Chauke said. “It ensures that producers can meet obligations while municipalities strengthen waste infrastructure.”

By expanding its reach and capacity, PETCO says it is driving South Africa’s transition to a circular economy, ensuring that valuable packaging remains in the system rather than the environment.

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