South Africa turns to innovation to curb single-use plastic pollution

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is intensifying efforts to curb pollution from single-use plastics as the country grapples with rising waste volumes, low recycling rates and growing environmental damage.

Items such as straws, carrier bags and food packaging remain among the biggest contributors to waste leakage, largely because most are designed for one-time use and are difficult or impossible to recycle.

Globally, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with half used only once, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

South Africa mirrors this global crisis: the country generates 2.4 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, equivalent to 41 kg per person, far above the global average of 29 kg.

Only 14% is recycled, while an estimated 40% is mismanaged and 3% leaks directly into the environment.

To counter this trend, the country is strengthening its shift toward a circular economy, combining regulatory, economic and technological measures to tackle plastic pollution at every stage of the value chain.

A key player in this transition is the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which is spearheading innovations in sustainable materials and responsible design.

Dr Sudhakar Muniyasamy, principal scientist at CSIR, says researchers are developing eco-friendly polymers derived from agricultural and organic waste, including sugarcane bagasse, maize stalk residues and other locally abundant biomass.

“Biodegradable products can replace conventional plastics, which take more than 100 years to degrade,” he said.

These new polymers contain chemical components that do not harm the environment during breakdown.

One major application is biodegradable mulching film for agriculture. Traditional plastic mulch fragments after use, contaminating soils. CSIR’s bio-based alternative decomposes naturally, enriching soil health and eliminating contamination risks.

The innovation particularly benefits farmers cultivating crops like strawberries, pineapples and tomatoes.

Prototype products developed at CSIR include compostable biomedical devices, biodegradable mulch films, bio-based cutlery, and components for the transport sector.

CSIR hosts the continent’s only facility capable of scientifically verifying biodegradability claims, a laboratory funded by the Japanese Government through the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The lab tests how materials degrade under different conditions, including compost, soil, marine and freshwater environments, as well as anaerobic systems.

“The primary purpose of the testing facility is to verify whether a material is eco-friendly, how long it takes to degrade, and if any toxic substances leach during biodegradation,” Dr Muniyasamy concluded.

The lab supports manufacturers, researchers and universities seeking to meet international standards and curb misleading environmental claims.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE