Triple Shine Foundation launches pilot to cut single-use plastics

SOUTH AFRICA – Triple Shine Foundation, a woman-led nonprofit, has launched a six-month pilot project in Limpopo aimed at reducing single-use plastic detergent containers.

The initiative explores whether reusable soap and detergent dispensers in informal grocery stores or spaza shops can help curb plastic waste.

The foundation secured over R570,000 in seed funding from Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, which launched an ‘open innovation challenge’ to address plastic waste in partnership with Unilever and local authorities.

The project introduces cost-effective manual dispensers, enabling consumers to purchase detergents on a pay-by-weight basis using their containers, eliminating single-use plastics.

“By encouraging refills, we eliminate the demand for single-use plastics,” says Triple Shine Foundation CEO Sharon Rapetswa.

She emphasizes that fostering a circular economy tackles environmental challenges and creates economic opportunities.

However, transitioning small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to circular practices remains financially challenging despite its potential benefits.

Due to cost constraints, many small businesses struggle to move away from single-use plastics. To address this, the foundation advocates for regulatory reforms supporting manual dispensers in informal stores, promoting sustainable retail practices.

The foundation also plans to collaborate with over 1,000 rural retailers to collect data that will inform policy decisions and business models, demonstrating the feasibility of circular economy initiatives.

The growing plastic waste crisis

South Africa’s escalating plastic waste crisis requires urgent intervention. According to Leon Grobbelaar, president of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa, Johannesburg’s remaining landfill sites are expected to reach full capacity within three years, with cities like Tshwane facing similar challenges.

“Eliminating single-use packaging can lower grocery costs, benefiting low-income communities,” Rapetswa notes.

She highlights that innovation in waste management presents significant opportunities for both economic and social impact.

While shifting to a circular economy comes with hurdles—including entrenched consumer habits and the affordability of plastic alternatives—Rapetswa stresses the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Regulators, businesses, and entrepreneurs must work together to develop and implement long-term sustainable solutions.

Additionally, women in the waste sector face unique challenges, such as limited access to financing and balancing family responsibilities with business demands.

Initiatives like Triple Shine create entrepreneurial opportunities that empower women to overcome these barriers.

“There is a long road ahead toward sustainability and circularity,” Rapetswa concludes, “but the journey must begin now.”

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