Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry, has released its latest survey on polymer consumption and recycling figures for the year ending 2023. This report highlights significant growth in the recycling sector and stresses the need for continued investment in infrastructure and education to sustain this progress.

Recycling Operations and Sector Overview

The survey reported 295 recycling operations in South Africa by the end of 2023. Among these, 40% processed post-consumer materials, granulating, washing, and pelletising them. However, only a fraction of these recyclers could handle landfill-sourced material due to the high capital investment required for advanced wash plants, which are feasible only for larger operations.

Although 6.2% of the 273 recycling operations from 2022 ceased operation, 39 new companies emerged, showcasing both challenges and opportunities within the sector.

"Strengthening competition in the South African plastics industry can have a profound impact on recovering the broader manufacturing sector," says Anton Hanekom, Executive Director of Plastics SA. The plastics industry is integral to supply chains across numerous sectors, contributing 1.8% to South Africa’s GDP and 15.8% to the manufacturing GDP in 2023.

In 2023, 1,568 kt of virgin polymer were consumed in plastic production, with the packaging sector dominating at 48.2% of consumption. Other significant consumers included building and construction (12.5%), agriculture (9.4%), electronics (6.4%), and automotive (6.3%).

Recycling Growth and Challenges

The recycling sector saw notable growth in 2023. A total of 431,800 tons of plastics were recycled, up from 368,800 tons in 2022. This resulted in a 52% input recycling rate, a significant increase from the 42.9% recorded in 2022. The output recycling rate rose to 27.5%, positioning South Africa as a leader in mechanical plastics recycling, particularly for thin polyethylene films and contaminated post-consumer plastics.

However, there remains a challenge in reducing the amount of recyclable plastic waste that ends up in landfills. Improving both the quantity and quality of recycled plastics is crucial to advancing the circularity of the plastics industry.

Employment and Economic Impact

The recycling sector plays a critical role in employment, particularly within the informal economy. In 2023, approximately 95,900 income-generating opportunities were sustained, including work for waste pickers and entrepreneurial collectors. The sector contributed over R4.7 billion to the supply chain, including the informal sector, by collecting 671,200 tons for recycling.

International and Local Policy Concerns

As the world gears up for the INC-5 meeting in Busan, South Korea, Plastics SA has raised concerns about global efforts to regulate Chemicals of Concern (CoC) via standardised lists. Hanekom emphasised the need for a flexible, risk-based approach to regulation, warning that blanket regulations could negatively impact South Africa’s economy and its plastics recycling industry.

Commitment to Circular Economy

Plastics SA reiterated its commitment to supporting a circular economy, advocating for product designs that prioritise recyclability and the development of efficient recycling systems. The organisation also calls for international treaties that promote sustainable product design and encourage public-private partnerships to improve waste management and recycling efforts.

Conclusion

"South Africa's plastics industry continues to be a vital contributor to the Sub-Saharan economy," says Hanekom. The sector plays a key role in the country's sustainable development and the global fight against plastic pollution. With rising recycling rates and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, South Africa’s plastics recycling sector is making positive strides. These achievements are a testament to the collective efforts of raw material producers, converters, recyclers, product designers, brand owners, and consumers in advancing the industry.

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Press Release Submitted By:
Plastics SA
Website: www.plasticsinfo.co.za

Total Words: 590

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Plastics SA Releases 2023 Polymer Consumption and Recycling Figures

South Africa’s plastics recycling sector is thriving, with a 52% input recycling rate in 2023! Discover how the industry is making strides in sustainability, creating jobs, and contributing to the economy.

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