South Africa has a new plastic recycling plant.
Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DAFF) launched the innovative food-grade PET plastic recycling plant, on Monday, in Cape Town.
The facility, is a partnership between Propet and PETCO.
It will add 15,000 tonnes of recycled PET (form of polyester such as clothing fabric per year, increasing Extrupet’s total output from 30,000 to 45,000 tonnes.
This will increase national capacity to about 60,000 tonnes next year.
This expansion also enhances competitiveness, helping Western Cape producers meet new European Union rules requiring at least 25% certified recycled PET in plastic beverage bottles to protect export markets.
The plant is also expected to support waste pickers and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Speaking at the plant on Monday, George said proper waste collection prevents pollution from ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans.
“This plant is more than bricks and machinery; it is a symbol of how South Africa can turn a crisis into an opportunity. It shows that with clear policy, vision, and partnership, plastic waste can be transformed from a burden on our environment into a driver of jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth.”
George also said “supply must meet demand. Waste pickers and SMMEs are central to that supply. They are not on the margins of this story; they are at its heart. Our work with municipalities to integrate waste pickers into formal systems, will strengthen this value chain.”
South Africa is leading global efforts through the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, advocating for a legally binding instrument covering the full life cycle of plastics.
“Even as negotiations continue, and even where talks have stalled, we are acting at home. From our regulations on microbeads and single-use items to investments that expand recycling capacity, we are proving that South Africa will not wait to be told what to do. We will lead by example.”
The Minister concluded by congratulating Extrupet, Propet, and PETCO, describing the plant as a beacon of what can be achieved together- “Cleaner rivers, healthier communities, stronger industries, and more jobs.”
Picture: Recycling International