PROs provide EPR update

THERE was great anticipation when seven producer responsibility organisation (PRO) representatives shared their views, progress updates and challenges that lay ahead at the Institute of Packaging SA’s Responsible Packaging Seminar — their first joint public platform since the introduction of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations in 2021.

The panellists consisted of Dorah Modise, CEO of the PRO Alliance; Edith Leeuta, CEO of Fibre Circle; Bonté Edwards, EPR technical consultant at MetPac-SA; Francois Marais, EPR specialist at Polyco; Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of The Glass Recycling Company; Cheri Scholtz, CEO of PETCO; and Keith Anderson, CEO of eWASA, representing producers within the household electrical and electronic industry.

When the seminar’s MC Michael Avery asked the panellists about PRO’s common but differentiated responsibilities to reach high recovery rates, mee recycling targets and ensure their material stream’s long-term sustainability they all conceded that collaboration, infrastructure and R&D need to be improved.

Dorah emphasised that although the scale of infrastructure projects is challenging, PRO Alliance members (Aerosol Manufacturers Association of SA, EPR Waste Association of SA, Fibre Circle, The Glass Recycling Company, MetPac-SA, PETCO and Polyco) agree that large~impact programmes, such as material recovery facilities in metros, are required.

Francois and Cheri both advocated for ringfencing EPR fee contributions from different material streams for implementing specific interventions alongside investments in R&D that takes a long—term view.

‘We need to focus on the majority of problem products by asking our working groups to scan the horizon for new technologies and recommending their use to enact fit—for—purpose packaging transformations. Additionally, with each product launch, brand owners/producers also need to consider design for recycling guidelines to prevent creating problematic packaging in the future,’ Francois maintained.

Keith agreed that working groups can make big wins on hard—to—recycle items by having open discussions along the value chain and engaging more with recyclers on how to beneficiate materials by trying different things.

Shabeer also anticipates a consolidation of PROs, as is common in more developed economies, because it’s a natural evolution for these organisations to focus on more than one material type as the industry’s end— of—life management approach matures.

Originally published in Packaging and Print Media

About TGRC:
The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) consists of a team dedicated to increasing glass recycling in South Africa. We are passionate about ensuring every South African realises the value of recycling glass and actively embraces this practice.

We strive to educate, enable, encourage and inspire individuals to separate their glass for recycling, but do not physically collect or recycle the glass. Our focus extends beyond consumers and communities, but also on trade, industry and corporate South Africa. We also aim to uplift impoverished communities by creating income generating opportunities and skills development in the recycling sector. TGRC is funded by our committed members who manufacture glass or package their products in glass. We believe in the infinite potential of glass to make a real and positive contribution to society. At TGRC we are committed to show that glass recycling is worth the effort!

TGRC’s mandate is to increase awareness of glass recycling in South Africa. The team are passionate about ensuring every South African realises the value of recycling glass and actively embraces this practice. TGRC believes in the infinite potential of glass to make a real and positive contribution to society. TGRC is committed to prove that glass recycling is worth the effort! For info visit like the Facebook page: www.tgrc.co.za or www.facebook.com/TheGlassRecyclingCo/