Recyclers at work in South Africa’s growing collection sector, helping divert packaging from landfill and support a circular economy.
Image: Supplied
In 2025, South Africa’s collection and recycling sector saw a major lift, with more post-consumer packaging kept out of landfills and increased support reaching grassroots recyclers, according to a study released by producer responsibility organisation Petco.
Last year, 86 000 cubic metres of PET plastic and liquid board packaging (LBP) were collected and recycled, up 10 000 cubic metres from 2024 – the equivalent of 2 600 standard shipping containers. The efforts prevented 389 000 tonnes of carbon emissions, roughly equal to the amount absorbed by planting 17 600 hectares of spekboom, the study shows.
The report highlights financial and operational support for the sector. Almost R9 million in equipment and infrastructure aid went to grassroots collection businesses, and over 7 300 participants were trained in recycling skills. Recyclers also received R90 million in backing, enabling the purchase of R600 million worth of post-consumer packaging from collection and buy-back centres.
Almost 70% of PET beverage bottles and more than half of long-life milk and juice cartons on supermarket shelves come from companies participating in the programme which include a number of retailers.
Petco CEO Telly Chauke said the organisation’s members take extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations seriously. “Petco has successfully met or surpassed the legislated targets for these materials. Last year, we once again met the targets for 99% of the packaging tonnages our members placed on the market,” he said.
He also highlighted the social impact of the programme. “Meeting our members’ EPR obligations, while partnering with government, industry and grassroots organisations to build a more inclusive, sustainable and effective circular economy, remains our primary focus. There is also steady progress in recognising the elemental role of waste pickers in the ecosystem, with real steps taken to ensure fair compensation for the work they do.”
The study shows collection and recycling rates for liquid board packaging have quadrupled since 2023, reaching 33% and 31% respectively in 2025. PET bottle collection also improved, with 87% of bottles recycled, up from 76% the previous year.
Petco chairman Ralph Jewson acknowledged the sector’s gains but warned of ongoing financial challenges. “As we move into 2026, the sector continues to grapple with high feedstock costs, rising electricity and fuel prices, expensive transport, softer demand for recycled material and increasing competition from cheaper imports. These challenges are affecting collectors, recyclers, manufacturers and brand owners alike, placing strain on margins, limiting investment and slowing growth across the industry,” he said.
Jewson stressed that the growth of recycling volumes will require better packaging design. “The aspiration of circularity comes with the responsibility to make better design choices that become standard practice,” he said.