Speaking at the plant’s opening ceremony in Cape Town, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, commended Extrupet, Propet, and PETCO for their leadership and investment. “This is the leadership we expect from industry—a step that shows South Africa’s waste sector can be a cornerstone of the circular economy,” George said.
He emphasized that such initiatives illustrate how environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities. “With clear policy, vision, and partnership, plastic waste can shift from being a burden on our environment to becoming a driver of jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth,” he stated.
A key factor driving investment in recycling is compliance with new European Union regulations, which mandate that all plastic beverage bottles contain at least 25% certified recycled PET. The Cape Town plant positions Western Cape producers to meet these requirements, protecting their access to export markets and enhancing their competitiveness in global trade.
George noted that South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), National Waste Management Strategy, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations provide the necessary framework for sustainable waste management. “Industry makes it real through investment and delivery. When business and government pull in the same direction, we achieve growth and sustainability together,” he added.
The Minister highlighted the critical role of waste pickers and small enterprises (SMMEs) in maintaining the recycling value chain. “For many, PET is not waste—it is income and dignity. If collected properly, it supports livelihoods and builds enterprises. If neglected, it pollutes our landfills, rivers, and oceans, “he said.
Government is working with municipalities to integrate waste pickers into formal waste systems, ensuring that they remain at the heart of the circular economy. By linking informal collectors with industrial recycling plants, the country is building a system that promotes both social and environmental sustainability.
