Recommendations for advancing the circular plastics economy in South Africa

Abstract

Leakage of plastics to the environment is an issue of global concern. A transition to a circular plastics economy is increasingly recognised as an important strategy for addressing plastic leakage and pollution, while potentially giving rise to a number of additonal socio-economic and environmental benefits. This paper reports on the outcomes of a study funded by the PROBLUE multi-donor trust fund through the World Bank and implemented by the CSIR, aimed at advancing the circular plastics economy in South Africa, with a focus on packaging and other single use plastic products. The objectives were to (1) provide a comprehensive overview of current circular economy initiatives and activities, (2) frame the circular plastics economy in the South African context, and (3) inform the development of a Roadmap for advancing the circular plastics economy, based on recommended short-, medium- and long-term interventions. The methodology for the study involved a combination of desktop reviews and extensive stakeholder engagement. This paper focuses on the latter two objectives of the study, namely framing the circular plastics economy in the South African context, and providing recommendations for advancing the circular plastics economy. In line with recent global work, there is no “silver bullet’ for reducing leakage of plastics to the environment. Instead, a system change is required, incorporating a suite of interventions across the value chain (including rethinking and reducing the use of plastics, redesigning plastics for circularity, reusing, and recycling; in addition to improved waste collection and controlled disposal); rather than relying solely on end-of-pipe solutions. Specifically, a circular plastics economy in South Africa should entail (1) designing out plastic items that are either problematic or unnecessary (or both), through innovation and alternative delivery models; (2) ensuring that all plastic products are reusable, recyclable, or compostable in the South African context; (3) ensuring that plastic products or materials are circulated within the economy (at their highest value, and for as long as possible), and kept out of the natural environment; and (4) decoupling plastic production from the consumption of virgin inputs from fossil fuel sources, in favour of using recycled materials.