PLASTIC PACT MOMENTUM: ADVANCING SOUTH AFRICA’S CIRCULAR ECONOMY VISION

In a significant development ahead of Environment Month in June, Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), convened a landmark meeting with GreenCape on 12 May 2025 to strengthen South Africa’s transition to a circular economy. Central to the discussions was the progress of the South African Plastics Pact – an ambitious public-private initiative led by GreenCape that is redefining the country’s approach to plastic waste, climate action, and sustainable growth.

The meeting followed Minister George’s attendance at the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial in Denmark, where mounting international pressure –particularly from European partners – underscored the urgent need for countries like South Africa to tackle plastic pollution and its contribution to climate change. The Minister’s engagement with GreenCape and members of the Pact marks a proactive response to these global expectations and a strategic opportunity to align national environmental goals with inclusive economic development.

The South African Plastics Pact brings together 50 influential organisations, including Coca-Cola, Woolworths, and Unilever, representing 35% of the national plastic economy. Together, they have made significant strides toward the Pact’s 2025 targets. To date, members have cut plastic straw use by 91%, achieved a 45% recycling output rate, and increased recycled contentin packaging to an average of 18%. These achievements reflect the collective power of industry in supporting a circular economy that reduces waste, protects natural ecosystems, and boosts employment.

In the meeting, Minister George addressed concerns from Pact members about regulatory barriers and the complexity of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), which are critical to evaluating environmental impact. In response, he announced a forthcoming review of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and the current proliferation of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), both of which have created fragmentation and inefficiencies in the plastics value chain.

“The South African Plastics Pact’s pioneering success inspires us to refine our policies and accelerate South Africa’s leadership in the global circular economy." – Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

“My vision is to harness the ingenuity of the private sector to forge a sustainable future that creates jobs and drives economic growth while responding to international calls for cleaner environments,” said Dr George. “The South African Plastics Pact’s pioneering success inspires us to refine our policies and accelerate South Africa’s leadership in the global circular economy.”

The Department also affirmed its commitment to working with GreenCape to streamline regulatory tools, ensure clarity in LCA application, and support innovation within the private sector. These efforts aim not only to address environmental challenges but also to open up new investment and employment avenues in green industries.

As the country gears towards Environment Month celebrations, the Department’s engagement with GreenCape demonstrates a clear intent to translate dialogue into action. By aligning environmental goals with economic potential, the initiative underscores how sustainable practices can drive growth, reduce waste, and create long-term value for communities and businesses alike.

It is clear, that with renewed focus, clear direction, and industry collaboration, South Africa is positioning itself not only to meet international expectations but to shape a thriving circular economy that delivers tangible benefits at home.