At the DFFE Circular Economy Summit 2026 at the University of Limpopo, MetPac-SA called for urgent action to shift South Africa away from the traditional “take, make, and dispose” model and toward a sustainable circular economy.
Dr. Ravi Nadar, Sustainability Manager at MetPac-SA, stressed that discarded packaging should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than waste.
Key Takeaways
- A R91 Billion Opportunity: South Africa’s packaging market reached 3.5 million tonnes (valued at R91 billion) in 2024. Transitioning to a circular model keeps these materials in use, reducing landfill strain while driving job creation and enterprise development.
- EPR Progress & Obstacles: Since regulated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) was introduced in 2021, South Africa has seen increased recycling investments and better support for waste pickers. However, progress is hindered by “free rider” producers who evade EPR levies, fragmented collection systems, and infrastructure gaps.
- Research & Inclusion Priorities: MetPac-SA is prioritizing better material traceability, fair waste-picker integration, viable recycling technologies, and building stronger end-markets for recycled metals.
- Empowering Youth: Engaging University of Limpopo students at the summit, MetPac-SA encouraged the next generation of leaders to practice waste separation, educate their communities, and develop innovative waste solutions.
“Compliance is the starting point. We now need measurable improvements in how materials are collected, recovered, and returned to productive use.”
— Dr. Ravi Nadar, MetPac-SA
