The Innovative Solutions for Waste (ISOW) project has officially launched in Tulamahashe, Bushbuckridge! Supported by MetPac-SA—South Africa’s metal packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO)—this community-driven initiative aims to turn local waste into tangible economic value.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry (BMZ) via GIZ’s WE4D Programme and initiated by Plastics SA, the project focuses on expanding green employment opportunities, with a strong emphasis on empowering women within African green value chains.
Global Partnerships, Local Impact
To bring this vision to life, the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, GIZ, and key EPR PROs (MetPac-SA, Petco, Polyco, and Fibre Circle) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Together, they are supporting a local Waste Beneficiation Centre by providing:
Separation-at-Source & Infrastructure: Establishing systems to capture infinitely recyclable materials like food tins, drink cans, and aerosols where they are generated.
Waste Reclaimer Support: Empowering informal environmental champions with safety gear, training, technical expertise, and fair payment systems.
Community Education: Driving local awareness around clean villages and sustainable waste practices.
Driving a Circular Economy in Mpumalanga
MetPac-SA brings extensive industry expertise to the project. This collaborative approach builds on proven successes—such as MetPac-SA’s joint Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Springs and national support programs that created 223 jobs in 2025 alone.
By working hand-in-hand with municipal leaders, international partners, and local residents, the ISOW project is helping set a benchmark for circular waste management and green job creation across South Africa.
