News and updates


SA’s paper industry is getting EPR ready
JOHANNESBURG, October 22, 2021 – South Africa’s paper and packaging sector have less than 14 days to register with Fibre Circle to comply with government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The deadline for EPR registrations is 5 November 2021 and outlines a new approach to waste management for paper, packaging and some single use products, lighting […]

Should I Register With Fibre Circle?
The deadline for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registrations is 5 November 2021 and many companies are not sure whether they should register with Fibre Circle to remain EPR compliant. As the registered producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the South African paper and paper packaging sector, Fibre Circle has elected to collect EPR fees from registered […]

Make A Difference This Recycling Day | Fibre Circle
[Johannesburg: 13 September 2021]: South Africans have long become familiar with the call to recycle their waste. This has become ever more apparent as people worked from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the waste that was normally generated in the office parks and business operations is now being generated and piling up at home.But, […]

4 Common Recycling Mistakes | Fibre Circle
National Clean-Up and Recycle Week – 13-18 September JOHANNESBURG – September, 14, 2021 – It is estimated that only 6.1% of metropolitan households in South Africa actively participate in recycling. However, even the most environmentally conscientious people make recycling mistakes. You might even think your home is paperless, so you don’t need to recycle. Have you […]

Celebrate Arbor Week 2021 with Sappi | Fibre Circle
At the start of September every year, when Arbor Week is celebrated in South Africa, it also heralds the beginning of Spring and thoughts of rejuvenation and hope. Tying in with the fact that woodfibre is at the heart of our business, Sappi has taken to promoting the planting of trees as a source of […]

Business Recovery Package Application Form
The Ministers of Small Business Development and Trade, Industry and Competition recently announced a Business Recovery Package to support uninsured businesses affected by the recent unrest and disorder.According to the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), the estimated cost of the recent violent protests on the economy of KwaZulu […]

Register with the right PRO before 5 November
Taking practical or financial responsibility for the disposal of one’s products is no longer a nice-to-have or a tick-box exercise. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) by producers and importers in the electrical, lighting, and paper and packaging sectors has now been made mandatory by the South African government. On 5 May 2021, the Department of Forestry, […]

Unpacking EPR | Webinar resources
On 11 May 2021, Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the South African paper and paper packaging sector, hosted a webinar to help producers and brand owners unpack the newly amended and gazetted extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations. The speakers included: Jane Molony, acting CEO of Fibre Circle and executive director of the […]

Fibre Circle launches campaign to promote more recycling of beverage cartons
JOHANNESBURG, March 9, 2021 – Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the South African paper and paper packaging sector, is calling on South African food producers to help drive awareness that food and beverage cartons are recyclable. This initiative forms part of the Super Cartons campaign, being run in partnership with Nampak Liquid […]

New study shows that paper-based single-use packaging can have a better environmental impact than reusable packaging
A new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study, conducted by engineering consultancy Ramboll for the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) demonstrates the significant environmental benefits of single-use products compared to re-use systems particularly in saving carbon emission and freshwater consumption.The LCA compares the environmental impact of paper-based single use packaging with the footprint of reusable tableware in Quick […]

What extended producer responsibility will mean for the paper and paper packaging value chain
With South Africa’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations coming into effect on 5 May 2021, the paper sector and its value chain will need to strengthen and extend their approach to the recovery and recycling of materials. This EPR journey will take unprecedented levels of collaboration, municipal buy-in and separation-at-source by consumers in their homes, […]

Recycling tips for the December holidays
‘Tis the season to declutter and recycleJOHANNESBURG, December 10, 2020 – The holidays can be surprisingly heavy on waste, so it pays to be mindful of yours these holidays. Not only will you reduce your environmental footprint, but you can also support waste collectors by ensuring that your recyclables are clean and separate.December is often […]