News and updates
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 […]
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 recycle JOHANNESBURG, 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 […]
Recent developments in South African environmental Law
Recent developments within the environmental law space have certain implications for businesses operating in South Africa. Bowman’s Public Law and Regulatory Practice hosted a three-part webinar series in October 2020 to discuss these significant changes with the panel comprising members of its Public Law and Regulatory Practice – Claire Tucker, Michael Vermaak, Wandisile Mandlana and […]
Sappi Forests acknowledges International Day of Rural Women
With around 4,000 women employed directly or indirectly by Sappi Forests nationwide– through its own personnel in its nurseries, and sub-contracted to its harvesting and silviculture contractors – the company is very aware of the crucial role that rural women play in the agricultural labour force.It is to these women that the United Nations have […]
Cleaning and greening – Paper industry hosts a Trash and Tree Day
50 bags of trash and recyclables collected and 10 Pepperbark trees planted to mark National Clean-up and Recycling Week and Arbor Month On Friday September 18, National Recycling Day, the paper and paper packaging industry teamed up for a “Trash and Tree Day” in Daveyton, Benoni, to mark Arbor Month and National Clean-Up & Recycling Week. […]
National Recycling Day urges South Africans to save their recyclables as they are full of value
Johannesburg, 14 September 2020: South Africans have heard the “please recycle” message time and time again. However, with National Recycling Day around the corner, it is a crucial opportunity for citizens to truly reflect on their waste habits and become more conscious of the impact of waste that is so often thrown away on a whim. […]
1500 informal recycling collectors receive care packs from South African paper and paper packaging sector.
Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organisation for the paper and paper packaging sector, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) and its recycling arm RecyclePaperZA invested a combined R600,000 to deliver handwashing units, soap, cloth masks, food vouchers, children’s activity packs…
Extended Producer Responsibility – the “New Approach” under our Circular Economy to achieve the elimination of waste generation
The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (Minister) recently published for comment draft regulations and notices (Draft EPR Regulations / Notices) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 59 of 2008 (NEMWA) proposing the establishment of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, as provided for in section 18, for waste products from select industrial sectors, […]