RECYCLING OF PVC
Plastics SA Reports Growth in PVC Recycling for 2023,
Highlighting Positive Trends in South Africa’s Plastic Waste Management
Plastics SA has released its latest polymer production and recycling figures for the year ending December 2023, showcasing a positive upward trend in PVC recycling across the country. According to the new data, South Africa’s total domestic plastic consumption for 2023 reached an impressive 1,983,800 tons, which includes both virgin and recycled materials. Of this figure, PVC constituted 11%, with the majority being used in long-term building and construction applications such as pipes, profiles, floors, and cables. These products, often with lifespans exceeding 100 years, may only enter the recycling stream far in the future, making current recycling efforts notable.
During 2023, South Africa successfully recycled 26,100 tons of PVC, marking a 16% recycling rate in this sector. This achievement represents a consistent year-on-year increase in recycled PVC, underscoring the effectiveness of focused recycling initiatives and commitment from the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA).
This commendable increase in PVC recycling figures is a clear testament to the collaborative efforts within the industry and the commitment to enhance waste management and recycling in South Africa. From 21,432 tons in 2020 to 26,100 tons in 2023, we are seeing steady progress.
PVC packaging, though representing less than 2% of the total market, has seen notable success in recycling efforts. SAVA has directed resources to bolster collection and recycling systems for PVC packaging, which extends shelf life, reduces spoilage, and provides essential benefits to retailers. By developing additional end-markets for post-consumer PVC and refining collection methods, SAVA is helping to ensure that PVC packaging remains a valuable resource in the circular economy.
End-markets of r-PVC
South Africa currently has more than 40 recyclers which granulate and pelletise vinyl products for re-use in flooring and tiles, shoe soles or other PVC products.
The biggest market (40%) for PVC recyclate continues to be the footwear industry where it is used to manufacture shoes, soles and gumboots, followed by the building and construction industry (38%) and agriculture (12%).
Recycling of PVC Packaging
SAVA registers as PRO for PVC packaging producers
PRO Registration number: 19/7/5/P/PRO/20220811/034
Only 12,600 tonnes (or 9 %) of the locally consumed PVC goes into packaging such as bottles, thermoformed punnets, blister packs, clingfilm and other flexible packaging. Although a small volume polymer packaging material, it is important to note that it has very specific and necessary application values. All of these vinyl products are recyclable, in high demand by recyclers and help to reduce the amount of energy and raw materials needed to produce new products.
The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) has registered as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in order to represent the interests of the PVC packaging producers operating in South Africa.
Producers are charged a levy of R250.00 for every tonne of rigid or flexible packaging they put onto the South African market. SAVA is responsible for reporting on behalf of these producers to DFFE and uses the funds raised to support post-consumer and post-industrial PVC packaging recycling projects for films, bottles, blister packs and other items.
