The Reproplast Collective EPR Scheme will, through the direct time and resource investment of each member, materially and meaningfully reduce the amount of post-consumer rigid polyolefin packaging in the environment and maximise recycling and production efficiency.
Our Scheme aims to empower South Africans by initiating, co-ordinating, and partnering with local waste collection networks that tie into our world-class recycling. In parallel, our producers and their customers are developing high-value products that create demand for Reproplast’s high-quality polymers.
Our Scheme is an inclusive approach, where all stakeholders benefit and work together with a shared commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the people of South Africa.
DFFE REGULATIONS UNPACKED
The Regulations extend a producer’s responsibility for its products to the end of its life cycle by collecting and recycling a stipulated percentage of the packaging it produces through either establishing and implementing an EPR Scheme; joining one; or appointing a PRO to establish and implement one.
DELIVERABLES
An EPR Scheme must set out a number of operational, and social and ethical requirements.
Operational Requirements
HOW A PRODUCER WILL:
Meet the collection target e.g. collection points, reclaimers, voluntary donation points and return schemes.
Record and catalogue the volume, the level of factory waste and the collection rate of the products it produces.
Identify methods of reducing the impact of its products on the environment by monitoring and reviewing systems and processes relating to product design.
Conduct and provide the applicable Government Department with an internal and annual external audit.
Conduct appropriate feasibility studies.
Recover identified products for beneficial use.
Set up and facilitate funding for the EPR Scheme.
Stimulate secondary markets for the applicable identified products.
Social and Ethical Requirements
HOW A PRODUCER WILL:
Comply with prioritised Government programme requirements such as job creation and inclusive economic growth.
Prioritise the promotion of small businesses and entrepreneurs with a special focus on women, youth and persons living with disabilities.
Co-operate with municipalities to increase the recovery of identified products from municipal waste.
Contract with service providers through a fair and transparent process.
Implement transformation within the contracted service providers.
As leading producers of rigid polyolefin-based packaging for leading consumer brands in South Africa, our producers are responsible, compliant and ready for the challenge. In compliance with DFFE Regulations, we have formalised the Reproplast Collective EPR Scheme, which has been operational since 5 November 2021. The Founding Members believe this structure best achieves the purpose of the Regulations by facilitating compliance for our producers and their customers, and also paves the way for maximum environmental, social, and economic impact in the most efficient way.
The Scheme producers have been integrally involved in the development of the Regulations, and aim to:
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work closely with the Regulator to achieve and exceed Government ideals;
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identify and partner with Scheme participants which also seek to achieve these Government ideals; and
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continue to observe, study and adopt international EPR best practice.
THE REPROPLAST COLLECTIVE EPR SCHEME CIRCULAR ECONOMY
OUR EXPERTISE
EXPERIENCE
Since 1995, Reproplast has been dealing with polyolefins, waste collection and recycling.
PRODUCT DESIGN
As leaders in rigid polyolefin packaging in South Africa, our producers have extensive knowledge, IP and global support to optimise packaging for reuse, recycling and the inclusion of post-consumer waste; as well as the development of new products to create demand for waste.
POLYOLEFIN IP
Decades of research, development and conversion of rigid polyolefins, as well as significant investment into state-of-the-art laboratories, polymer scientists and chemical engineering resources.
PRIMARY DEMAND
Our producers have existing demand and immediate potential for increased demand for post-consumer waste through current partners. We aim to further increase primary demand in collaboration with Scheme participants.
RECYCLING
Our exclusive IP and world-leading recycling technology is the largest capacity of its kind in Africa.
SECONDARY DEMAND
Our Scheme has multiple working examples of secondary recycled products. These form a critical role in the creation of value for our waste streams. We look to further develop these, and others, with our future Scheme participants.
FOCUS
Experienced individuals focused solely on a narrow band of waste are able to dive deeply into understanding supply chains, reclamation channels and consumer education.
OUR RECYCLING CAPABILITY
Reproplast’s advanced recycling systems are best in class. A functioning circular economy can only be achieved with high-end recyclates. Reproplast’s comprehensive washing and recycling lines are highly automated, reducing the cost of processing as much as possible. Thanks to our engineering team’s extensive experience coupled with the most advanced recycling technology in the world, Reproplast can deliver perfectly prepared materials to producers and jump-start circularity.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
The Reproplast Collective EPR Scheme is an inclusive approach, where all stakeholders benefit and work together with a shared commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the landscape and people of South Africa.
Sustainability solutions are best developed in collaboration. Our Scheme includes a near-complete value chain. The missing link is you.
