The first public-private sector liquid board packaging (LBP) colloquium saw academics, and representatives of key paper and pulp companies and departments come together to consider ways to divert waste from landfills and incorporate waste pickers into a circular economy.
Panellists at the colloquium, which took place at the end of September, discussed the South African waste management policy landscape and the aims of the EPR regulations in promoting good practice in sustainable waste management and advancing the circular economy of the country.
Panellists included Alinah Mthembu (Department of Science and Innovation), Bala Nengovhela (Salga), Bukelwa Velebayi-Njingolo (Pikitup), professor Johann Gorgens (Stellenbosch University), professor Kevin Harding (Wits University), Kgauta Mokoena (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), Scott Ferguson (Mpact Recycling), and Terry van der Walt (Nampak).
“We are facing a crisis in waste management with fast diminishing landfill airspace, and we all have a role to play in finding sustainable solutions that not only divert waste from landfill but create the much-needed jobs for the South African economy,” said Edith Leeuta, CEO of Fibre Circle. “We know that it cannot be business as usual.”
Fibre Circle, which hosted the colloquium, is a Producer Responsibility Organisation for the paper and paper packaging industry.
Key points that emerged from the colloquium included:
- Diversion from landfill is a key goal for the paper and paper packaging industry.
- Public and private sector partnership and investment is critical.
- Infrastructure is a key priority.
- Transition to a circular economy needs to include all members of the value chain, including waste pickers.
- Separation at source is critical.
- Incentivisation is key.
- Government has a key role to play.
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