The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Alpla Group has opened a new state-of-the-art PET recycling facility in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.

The plant represents an investment of €60 million and aims to bolster the local recycling infrastructure while addressing growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the region.

The facility, which spans 90,000 square metres, is designed to produce up to 35,000 tonnes of recycled PET (rPET) annually, with operations set to commence in early 2025.

This output will include both mechanically recycled rPET flakes and food-safe rPET pellets, which will be supplied to ALPLA’s production plant in Lanseria for the manufacture of sustainable plastic packaging.

The opening ceremony on October 31 was attended by approximately 180 stakeholders from business and government, including representatives from South Africa's Ministries of Trade and Industry, as well as the Austrian Ambassador to South Africa, Romana Königsbrun.

Alpla officials highlighted the strategic importance of South Africa as a growth market and emphasised the company's commitment to sustainability and local economic development.

“South Africa is a strategically important market for us, and we aim to continue expanding our presence here,” said Alpla CEO Philipp Lehner. Lehner noted that the new facility not only supports the company’s growth objectives but also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting job creation and enhancing local living standards.

The plant will provide high-quality rPET to the beverage industry, helping manufacturers meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.

Since the introduction of South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in 2021, PET beverage bottles are mandated to contain at least 10% recycled material, with this requirement set to increase to 20% by 2026.

The facility's advanced extrusion line will enable the production of rPET pellets that meet food safety standards, thereby facilitating compliance with local legislation. This move is expected to strengthen the supply chain for sustainable packaging in South Africa, particularly in the beverage sector.

The Ballito plant is designed with future expansion in mind, with an additional 30,000 square metres available for potential growth. Alpla plans to enhance its capacity further by adding a second extrusion line, which would allow for increased production of rPET pellets to meet rising market demands.

With this new facility, Alpla aims not only to enhance its operational footprint in South Africa but also to contribute to the broader goals of reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling across the continent.

#Alpla #PET #rPET #packaging #sustainability #sustainablepackaging