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Alpla Group and Re-Purpose have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable packaging solutions and strengthening the feedstock value chain for Alpla's first PET recycling facility in South Africa. Re-Purpose, based in Durban, is a key player in reverse logistics for post-consumer plastic waste, operating four material recovery facilities across KwaZulu-Natal. Through source-oriented collection programmes, Re-Purpose engages local communities and buy-back centres to collect and divert a significant volume of plastic waste while generating employment opportunities and income for disadvantaged individuals. With an investment of €60 million, Alpla is constructing a 90,000-square-metre recycling plant in Ballito. The company said that construction is underway, with operations expected to start in early 2025. The facility is projected to produce more than 35,000 tonnes of recycled PET (rPET) annually. The partnership merges Alpla's recycling expertise with Re-Purpose's innovative reverse logistics, aiming to develop innovative solutions and foster a circular economy. Additionally, the collaboration is anticipated to create numerous jobs in KwaZulu-Natal and potentially across South Africa. In alignment with the collaboration, Re-Purpose will optimise its current baling centres and establish new ones to facilitate PET bottle collection. Furthermore, Re-Purpose will help Alpla establish a strategic supplier base for PET bottle bales and collaborate with stakeholders to expand community outreach and source separation programmes. The objective is to contribute to the monthly collection of 5,000 tons of PET, meeting the full operational capacity requirements of Alpla's recycling plant by 2026. Dietmar Marin, MD of Alpla's recycling division, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Re-Purpose to accelerate our journey towards a more sustainable future. This collaboration allows us to expand our portfolio of packaging solutions made from recycled PET material, offering our customers in the region innovative alternatives that align with their sustainability goals." Bevlen Sudhu, founder and MD of Re-Purpose, added: "We are excited to join forces with Alpla to drive innovation and sustainability in the recycling industry. By combining Alpla's extensive recycling experience with our reverse collection model, we are expanding the circular economy and supporting manufacturers in achieving the required EPR targets."