The Section 18 Regulations to the Waste Act mandates producers of packaging to demonstrate their Extended Producer Responsibility by either joining an existing Producer Responsibility Organisations or forming a new, independent EPR scheme that will manage their products at end of life.
One of the major challenges facing producers who manufacture more than one type of plastic, is that they are required to join more than one PRO to cover their full product range. In response, Polyco and Petco have increased their scope to represent all plastic packaging polymer types. As PETCO is already effectively involved in multi-material collections via the closures and labels attached to bottles when collected, they will now be able to ensure that members remain compliant for these attachments under the new EPR laws. Likewise, Polyco has become a one-stop shop that represents all plastic packaging polymer types, including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS and OTHER.
Both PETCO and Polyco have an impressive track record of successes and are well placed to ensure their members become fully compliant and that all identified products are managed responsibly in order to make a much-needed difference to the plastic litter and pollution problem in South Africa.