By the end of 2022, the company achieved a 39% reduction in operational GHG emissions, with an impressive 84% of its energy sourced from renewable sources globally. These achievements place Tetra Pak on a promising trajectory towards achieving net-zero emissions within its own operations by 2030.

Moreover, Tetra Pak's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its internal operations. Globally, the sale of 8.8-billion plant-based packages and 11.9-billion plant-based caps resulted in a substantial savings of 131 kilotonnes of CO2. In a concerted effort to foster the circularity of its products, Tetra Pak Southern Africa invested over R600-million to expedite the collection and recycling of beverage cartons.

In acknowledgement of the urgent need for integrated and systemic solutions, Tetra Pak has adopted a holistic approach across five interconnected areas:
  • food systems
  • circularity
  • climate
  • nature, and
  • social sustainability.

By taking an all-encompassing approach, Tetra Pak aims to make a meaningful and lasting impact on global food access and environmental sustainability, leaving no one behind.

Government has played a key role in recognising that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a resource management tool whereby producers take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their used packaging, is the preferred vehicle to reduce waste generation and increase diversion from landfill.

Tetra Pak says that it is fully aligned with this view, as it believes that EPR is central to South Africa's waste management strategy to minimise growing waste generation volumes.

EPR became a legislated requirement in South Africa in 2021. As such, it is now incumbent on Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO) and producers to understand their role to ensure EPR's successful rollout in this market. Tetra Pak Southern Africa fully supports this concept as we have been actively promoting EPR and driving sustainable change in the country's recycling landscape long before this became a legislated requirement.

We have a longstanding commitment to recycling in South Africa, investing in recycling capabilities and developing sustainable value chains through partnerships with important role players in the value chain such as PETCO. These initiatives aim to ensure the recycling of cartons, contributing to a sustainable circular economy of our packaging material.

Understanding the value chain: the three tiers

To understand EPR and its effectiveness, it is key to consider the three tiers in the recycling value chain where it is utilised. Through the EPR scheme, PROs collect funds from producers based on volumes (tonnes) placed on the market and ensure their effective utilisation throughout the recycling value chain.

The volume of packaging Tetra Pak places on the market each month is declared to PETCO, and a proportional fee is paid accordingly.

PETCO utilises these funds to support various levels of the value chain, improving recycling infrastructure, and providing necessary support to the three tiers:
  • Tier 1: Waste pickers and small collection businesses
  • Tier 2: Buyback centres and waste management companies
  • Tier 3: Recyclers

EPR plays a crucial role in developing collection and recycling capability, supporting the development of SMMEs in the sector, and bridging the compensation gaps between waste pickers and recyclers to ensure fair compensation for waste pickers. Waste pickers are the crucial link in the chain, as they receive compensation for their collection efforts, motivating them to continue their work.

Buyback centres are the intermediary between the waste picker and the paper mill: as they collect recyclable materials, aggregate and process into volumes that can be sold to the paper mills, they are the centres of trade as the majority of the waste pickers sell directly to them.

They play a vital role in ensuring the constant supply of recyclables to multiple recyclers in different value chains. The paper mills complete the process by processing the beverage cartons into products such as core board and PolyAl.

PROs like PETCO act as a vital link, providing oversight and control at key points in the value chain. They support the value chain by providing:
  • training
  • SMME development
  • equipment, and
  • financial support for logistics.

Performance measurement audits are in place to ensure accountability and effective utilisation of the EPR fees.

Tetra Pak's journey with EPR in South Africa showcases the importance of collaboration, transparency and accountability in driving sustainable change. By actively participating in PROs like PETCO, Tetra Pak ensures fair compensation for waste pickers, supports the recycling infrastructure and promotes a circular economy.

The experiences and success of Tetra Pak's EPR scheme in South Africa serve as a model for other markets, demonstrating the effective utilisation of EPR fees to promote environmental sustainability and benefit all stakeholders in the recycling value chain while developing sustainable circular economies around packaging.

For more information, visit www.tetrapack.com. You can also follow Tetra Pak on Facebook, X or on Instagram.