South African Packaging Design Guidelines Explained

Packaging is everywhere. It hides in our fridges and toiletry cupboards and fills the shelves of almost every shop. It helps us protect things from damage, dirt, and germs and makes international trade possible. However, packaging waste can cause pollution. In recent years, decision-makers worldwide have embarked on a mission to make the packaging industry more eco-friendly.?

One way of reducing its environmental impact is to recycle packaging materials instead of throwing them away. In June 2023, the South African government released a detailed Packaging Guideline to help producers design packaging that is easier to recycle. The Guideline forms part of the National Environmental Management Waste Act.?

Key Takeaways From the Packaging Guideline?

In June 2023, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment published a document called The Packaging Guideline: Recyclability by Design for Packaging and Paper in South Africa. The purpose of The Guideline is to help decision-makers in the paper and packaging industries design more eco-friendly, recyclable packaging. Here are ten general takeaways from the guideline:?

1. Always consider the environmental impact of your packaging at the start of design development, not as an afterthought.
2. Always consult the National Environmental Management Waste Act during packaging design.
3. Not all packaging can be recycled, and that’s okay. Consider other eco-friendly options (such as reusable containers or waste-to-energy) where recycling is not viable.
4. Remember, food packaging must always protect its contents from spoiling. Badly-made packaging can contribute to food waste.
5. Avoid making containers from multiple incompatible materials or inseparable materials where possible – this composition makes packaging harder to recycle.
6. For food packaging, design containers that are easy to empty without leaving any food residue. Trapped food and liquids can interfere with the packaging recycling process.
7. Make it easy for consumers to recycle packaging without removing the label.
8. Always consider how the colour of the packaging will affect its recyclability.
9. Avoid the use of RFID tags where possible.
10. Make packaging from recycled materials where possible.

Guidelines for Glass Packaging

Glass is one of the most widely recycled materials in South Africa and can be recycled over and over again without losing value. Of the three main glass colours (green, clear, and brown) green is the most recycling-friendly, however, all colours can be recycled.?

• Printed glass – heavily coated glass is more difficult to recycle, however, it can be done. Opt for less decoration where possible to improve recyclability.
• Labels – choose easily detachable options, stay away from overly sticky pressure-sensitive labels.
• Caps and closures – not a problem for recycling. However, non-ferrous metals do not respond to magnetic separation and should be avoided.
• Borosilicate glass (Pyrex) – not recyclable in South Africa.?

Guidelines for Metal Packaging?

Metal packaging can be made from steel, tinplate, or aluminium. Each of these materials is 100% recyclable, however, they cannot always be recycled together or alongside other packaging materials. Some forms of metal packaging, such as aerosol cans and medicine blister packs are more challenging to recycle than others.?

• Aerosols – not all recyclers will accept them due to safety reasons. Use non-flammable gases where possible.
• Lids and caps – use a compatible metal where possible. Avoid plastic and other materials which can contaminate the recycling batch.
• Screw tops – collect separately or attach them to the bottle to prevent them from being excluded from recycling due to their small size.
• Metallised paper or films – require specialised recycling systems.
• Printing and coatings – no problem for recycling, it burns off during the process.
• Trays and foils – if overly contaminated with food they are non-recyclable.
• Blister packs – non-recyclable at present.?

Guidelines for Paper Packaging?

Paper and cardboard can be separated into 16 categories or “grades”, some with higher recycling values than others. In South Africa, paper is classified as a renewable, sustainable resource because it comes from carefully managed timber plantations. All paper and cardboard can be recycled except for tissue paper, cigarette papers, and paper coated with specific laminates.?

• Liquid packaging board (TetraPak and paper coffee cups) – 100% recyclable. Recycling plants can separate the cardboard from foil and plastic linings.
• Ink and coloured paper – not a problem for recycling. However, heavily inked papers may be recycled into a lower paper grade.
• Metallic papers and foil wrapping – not recyclable.
• Laminated papers – wax-coated packaging will be rejected from recycling. Paper containing wet-strength additives should be labelled to increase recycling rates.
• Adhesives – water-based glues are easier to recycle. Latex or hotmelt adhesives can burn or damage recycled paper and should be avoided.
• Biodegradable paper cups – use with caution. They cannot be recycled alongside regular liquid packaging boards and require specialised composting facilities.??

Guidelines for Plastic Packaging?

Most plastic packaging is recyclable so long as it is not contaminated with food or dirt or recycled alongside other materials (including other types of plastic). Plastic identification codes help recyclers sort plastics into seven different categories and separate them for recycling. Recyclers may also separate plastics by observing which plastics sink in a tank of water and which ones float.?

• Composition – packaging should be made from one type of plastic wherever possible. If some parts require different plastics (eg: lids and labels) always use a plastic type with a large density difference to the main container.
• Plastic codes – the appropriate symbol should be moulded onto the base of the packaging.
• Colour – clear plastic has the highest recycling value. Use labels instead of printing directly on plastic where possible. Inkless laser printing is preferable for product dating.
• Design – make plastic containers easy to empty with measures such as wide necks, large openings, rounded corners, and packs that can stand upside down.
• Labels – use the same type of plastic as the container or one in a different density range. Paper labels can contaminate recycling streams as they rely on water separation. Only use paper that will not disintegrate during washing.
• Adhesives – water-soluble or alkali-soluble glues make labels easier to remove during recycling. Choose adhesive designs that leave residue on the label, not the plastic container.
• Caps and lids – consider attaching lids of the same material to the main pack to increase recycling rates. Avoid metal caps that may damage recycling machinery.
• Laminated and multilayer plastics – challenging to recycle, not always accepted.
• Bioplastics (PLA) – can contaminate plastic recycling streams. Use with caution.
• Compostable plastics – require industrial composting facilities, of which there are few in South Africa. Refer to SANS 1728 for more labelling guidelines.?

For more information on plastics recycling and packaging laws in South Africa, please feel free to contact eWASA or consider membership.