Weekly Bulletin on Circular Waste Management in Africa & OECD countries #43-2024

South Africa

Petco said it was not able to pay waste pickers a service fee because it had not figured out a way to pay them electronically. ‘Unfortunately, the ‘informality’ of collection and waste trading makes dealing with that part of the value chain very difficult. Currently most transactions are cash-based. Many are not formally recorded, and some businesses and most collectors do not have bank accounts,’ stated Petco. However, Petco stated it had managed to pay the required service fee to some waste pickers during ‘pilot projects’ in which ‘various approaches’ to payments were tested. More to read: https://www.capetownetc.com/news/waste-pickers-payments/

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment?(DFFE) is cracking down and has issued 37 pre-compliance notices to non-compliant EPR producers in the Electrical?& Electronic?Equipment?(E&EE) sector. More to read: https://www.polity.org.za/article/regulator-starts-to-crack-down-on-epr-free-riders-2024-10-23

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Green Economy, E-Waste, and Circular Initiatives: South Africa and Beyond. As we move closer to 2025, Africa is solidifying its place as a leader in the green economy. South Africa is at the forefront of this movement, with key initiatives driving the shift toward sustainability. One such highlight is the?Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025, which promises an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions aimed at bringing awareness and actionable solutions to the green economy in Africa. This summit will be a pivotal event for policymakers, innovators, and environmental advocates to exchange ideas and push forward the continent’s green initiatives. Another significant stride in environmental efforts is the?End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC), launched at the 78th UN General Assembly and now calling for proposals from South Africa. With a focus on redesign and reuse/refill solutions across industries, EPPIC is backed by the U.S. Department of State. The initiative provides an excellent opportunity for local innovators to present their upstream and midstream interventions aimed at reducing plastic pollution. In a positive report from?Plastics SA, South Africa has seen a?17% increase in the quantity of recycled plastics?year-on-year. This achievement has been supported by nearly 100,000 individuals working in plastics recycling, an effort that positions the country well in comparison to global standards. However, there is still a higher reliance on packaging than on more durable uses of plastic in infrastructure. Open Requests for Proposals /?Demande de propositions Applications are currently open for our 2024 RFPs?in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa. More to read: ?https://iucn.org/our-work/topic/plastic-and-other-pollution/about-end-plastic-pollution-international-collaborative and https://www.artwithheart.co.za/green-economy-e-waste-and-circular-initiatives-south-africa-and-beyond/

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France

Battery waste: a series of texts under consultation to structure the EPR sector. The text sets out end-of-life requirements, including collection targets and obligations, material recovery targets, and extended producer responsibility (EPR). The regulation provides for the extension of the battery EPR sector (until now applicable to portable batteries) to all batteries, grouped into five categories: portable batteries, light transport batteries (LTM), starting/lighting/ignition (SLI) batteries, industrial batteries and electric vehicle batteries. To this end, a draft decree specifies the terms and conditions for the application of Law No. 2024-364 of 22 April 2024 on various provisions for adapting to European Union law, which provides in particular (in its Article 15) for the possibility for a reuse operator to be considered as a producer within the meaning of the EPR and the obligation of contractualization between a battery waste manager and a PRO or a producer in an individual system. More to read: https://www.banquedesterritoires.fr/dechets-de-batteries-une-serie-de-textes-en-consultation-pour-structurer-la-filiere-rep#:~:text=Pour%20ce%20faire%2C%20un%20projet%20de%20d%C3%A9cret%20pr%C3%A9cise,un%20%C3%A9co-organisme%20ou%20un%20producteur%20en%20syst%C3%A8me%20individuel .

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Official authorisation for the petition to the BfR (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung). In order to transform the development of?Chromatogeny into a real industrial innovation?for "food contact" applications,?the submission of a petition to the BfRI was essential and the authorization has just been obtained, which is essential for industrial developments. There is now the agreement, through a European reference text, to use certain grades of paper with barrier protection functionalities and treated with Chromatogeny, to come into contact with food. A risk study was conducted on these materials to assess the migration capacity of the reactants and compounds generated during the transformation process. At the end of this study, co-financed by CITEO, no risk of toxicity for the consumer was identified. The materials generated in this way have barrier properties to fatty and/or moist foods as well as water vapor. The advantage of these materials produced in this way is to replace plastic packaging for short- to long-term storage use, at room temperature (bags for dry food, wrapping paper, fast food – such as canteens, etc.) or hot filling for short-term use (cup for hot drinks). More to read: https://www.webctp.com/fr/ctp-contactalimentaire-chromatogenie-industrialisation-validationbfrxxxvipetition?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_qu9yn9q8ch

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Food safety: the DGCCRF's worrying assessment of alternatives to plastic in contact with foodstuffs. In a recent communication?the DGCCRF draws up a worrying report: out of 1254 establishments inspected with regard to the regulatory obligations applicable to materials concerning suitability for food contact, one in three professionals had anomalies. Safety defects concern in particular alternative packaging to plastics, both in terms of claims and in terms of the samples themselves. More to read: https://www.elipso.org/presse/communique-de-presse/securite-alimentaire-le-bilan-inquietant-de-la-dgccrf-sur-les-alternatives-au-plastique-en-contact-avec-les-denrees-ali

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EPR sector for professional packaging: the framework decree under consultation. A draft decree, submitted for consultation until 13 November, outlines the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) sector for "professional packaging" expected in 2025, in addition to that of household packaging. Two sectors will coexist - and not three - with the one dedicated to catering packaging intended to be absorbed by the "professional packaging" EPR. More to read: https://www.banquedesterritoires.fr/filiere-rep-des-emballages-professionnels-le-decret-cadre-en-consultation

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The EPR for industrial and commercial packaging waste (DEIC) should prioritize a 'financial' approach. However, PROs will be able to provide for the management of certain waste. The specifications will set the scope of this "operational" option However, this priority given to the "financial" approach could be more nuanced since the specifications of the sector (which are not yet known) should also allow the PROs to take direct responsibility for certain DEICs. This is one of the main points to remember from the draft decree governing the future EPR DEIC put out for public consultation (see above article). This draft decree is proposed in application of Article 62 of the Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy (Agec) which provides for the creation of an EPR sector covering packaging used to market products consumed or used by professionals, in accordance with European regulations. This sector, which complements the household packaging sector launched in 1992, was preceded by the launch at the beginning of the year of a first "professional packaging" sector covering those in the catering industry. 8 Million tons and more than a billion euros are at stake (nearly 61% of the 13 Mt of all packaging waste). More to read: https://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/projet-decret-rep-emballages-prfessionnels-44938.php4

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?EU & Other countries

How extended producer responsibility policy can tackle textile waste. Extended Producer Responsibility policy can unite the apparel industry and spur collective action to address textile waste. More to read: https://trellis.net/article/how-extended-producer-responsibility-policy-can-tackle-textile-waste/

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What is Recyclass. A non-profit, cross-industry initiative facilitating the transition toward a circular plastic future. ?It is a comprehensive, cross-industry initiative that advances plastic products recyclability while promoting the traceability of plastic waste and recycled plastic content in Europe. RecyClass works on the development of scientific testing methods?for innovative materials. The testing results are incorporated into the design for recycling guidelines?and the free RecyClass online tool.In parallel, RecyClass developed a system for reliable traceability of the origin of plastic waste, as well as for the calculation and verification of recycled content in plastic products. More to read: https://recyclass.eu/about-recyclass/

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The Canadian conference. Throughout the two-day event, several key themes emerged, highlighting the current challenges and future direction of EPR in Canada. A significant topic was the issue of 'free riders'- producers who do not comply with EPR regulations but still benefit from the system. It was regularly raised that this poses financial challenges for compliant producers who bear the costs of non-compliance. Another important discussion centered around harmonisation. Given that EPR is legislated at the provincial level in Canada, finding ways to harmonise regulations is crucial for simplifying reporting and compliance for producers. This theme also touched on developments in the United States, where packaging EPR obligations are just beginning. More to read: https://www.loraxcompliance.com/blog/env/2024/10/09/Lorax_EPI_attends_the_Canadian_Stewardship_Conference.html

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Extended producer responsibility for packaging: illustrative base fees. Updated illustrative base fees for year 1 of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging. More to read: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-illustrative-base-fees

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EPR: hunt for thousands of ‘freeriders’ trying to piggyback on fees. Thousands of companies are facing legal action after being branded as “freeriders” out to take advantage of the?government ’s flagship extended producer responsibility scheme. The?Environment ?Agency has announced it has set up a dedicated unit to chase down companies who are exploiting the new?packaging ?fees. It warned that as well as breaking the law, they were making it impossible for the government to establish accurate estimates for the base fees for EPR, which are due to come into force in October next year. More to read: https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/epr-hunt-for-thousands-of-freeriders-trying-to-piggyback-on-fees/696498.article

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?Less Waste, More Savings: Taiwan’s Proposed New Green Design Fee. ?the Ministry of Environment has proposed the introduction of a 'Green Design Fee' for producers of plastic and glass packaging. The green fee system is an initiative by the Ministry of Environment to encourage producers of packaging to adopt more sustainable practices and encourage the use of recycled plastic materials and green design principles. The proposed green fee is an adjustment to the current Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, allowing producers to pay a lower disposal rate to the Ministry of Environment for the glass and plastic packaging they sell in the Taiwanese market. More to read: https://www.loraxcompliance.com/blog/env/2024/10/08/Less_Waste_More_Savings_Taiwans_Proposed_New_Green_Design_Fee_Explained__.html

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?New Waste Management Law of Montenegro - Key Changes for Producers and Retailers. The new Waste Management Law of Montenegro (“the Law”), which came into force on April 12, 2024, represents a step further towards harmonizing Montenegrin legislation with the?acquis communautaire, namely key European Union (“EU”) directives in the area of waste management. The Law introduces the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), further emphasizing the role of producers in the waste phase of the product life cycle. Additionally, in preparation for the entry into force of provisions restricting the use of plastic bags and single-use plastic products, which will take effect on October 20, 2024, it is particularly important for producers and retailers to timely assess their new obligations and adjust their operations to meet legal requirements and contribute to environmental protection. More to read: https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=efbbb292-c30e-4422-8672-b8a14ffce985

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·41% of plastic packaging waste recycled in 2022. In 2022, a total of 83.4 million tons of packaging waste?was produced in the?EU, or 186.5 kg/inhabitant. Compared with 2021, this represents a decrease of 3.6 kg per inhabitant, but an increase of 31.7 kg compared with 2012. Out of all the packaging waste generated in the EU, 41% were paper and cardboard, 19% was plastic, 19% glass, 16% wood and 5% metal.? These figures are based on a Methodological changes in 2020, including a harmonized calculation point for recycling and stricter accounting of composite packaging material fractions, led to a decrease of 3.4% of recycling for the EU in 2020.?More to read: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20241024-3

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·Economic Perspectives of Plastics Recycling – The Role of the Dual System in Germany. More to read: https://www.gruener-punkt.de/de/politik-verbaende-ngo/studie-rwi

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?Washington state fines 35 companies violating recycled plastic law. Clorox, Talking Rain Beverage, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Albertsons and Sazerac face some of the highest penalties. Under the law, plastic beverage containers had to contain 15% recycled content in 2023, increasing to 25% come 2026 and 50% come 2031. The thresholds for plastic trash bags were 10% in 2023, rising to 15% in 2025 and 20% in 2027.?In later years, other plastic container categories including dairy milk, wine and household cleaning and personal care products will face their own minimum recycled content thresholds. More to read: https://www.packagingdive.com/news/washington-department-ecology-recycled-plastics-law-enforcement/729055/

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?Brazil launched a platform to track and record the entire journey of recycled plastics, aiming to increase recycling rates and promote the reuse of these materials within the country. Recircula Brasil, the platform developed by the Brazilian Industrial Development Agency, or ABDI, and the Brazilian Association of Plastics Industry, or Abiplast, uses electronic invoices to trace the path of recycled plastics from its origin to its reinsertion as a feedstock in the manufacture of a new product, ensuring transparency, legal security and reliability across the supply chain. The initiative aligns with the objectives set by the recently presented national industry policy called New Industry Brazil, or NIB, that addresses actions related to sustainability, circular economy, innovation, and technology for the next decade. It also supports the National Circular Economy Strategy, whose decree for its establishment was signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula on June 27, coordinated by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, or MDIC. Recircula Brasil was also recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme as an exemplary platform for monitoring of the entire process from plastics disposal to recycling into a new packaging or product. The platform, launched on July 26, not only ensures the effective reuse of recyclable materials but also promotes confidence and security in the recycling process, reducing the scope for greenwashing and benefiting both companies and consumers. More to read: https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/chemicals/080224-brazil-launches-platform-to-track-recycled-plastics-promote-recycling

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?Holistically sustainable continence care: A working definition, the case of single-used absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) and the need for ecosystems thinking. More to read: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/09544119231188860

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·End of Life of Biodegradable Plastics: Composting versusRe/Upcycling. More to read: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cssc.202101226

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·Why can’t disposable diapers be less, well, disposable? We believe they can. With our optional REDYPER? program families can opt into curbside pickups or ship their soiled products back to us for responsible disposal. More to read: https://dyper.com/pages/pickup

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